Chapter 12

An: Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. I've read them all. I can't believe this story is almost to 1000 reviews. It's all because of you fabulous readers and your thoughtfulness and support for the story. I can't say thank you enough for your theories, love, and kindness.

This story would not be possible without my prereaders, ditch bitch, and beta. I can't thank them enough for everything they do.

*** Fiddling was had. All mistakes are mine.

"Time turns flames to embers

You'll have new Septembers

Every one of us has messed up, too, ooh

Minds change like the weather

I hope you remember

Today is never too late to be brand new, oh

It's alright just wait and see

Your string of lights is still bright to me, oh

Who you are is not where you've been

You're still an innocent

It's okay, life is a tough crowd"

"Innocent" Taylor Swift

~oOo~

Edward was itching to get out into the woods with his dad and Riley. This was the first time in a long while he wasn't available for the opening day of deer hunting season. The added excitement that Riley was finally able to go again made the weekend that much sweeter. It had been two years since the three of them had been to the hunting camp together.

Riley was walking well with minimal assistance; a cane was all he needed. He had a limp, one that might stay with him, but the strides he'd made in the last year were impressive. To celebrate the momentous milestone, the guys decided to hit their hunting camp a few days before Thanksgiving.

If they were lucky, maybe they'd shoot a few deer to bring home. Visions of venison stew, chili, and sausage danced in Edward's head. He loved being outdoors, whether it was hunting or fishing. This was where he came to unwind and be one with his thoughts.

After an unsuccessful day in the deer stands, the guys went back to the cabin to have an early dinner, knowing they had an early morning. They had one day left before they headed back to the mayhem of Thanksgiving festivities. Esme wouldn't hear of them being late. There were things to do, according to her, and one never disappointed Esme. Carlisle always made sure of that.

Edward and Carlisle heated up a casserole Esme had made for them, while Riley took a shower and called Maggie and Liam. The time alone with his father was something Edward always craved, especially after a long season.

"You and I haven't really had a chance to talk," Carlisle began as he placed their dinner in the oven. "So tell me, now that the season is over, how are you feeling? You had one helluva run, son. Rookie of the year is quite a feat."

Edward's cheeks reddened in response to his dad's exuberant praise. "I feel good. I mean, I'm disappointed in how we played at the end, but it is what it is. We can only learn from it and get better. It just sucks, you know?"

"Yeah, it does, but that's a good attitude. You seem to be handling it well. Keep thinking that way. Y'all have a really good shot to go all the way. It's just a matter of when. There's a lot of good mojo on your team. It'll click."

Edward opened a bottle of water and drank half of it in one massive gulp. Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, he nodded to his dad, letting the words sink in.

"Yeah. We'll see. I have the entire off-season to work with my batting coach. We're looking at some new bats. I'm hoping the change will do me good. I can feel that I'm close to something, you know?"

Carlisle clapped Edward on the shoulder, bringing him into a hug. "You got this, Edward. I'm so proud of you."

Edward embraced his father. Carlisle's words of affirmation and affection brought him back to a time in little league when Edward was just beginning his journey. He'd had a bad game, but his dad wouldn't let him wallow in it. His unwavering love and support always stuck with Edward. He knew from a very young age that his father would always be by his side.

Shake it off, Neddy. It's one game. I'm so proud of you and the whole team. Remember, none of this defines you. Baseball isn't going anywhere.

Edward gave his dad a final clap on the back. "Thanks, Dad."

"You're welcome, buddy. You know I'm always here for you."

"Always, Dad."

"Always."

The guys were sitting by the firepit talking when Edward felt his cell phone vibrate in his pocket. With a beer in his hand and the conversation flowing around him, he discreetly pulled it out to see that Bella had returned his text. He was surprised he received it at all out there in the woods, but apparently, there was a signal.

Hey. I arrived. Y'all having fun? ~B

Edward smiled. They had been seeing each other a lot more since that week in the mountains. Occasionally, they included each other in their workouts or just simply hung out at each other's houses. They enjoyed the simple things when they were together. Edward loved showing off his barbecue skills, and Bella made endless batches of chocolate chip cookies. Her baking increased their need to exercise more often.

