"I don't want today to end." I sigh sadly.
Edward holds my hand tighter as he drives and lifts it, kissing it softly. "I don't want it to either, but maybe, we can do it again sometime. Port Angeles might be risky, but as long as you're home before Emmett is, we can probably make something work.
"Promise me that someday we won't hide?"
He nods, giving my hand one last squeeze since we see Emmett's car in the driveway. "The second that heart is in your chest, I'm telling the world how much I care about you—consequences be damned."
I worry what kind of backlash he'll face. Emmett probably won't be happy, but if he sees how much Edward makes me happy, I know he'll come around, but the fact is that Edward could face serious repercussions. He won't be able to do my follow-up care, but at least, I'll have him by my side.
"Thank you for today," I say, smiling. Part of me wants to say the words I feel, but I just can't yet. "Emmett's working nights this weekend, so maybe we can spend the night together?"
He grins, nodding as he turns off the truck. "I'd love that, beautiful. Let me get the door for you."
He slides out and comes around, helping me down as the front door opens, and Emmett comes out. With one last look, I let them talk and head inside, going straight to my room to feed Hamilton.
At least, I can be honest to my cat.
It's not long before Emmett comes upstairs too, asking me how I felt about today's appointments and if I was okay without him.
"Of course, I missed you, but Edward helped," I say, sitting down on my bed as he does. "He was really the only one who talked about all this in ways I can understand, so he translated all the medical jargon like you usually do. Enough about me though. How was your day?"
He shrugs with a sad expression. "I lost someone but saved someone else. It was hectic, considering six cars were involved with nearly a dozen patients, so I was definitely needed. I still feel bad about not being there for you, but I'm glad Edward could be. I'll have to treat him to a beer or two at some point as thanks."
"Or we could invite him for Christmas," I say, hoping he doesn't find the suggestion odd. "He's not going back to Chicago again, so if we don't, he'll be alone."
He smiles, nodding. "That's a great idea, Bells. I guess we're kind of folding him into our makeshift family, aren't we?"
In more ways than you realize.
"I think he just fits. You picked a good friend, big brother."
"Fuck yeah, I did." He laughs. "Now, let's get you fed. I made a killer pasta salad. Gotta get them carbs in ya."
He pokes my stomach, and I about hit him as I roll my eyes.
"Jerk," I mumble, following him downstairs.
"Brat."
He's never going to change.
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
I leave Wednesday to be with my aunt since my uncle passed away a few days ago. I'll try to update tomorrow, but the next update will likely be Saturday.
