DISCLAIMER: The story doesn't belong to me; the characters are property of S. Meyer, and the plot belongs to Annalau Thank you so much for letting me share your story in English!

Gracias Laura, por darme esta oportunidad!

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Chapter 25

Party (Part 2)

We broke into applause when my little boy blew out his candle with his eyes closed tightly shut.

"Did you make a wish?" I asked as I wiped the corners of his lips. He was smeared with cake cream.

"Yes, Mommy. I asked for Daddy to come back to live with us."

I was speechless. I gave a slight smile and swallowed the lump in my throat.

Many times we had had the same conversation. My son was growing up and although I could sense his happy countenance; there were nights when doubts would arise, and he would expose them without fear.

I looked past him, and Edward was handing out the cake.

"Eric..." I leaned into his face. "Dad and I love you; it doesn't matter if he doesn't live here. He'll be here whenever you want him."

"I know, Mommy. That's why I want him to live at home again."

"You are very lucky now because you have two homes, love."

He looked at me with those big eyes that couldn't hide any emotion.

"Mommy, I'm the man of the house and I have to take care of you," he put his little palm on my belly, "and my brother too. I just need help too; I need Daddy to be there and help me take care of you while I sleep."

"My life" I hugged him tightly being separated only by my belly where my other son was kicking insistently. "I love you so much. You don't need to worry about me or your brother, we are fine, do you understand?" I cradled his flushed cheeks. "I don't like you worrying about us."

He nodded.

"Can I drink my sixth juice of the day?" he asked innocently, making me laugh.

"Only because it's your birthday, Eric."

My son took the game and ran off with his other friends who were accompanying him.

"Do you need help?" my mother-in-law... no. Esme asked.

"Don't worry. Edward is taking care of it; you guys can enjoy what's left of the party."

Esme smiled at me motherly. I appreciated that our treatment was cordial and kind, there were no quarrels between us, only kindness and respect. Of course, I still saw her as a mother.

"Bella, I'm having a baby shower for the new baby. I have everything ready; I hope you don't mind my boldness," she commented.

"Of course I don't mind, Esme. I'll be there, just let me know the day and time."

"Yes, I'll call you in a few days to arrange it," she promised, stepping aside to let the children continue running.

I curled my fingers in my lower back. I was completely exhausted, and my feet were swollen.

"You should rest, daughter."

I smiled at Dad as I leaned my round body against his side.

"I will until the last guest leaves."

"Well, they already broke the piñata, you gave the candy bags, cake and they are well fed, what are they waiting to leave?"

"Dad," I scolded him, earning a kiss on my forehead.

"Rest, I need to see you sitting down to feel good," he held my hand and led me to the chair at the entrance, the widest one.

I sat up without saying anything and rubbed my fingers on my belly, over and over again. I looked around for Edward and he was nowhere to be seen, he was probably exhausted too. Since morning he had been helping out with everything necessary for the party.

"Bells..."

I heard his voice, turned my head slightly and saw him walking towards me with a woman and a man. She must be Claire; chick had mentioned her several times: "Daddy's pretty girl friend".

With discomfort in my lower back, I stood up. And I smiled at both of them.

"Meet my friend, this is Claire" he mentioned. "And this is Jared. Her boyfriend."

Automatically my smile grew wider. It was as if the very word produced happiness in me. I shook her hands in a cordial greeting and introduced myself.

"I finally meet you," she said, hugging me. She pulled away and looked at my belly. "Another chick, right?"

"Yes, another little chick," I stroked my belly. "Would you like to eat? The food is still hot."

"No," replied the man named Jared. "We have to go."

The girl's cheeks turned red, and I didn't understand. I barely glanced sideways at Edward, but he seemed far removed from the conversation.

My boy walked over and excitedly accepted his birthday present.

We began a trivial conversation of about twenty minutes, long enough for me to realize that Claire was a good girl.

About an hour later, all the guests began to leave.

.

.

.

Night fell and I continued to sit in the wide chair with no desire to move my bottom.

"You must be exhausted," Edward assumed as he sat in the continuous chair.

"I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't."

"Eric hasn't stopped running. Since he opened the presents he's had more energy."

"He probably doesn't want to go to bed early."

"Do you want me to take him home? Then you can rest and sleep for more hours."

"No," I shook my head, "leave him with me."

His gaze was on my feet, I didn't have time to hide them under my shoes. He gave me a reproving look and lifted each foot himself, carrying them over his thighs.

I didn't startle, it was just strange to feel his fingers making light pressure circles on my swollen and tired feet.

"I had forgotten how good you are at massaging," I groaned as I closed my eyelids.

"I'm not only good at that."

I quickly opened my eyes, looking up at him. Edward had just used double meaning? Did he just talk like that!? No, he couldn't have.

I nibbled on my lip.

"I meant I'm good in the kitchen too," he added nervously. "You've always said you like my seasoning."

"Yes, I do. Your spaghetti bolognese is the best and the grilled meats, too."

"Tomorrow I can come and cook for you," he offered.

"Yes, I'd love to," I rubbed my stomach, my saliva building up in my mouth. "I didn't know your friend had a boyfriend," I said casually.

He half-smiled.

"Well, actually they just had their first date today and I assumed they became boyfriend and girlfriend, neither denied it."

My mind was working at speed; imagining so many scenarios for Edward to know so much about her.

There was no love chemistry, nothing. Instead, I could sense a sincere growing friendship between them. It was inevitable not to feel the twinge of jealousy, I was always best friends with him before and now my place had been replaced.

"They make a nice couple," I murmured, minutes later.

I slowly lowered my feet. I really felt better and less tired.

I heard him sigh.

"Bells... I'd like to talk to you."

"Are you having trouble at the office? What's wrong?"

"No, no. It's just... It's just that... What the hell are you doing here?"

I saw him get up suddenly and quickly followed him... My heart was pounding, and my baby started to kick because of the abruptness with which I stood up.

I put a hand on my chest.

What was she doing in my house?

Okay, how are you all? Did you chill out with Claire? Because damn… Most of you hated her from day 1 lol. Now for real, what are your opinions on the chapter? Sending virtual hugs :)

Thank you for reading!