Bella and Edward frequented the movies. They were happy to get out of the house together, yet maintain their anonymity. The occasional dinner dates were in discreet places, usually near his home, since the locals all knew him. People were used to seeing him out and about, and they were very protective of him, so it enabled them to keep their relationship on the down-low.

Work commitments continued to plague them in the off-season, and obligations kept them apart more than they liked, but the pace was much easier to manage. Edward was less in his head during the off-season, though his batting sessions tended to rule his moods and occupy his time more than either of them anticipated.

Hey, girl. We're having a great time. No buck so far. Ry shot a doe tho. ~E

Does that mean more deer sausage? ~B

Edward couldn't help but chuckle. She took one bite of his pineapple deer sausage, and he lost the whole link and then some. She was definitely disappointed to learn that was the end of his stash.

Ha-ha. I've really turned you onto that, haven't I? ~E

Well yeah. It's delicious. I'm making my request now for some of that pineapple and jalapeño one. That is so good. ~B

Duly noted, shug. Em and Rose still went with you, right? ~E

Yep. Everything went well. Drive was easy. Dad already has everything ready for our traditional low country boil. It's the little things like this that make me miss home so much. ~B

He was glad to hear Rose and Em went with her, so she didn't have to drive alone. That made him feel better with all the holiday crazies on the road, even if Charleston was only five hours away.

I totally get that. Family's everything. ~E

I'll be back on Sat around noon, so I can meet you for the FSU game. ~B

Great. ~E

Do I need to bring anything? ~B

Nope, just yourself. ~E

Okay. Have a great rest of your time there. ~B

Thanks. Have fun with your parents. Be safe. ~E

Always am. XO ~B

Edward smiled at his phone, debating if he should say something else. The "XO" threw him a bit, and he wasn't sure if he should respond in kind or just let it go.

"Oh…you got it bad," Riley teased, then took a swig of beer.

"Shut up. Do not." Edward tucked the phone back into his jacket pocket.

"Dude, she has you so wrapped already," Riley taunted. "So…who is she?"

"Just a friend."

"Who's just a friend?" Carlisle chimed in as he walked out, stopping at the cooler to grab a beer for him and Edward.

Edward gave his brother the death glare before answering his dad. "Nobody, Dad."

Carlisle handed Edward his beer before he spoke. "That's not what I heard."

Edward clenched his eyes shut at what his dad just revealed. His grandparents must have let the cat out of the bag. Popping the top off his beer, Edward tipped his head back and took a deep pull, avoiding their eyes.

"Her name is Bella. And yes, she's a friend—"

"More like friends who like to fuck…" Riley murmured under his breath.

"Riley, don't make me hurt you." Edward scowled at his brother.

"I can still take you, Neddy," Riley taunted, getting Edward's goat with his nickname.

"Boys. Enough. Lord, I can't hear myself think with all your jawing." Carlisle gave Edward a sympathetic look, but that look also meant you're gonna spill the beans.

"Yes, sir," they answered begrudgingly.

"Now, tell me about this…Bella." Carlisle gave him a pointed yet open look.

Edward took the poker beside him and stoked the fire, buying some time to decide how much he wanted to spill. Taking off his ball cap, he ran his fingers roughly through his hair before he readjusted his hat, realizing he couldn't prolong the inevitable any more. All eyes were on him, patiently waiting for him to respond.

He decided to man up, rip off the Band-Aid, and just get it over with. "Well, we met at a Braves' event at the beginning of the season. You remember our catcher, Emmett McCarty?" Edward looked at his dad for confirmation, ignoring his brother for the moment. "Well, she's his sister-in-law. Bella's a professional soccer player. She plays for the Atlanta Storm. We have a lot in common, so we became friends. That's about it."

Carlisle gave Edward a skeptical look. Edward couldn't meet his father's stare, so he looked into the fire. "This is the same young lady who came to help you out when you were injured?"

