We're both frozen as Emmett looks between us—an expression of anger and confusion on his face. My heart races, and I think of how to explain this, but I can't speak.
This isn't good.
"What the fuck are you two doing?" Emmett asks, fuming. "Edward, how could you?"
"It's not his fault," I say, but my brother shakes his head.
"She's twenty-three and your patient!"
"Emmett, I—" Edward starts before he's quickly interrupted.
"She's a kid compared to you."
I shake my head, getting between them as Carlisle and Jasper rush in after hearing the yelling. "I'm not a child, Emmett. Look, this isn't how we wanted you to find out. We planned to hide it until I got a heart because I need Edward to give it to me."
"Oh, he's never fucking touching you again."
"Let's all calm down," Carlisle says, putting his hand on Emmett's shoulder. "Bella, are you okay?"
Tears coat my cheeks as I shake my head. "Emmett, please understand—"
"No," he says. "There's nothing to understand. He's taken advantage of you, Bells. He's over ten years older than you. He knows better."
"I can't help how I feel," Edward says. "Emmett, I am so sorry you had to find out like this, but we've been dating for over two months. I care about her. Hell, to be honest, I'm in love with her."
That sends Emmett over the edge, and Jasper has to hold him back. It's all too much. My heart is racing and my chest aches, and I can't handle it. I'm dizzy as the yelling continues, and Edward tries to defend our relationship. I move to the couch and fall into it, putting my face in my hands.
This isn't how it was supposed to happen, and I feel awful.
"Shut up, Emmett!" I finally break, glaring at my brother. "This is my life, remember? I'm fucking happy with him. I'm dying, but I'm happy because he makes me happy. Can't you understand that?"
He seethes, shaking his head. "He's too old for you."
"Dad was ten years older than Mom, remember? She was only nineteen. Were they wrong?"
"This isn't about them."
"Right. It's about me. And I'm old enough to make my own decisions. I'm not a fucking kid anymore."
"No, but—"
"No. I'm not a kid. Yes, Edward's my doctor. Yes, it's shitty timing. But I can't help how I feel about him. It started on the plane before I ever knew. He took care of me, and I had a crush on him."
His face falls. "He can't be your doctor anymore, Bells. I needed him to save your life."
"I'm willing to risk everything for her," Edward says. "If the transplant committee or the hospitals find out, I couldn't be her doctor, but I know I can take care of her better than anyone else. I'm so sorry, Emmett."
My brother shakes his head. "I don't want to hear it right now, Edward. I'm so fucking pissed at you, but … You're not a little girl anymore, Bella. I can't tell you who you can see. I just don't want to lose you, and if his emotions get in the way, I could."
"You would save me," I say as tears roll down my cheeks. "You wouldn't let emotions get in the way. I trust Edward with every fiber of my being, and I need you to trust me."
He sighs, scrubbing a hand over his face. "I do, but I don't know how to handle this. You've been lying to me."
I nod, sniffling as I feel the familiar tingle in my fingers. "I didn't want to, but I didn't know how you'd react. We had a plan."
"You could have told me from the beginning. I don't understand why you didn't trust me. I've always supported you."
"Because I knew you'd be upset. I figured if he already gave me a heart, you'd be okay with it."
"Do you love him?"
I nod, smiling sadly. "I do. For the first time in my life, I'm truly in love, and it's so beautiful. I know you might need time, but can you at least try to understand?"
He's quiet for a moment, looking between Edward and me before nodding slightly. "If you love him, I'll have to. I'm just going to need time."
Edward takes my hand, squeezing it gently. "For what it's worth, I tried not to fall for her, Emmett."
My brother shakes his head. "I really don't want to hear from you right now. Look, I need … I need some time to myself. Bella, can you get a ride home?"
"Yeah, Edward will drive me."
He nods, and then leaves the house quietly. My heart breaks, knowing I've ruined Christmas. If we'd just been more careful, he wouldn't know.
He'll come around. He has to.
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
