Edward
Silence falls over my mother's kitchen. Which is odd, since she's not exactly the strong, silent type. So when I feel her gaze burn a hole through the top of my head, I look up. She's staring at me with a gentle smile.
"You thought I was going to run around screaming, didn't you?" she asks, one eyebrow arched.
"I'm a cheater, Mom." Saying that out loud makes me want to vomit. "Take out that damn rolling pin, already. God knows I deserve it."
"She started it, no doubt." Mom picks at a loose thread on her fleece robe. I knew she didn't like Renée but this takes it to a whole other level.
Bella's whiskey eyes flutter to me nervously.
"You know," Mom starts. She's looking at Bella now, her eyes kind. "I'm glad my son found someone who he is genuinely happy with."
"My age doesn't bother you?" Bella asks softly.
"You're over eighteen, aren't you?"
Bella chuckles.
"Of course, yeah."
"Then no. Your age doesn't bother you." Mom and Dad were fourteen years apart. She met him when she was only seventeen, too. So Esme Cullen is the last person to judge age gaps in romantic relationships.
"How long has this been going on, sweetheart?" The question is aimed at me, but I can't seem to get any words out. My thumb caresses the back of Bella's hand.
"Really not that long…" she mutters. "I, ah…I met Edward a while ago but we kinda grew close when I moved back into my mother's house."
Mom looks confused. I guess my girl doesn't really want to say the one thing we have to, either. I don't know if we're embarrassed or just plain afraid of what mom's reaction will be. Maybe even both.
"Oh, I bet she's thrilled about having you back into her house. I know I am absolutely overjoyed now that Edward found his way back home. He can stay however long he likes."
I clear my throat to speak but Bella beats me to it.
"My mother isn't like you, Mrs. Cullen. She wasn't really happy with me around."
"Esme, honey. Mrs. Cullen was my mother-in-law."
Bella smiles with a little nervous chuckle.
"Mom, we really need to tell you something." I sigh and scratch the back of my neck. "It's…hard."
"Are you two having a baby?" Of all the things my mother could guess, she picks an accidental pregnancy…and she even looks happy about it. "Honey, is that why your mother wasn't happy? I swear to god, you're welcome here if you want to stay. However long, I don't even care. I honestly cannot believe mothers these days. Casting out their own fucking child because they get pregnant without planning it."
"Mom." I stop her then and there.
"I'm Renée's daughter," Bella blurts out. She bites her lip after that little outburst as if she can't believe she just said that.
My mother looks confused, opening and closing her mouth several times, like a fish on dry land.
"Wait a second," she starts, then slaps her own forehead. "Edward," she sighs. "She's her daughter?"
I nod quietly.
"Wow," mom breathes. "I know you better than having to ask this, Edward, but…" she goes, her brows furrowed. "Did you do anything against Bella's will?"
Bella gasps.
"Oh my god, no way! I swear, Esme, it was all me. I didn't know what was happening until Edward confessed he felt the same way."
"I wouldn't say it was all you, sweetheart." Mom jokes. "It takes two to tango, and it seems like Edward threw his entire rulebook out of the window. Not that I blame him, with you being so gorgeous and sweet, and him being stuck with that bitch of a wife of his."
Mom clasps a hand over her mouth.
"Christ, sorry."
"No, you're right…she's awful to Edward and she's nothing like you…" Bella goes on.
"So, you're not angry?" I ask, breaking up their conversation.
"I'm not angry, Edward. I'm just…worried. What if she finds out and milks you dry? You worked so hard to get the company where it is now. You saved so much money over the years. I don't want you having to hand everything over to that…woman."
"We have a plan," Bella beams. I guess my little doll is feeling a tad more confident now, shoulders back, her eyes glittering.
"Oh, a good ol' conspiracy?" Mom asks, brows wiggling.
"She's cheating on the love of my life. So she needs to pay."
My mouth goes dry, and I have to go over her words again in my head. Am I making this up? But then I stare at the woman who gave me life, and the look on her face. I definitely did not make this up. Not even in the slightest.
"Then we've got to make sure we catch her."
"Already on that. My PI, Charlotte is hot on Renée's tail. She told me she was certain that I was being cheated on. All she has left to do is find out who she's screwing and I'll send her some divorce papers."
"Whatever you do," mom starts. "Outside of this house, you're just friendly. You're her stepfather, nothing else, you hear me? Everything else is and stays in between these four walls. And I don't want to hear you bitch about it later, Edward. I love you with all my heart, but we need to protect your assets."
"Yes mother," I agree.
"I do work at his company…" Bella interjects.
"You don't anymore, then," Mom decides firmly. "It's too risky. I know my son. He's lived under my roof for eighteen years. I know how he acts when he's head over heels in love."
There it is again. That word.
"You're really rude, Mother," I sigh.
She just winks.
"I really do need a job, Esme. I need to save some money so I can get a place of my own."
"Rose's boss can always use someone extra. It's only a bartending gig but I'm sure you'll be able to look for something else while you work there."
But I don't want my girl out there, serving drunk patrons in a bar.
"Who's Rose?" Bella wonders.
"My sister."
"Okay, I'll do it." She nods.
"Only when Rose is doing a shift there," I tell Bella. "I want someone around who I can trust."
"We have a deal then?" Mom asks.
We both nod at her.
"Good, now go to bed. You have work in the morning, Edward."
I'm already regretting that.
"We'll unpack your things in the morning, darling," she says to Bella. I still can't believe my mother is being this chill about our entire situation. "Edward will show you to his room."
I watch how Bella picks up her giant totebag, how her eyes look a little teary as she gazes up at me. I'm taking her bag, throwing it over my shoulder before reaching for her hand. I can't believe she's here with me, in my childhood home, approved by my mother.
I guess now, our story can finally start.