"Yes, sir."

Carlisle ruminated on the information. "She was really helpful. Gave your mom and me, well, mainly your mom, a break. Anything else you want to add?"

"No, sir. You already know I took her to the mountain house a few weeks back. There isn't much else to tell." Edward heard Riley choke on his beer in the background.

"You took her to Grammy and Papa's house? Oh shit, you really did fuck her."

"Riley!" Carlisle yelled over the fire. "Will you shut the fuck up? Stop antagonizing your brother."

Riley just snickered while he waited for the rest of the conversation to unfold.

Carlisle looked back to Edward. "Actually, I didn't know you took her to the mountain house. Your grandparents didn't say a word."

Edward's heart sank. He totally jumped to the wrong conclusion and had inadvertently outed himself. Playing it nonchalantly, he cleared his throat, his voice low and gruff. "Yeah, we went up there to go hiking, hit the winery, you know…just get away. We had plans to go hiking during the end of the season, but…I got hurt." He shrugged.

Edward sat stoically, drinking his beer as he steadied his nerves. He could feel that twitch in his hand start to come back, so he concentrated hard on breathing and the fire in front of him.

"The mountains are a great place to get away and have a good time. And before you get your dick in a knot how I know about her…your mother said she met her at a game. First time I heard about this 'friend' was when you got hurt, and she came to help. Then…well…you know your mother—once the cat was out of the bag, she couldn't stop talking."

Edward winced. He knew his mom would eventually tell his dad; he was just hoping it wasn't too incriminating. She was a good steward of his secrets, always knowing what to hold back from Carlisle. Yet when it was necessary, she was selective about what to tell him.

"Yep. Mom met her. Bella was at the game with her sister."

Carlisle let him save face. He didn't out him any more than he needed to in front of Riley

"That's about it. It's very casual. We're just having a good time and enjoying the offseason."

"Does she know about Emma?" Carlisle asked.

Edward, flipping off his hat, put his head in his hands as his elbows rested on his knees. His fingers ran wild in his hair as he growled out a response to his dad. "Why in the hell does her name come up in every conversation I have about Bella? First Garrett, now you."

He crushed his empty beer can with his hands, taking out his frustrations before he tossed it toward the outdoor trashcan. He missed his target by a mile. Edward stood and walked over to the cooler and grabbed another beer, picking up the discarded can in the process. It bought him a little time, time he felt he needed to calm the fuck down. All he could think was this was first time he'd stuck his toe back into the dating pool, and all anyone could do was talk about Emma.

"Son, I didn't mean anything by it. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I'm fuckin' peachy," Edward snapped. "And no, Bella doesn't know about Emma. I mean, she knows I've dated, of course. We haven't gotten into all that personal stuff. It's new…we're friends, and…I'm just trying to figure it all out, okay?"

Carlisle nodded, seemingly satisfied by Edward's words.

Riley, who had been sitting quietly listening to his dad and brother talk, decided to throw in his two cents. "Listen, Ed…I was just messin' with you. I didn't mean to hit a sore spot, honest. I'm happy you have Bella as a friend, seriously. It's about time you got back in the saddle since…well… it's just good you're back in the saddle."

Edward nodded as he decided not to venture any further into the conversation with them. He was still trying to work through everything between them. Things had been going really well since their time in the mountains. He wanted to keep that just between them for the time being. There was no press and no pressure. Just the way they both wanted it.

~oOo~

"Bella, could you please get the cranberries out of the fridge for me?" Renee asked.

"Sure. Anything else?"

"Oh, yes. An orange." Bella grabbed the fruit out of the fridge and laid it on the counter.

Rose was working on the dressing while Bella started to work on the dessert, pumpkin gooey cake.

As the ladies worked in the kitchen, they caught up. It had been a while since they'd been in the same room at the same time. Rose was usually gone with Emmett when their parents came down to watch Bella play, and they rarely missed one of Bella's soccer games.

"Bella, did you enjoy this season in Atlanta? Are you meeting people and making some friends?"

Rose chuckled in the background. "Yeah, she's made some 'friends,' I'll say."

Bella gave Rose the stink eye. "Yeah, it's been a good season. I really like the team and my teammates. They seem to take great care of us. It's been a nice change of pace."

"Good. I'm glad you feel like it's been a good fit. That's half the battle right there. How are Peter and Al?" Renee asked as she continued to stir the cranberries on the stove.

"Oh, I almost forgot… they're great. Peter picked out a nice bottle of wine for you and sent his famous crunchy cheese biscuits."

"Oh, I love that man. He has the best taste. Should we open the wine now? I mean… it's five o'clock somewhere."

"Let's wait and have that bottle with dinner tomorrow. Peter says this Pinot goes great with turkey."

"Well, if he says so, then who am I to second-guess him?" Renee laughed. "I'll open us up a little bubbly then.

Once the girls finished their tasks, and everything was completed, Renee opened a bottle of Prosecco and set out a few things to graze on while they visited.

"So, Bella, let's talk about these friends you've met in Atlanta. Are any of them of the male persuasion?"

Bella sat quietly sipping her wine as all eyes were on her. "Well, yeah. You've met my teammates and a few of the girls I've hung out with since I've moved there. And, of course, you've met Peter and Al—"

"Bella, just get on with it." Renee wound her finger around and around in the air. "You know I'll drag it out of you eventually. Give me all the juicy scoop," she urged.

"Yeah, Bella. Do share," Rose taunted her sister, shooing Bella along with her fingers.

Bella sighed and shrugged her shoulders in defeat. "Fine…" Her eyes met Rose's for a split second, imploring her to let Bella tell it her way. "I met a guy. And we're friends. He's nice. We get together occasionally. That's all."

"That's all? No, ma'am. I need some details. Where did you meet him? What's his name? Rose, have you met him? Is he handsome? What does he do?" Renee looked at Rose for any confirmation.

Rose nodded as she arched her brow toward Bella, waiting for her to answer.

"Whoa, Mom. Calm down and take a sip of your wine." Bella took another sip herself while she contemplated how much information to give her mother. She knew she needed to give her just enough to satisfy her. She usually told her mom pretty much everything, but this time, she was not only protecting her heart, she was protecting theirs as well.

She started to tell her mom all the details she craved, tearing her cocktail napkin in the process. "I met him at a function. He's very nice and an athlete as well." Bella continued to tiptoe around the subject. "And like I said, he's just a friend. So don't go getting yourself all excited." She gave her mom a pointed look.

Rose snorted at Bella's words and rolled her eyes.

"Stop," Bella said in a hush to Rose, kicking her under the table.

"So, this…friend?" Renee asked with hesitation. "He isn't another soccer player, is he?" The worry in her voice showed on her face.

"No, Mom, Edward is—"

"What about Edward?" Emmett walked into the room with Charlie close behind him. He bounced his eyes between Rose and Bella. "Damn, not y'all, too. All I hear is 'Oh, he's so hot. Oh my God his hair…blah blah blah…" Emmett feigned putting his finger in his mouth to gag himself.

"Who's Edward?" Charlie inquired as he walked straight to the fridge, pulling out all the fixings for their low country boil.

Realization hit Renee over the head. "He's a Brave?" she stammered, looking between the three of them.

"Who's a Brave?" Charlie's inquired, his interest piqued at the conversation.

"Edward," Bella, Rose, and Emmett said in unison.

"I'll ask again. Who the hell is Edward?" Charlie's irritated voice echoed.

"Bella's friend, dear." Renee placated Charlie.

"All right. Emmett, whatcha know about this so called 'friend' of Bella's?" Charlie's dark brown eyes stared Emmett down hard, his protective streak shining through.

Emmett looked confidently at his father-in-law. "Charlie, I can honestly tell you he's a great dude. A little too pretty for my taste. Totally insults the rest of us." He winked at Bella and Rose. "But he's a really stand-up guy. I'd call him a friend for sure."

"Mmm-hmm," Charlie replied. "Bella—"

"He's a friend, Dad. A good friend. Nothing more. He's been a perfect gentleman."

"Is that what they call it these days?" Rose teased.

"Not helping," Bella hissed.

"Oh, Bella, he is hot. Well done, girl." Renee, always acting like the cool mom trying to fit in, flashed them a picture of Edward on her phone.

Charlie leaned over his wife's shoulder to look at the picture. "Shortstop. Hmm. Can't say that I trust him, Bella. Emmett's right. He's too pretty."

"Well, then I'm glad he's just a friend. There, case closed. Can we move on to something that isn't about my love life or lack thereof?" Bella snapped.

They all looked at her as if she had three heads. Oh shit, her head was about to roll.

"Isabella Marie, you may be all grown up and out of my house, but we raised you better than to speak to us that way."

Bella was embarrassed, letting the conversation get so far out of hand. She couldn't even look her parents in the eyes, because she knew they could see right through her.

"I'm sorry, Daddy. You're right. It's just…well, it's just uncomfortable feeling like your every move is being scrutinized. I know y'all mean well. I just… I just…" Bella's strong veneer faltered as her eyes began to sting with tears. "Excuse me. I need some air."

Bella stood from the table and walked out the back door. Marching like a woman with a purpose, she headed straight down to the dock, arriving at her favorite spot overlooking the water. As she watched the seabirds fly around against the paling sky, she heard familiar footsteps padding down the dock.

"Daddy, please, I just need a minute, okay?"

"Okay."

"Em?" Bella turned to see him retreating up the dock, his head slightly downturned.

"I'll let you be, Bells. I get it."

"Come here. It's fine. I just wasn't in the mood for any fatherly advice, or the pity for my poor choices being brought back up in my face."

"No pity party, I swear." Emmett held up his palms as he walked toward her.

"Thank you. I couldn't bear to hear it from you, too."

"Bells, you know I always have your back." Emmett sat down on the dock beside her.

"I know." She sighed. "You're the best big brother ever." They sat in silence for a few moments, taking in the changing sky as the golden hour began to fade. Suddenly, and unassumingly, Emmett spoke up.

"You know what happened with Jacob wasn't your fault, right? No one blames you for his actions. That is not on you."

Bella huffed out a sardonic laugh. "I know. But I wish I'd admitted things sooner instead of living in denial."

"Hindsight's twenty-twenty, Bells. Don't be hard on yourself. You live and learn. We're all just happy Jacob's out of your life. For good."

"Yeah. Me too." She dangled her legs over the water, scissoring them back and forth.

"So, you and Cullen…"

"Not you too?" Bella put her head in her hands.

"No, listen, I don't mean it like that, Bella, honest."

She nodded her head, taking in the ripples of water underneath her feet. After a moment, she lifted her weary head, meeting Emmett's compassionate eyes.

"They all must think I'm a basket case, rushing out of the kitchen like that."

"No, not at all. Promise. Rose set them straight."

"Oh Lord. What did Rose say? She's been giving me such a hard time about this."

"Whatever hard time she's given you, I haven't been privy to it."

Bella arched an unbelieving brow at him.

"I swear. I know nothing. All she said was that y'all were friends, and that he's been nothing but good to you. She told Mom and Dad to back off." Emmett cracked a grin. "You should've seen Charlie's face."

"Oh boy, I hate to have missed that." Bella snorted.

"She also told them you know what you're doing." Emmett gave her a weak smile. "Bella," he whispered, "what're you doin'? Do I even want to know? 'Cause I really like Cullen. Please don't make me want to hurt him."

Bella encircled Emmett in her arms, giving him a ferocious hug. "Emmett, what would I do without you in my life?"

"It'd be pretty boring, I'm sure." He cracked a smile, letting the moment marinate between them before he asked her again. "So, Cullen?"

She smiled back at him, hugging him once more before speaking. "You don't have to hurt Cullen. I promise. We're friends."

"Friends?" Emmett stood and paced on the dock in front of her. "Men and women can't be just friends. Not when they look"—he moved his finger back and forth between Bella and the invisible body beside her—"like you two." He stopped in front of her and looked down, his eyes seeking something Bella wasn't sure she could answer.

Emmett continued to wait for the silence to break between them. Bella sighed, knowing he could see right through her. He was a hard one to keep a secret from, which was why she asked Edward just to keep it between them.

"Em, we're keeping this…very casual. Okay? Please don't push. I promise, he and I are on the same page." Bella tried to placate him. "He's been nothing but lovely to me."

"Lovely. He's been 'lovely.'" Emmett began pacing again. He stopped in his tracks, staring out over the marsh, into the sunset. The new halos of red and orange swirled in the twilight sky into the horizon. Then, without any preamble, he turned to Bella and blurted out, "You…you realize he's an athlete…a fucking athlete, right? Do you really want to go down that road again?"

"Em, I know. Don't you think I've been beating myself up about this enough? Thought about what he does for a livin'?" Bella reached up and grabbed his hand, squeezing it hard for moral support. "I know baseball players are notorious for being egotistical playboys; I'm not a fool. But, Em, look at you and Rose. I've never doubted you since the moment Rose brought you home. Not one single time. There have to be more good ones like you out there." Her voice was pleading.

"I believe they broke the mold when they made me, just saying." Emmett laughed, trying to ease the tension between them.

"I just need your support, Em, please? I know what I'm doing. Please trust me. Cullen isn't gonna hurt me."

He paused, his mouth opened and closed as if he was deciding exactly what to say. All became right with the world when a sly grin crept onto his face. Emmett's new bravado was a sharp contrast to the words he previously spoke, but his sentiment remained the same.

"Like I said to Charlie, Cullen's a stand-up guy. I kinda love him. But not more than you." He wagged his finger toward her for emphasis. "Don't change for him or for anybody ever again, Bella, I mean it. You're perfect just the way you are. And don't you dare settle. You're a catch, and if he, or the next guy who comes along, can't see it, then it's their loss, not yours."

Bella nodded in understanding, appreciative of his protectiveness and his unending support.

Em sat back down. "You know I'm always here for you if you need me for anything. And I mean anything."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome, Bells. I love you. I can't help but be protective of you. I can add…" Emmett leaned in and bumped shoulders with her. "Edward's nothing like your previous boyfriends, and definitely not like your last. He's a good man from what I can tell and appears to have a good head on his shoulders."

"I know." She sighed as she stretched her legs out before her, rolling her neck and releasing some of the tension she'd been holding in. "That's one of the main reasons I can have a friendship with him. He feels and seems very genuine."

"Well, now that I know this tidbit of information, so much makes sense. Just so you know…he's been watching your games."

Emmett held Bella's attention, her head tilted to the side, absorbing this bit of news. Edward told her he had watched a few games. She wasn't quite sure if he was simply trying to be nice, or if he truly had. Emmett sharing this information gave her the confirmation she needed.

"I wondered why at first, but now it's all clicked. He watched a game with me one day. I thought he was just being nice, but I've caught him a few other times watching on his iPad as I walked behind him. My curiosity got to me, so I looked at his screen without him knowing it." He shrugged.

"He told me he's been watching, so that all makes sense. He came to a game when he was injured. Surprised the hell out of me."

"Oh really?" Emmett's brows raised in surprise. "Bella, that boy likes you, likes you."

"Em, stop. He does not."

"He does, too. Seriously. A guy just doesn't go out of his way to do that. I'm just saying."

"Shush. Don't you go borrowing trouble, Emmett," Bella reprimanded. She refused to let Emmett get into her head any more than she already was herself.

"Okay, okay, I'll let you have it…for now. But just so you know, I'll be keeping a 'friendly' eye on Cullen."

"Em, don't you dare say—"

Emmett interrupted. "A single word. I know, Bella. I won't let on that I know y'all are friends. If he chooses to tell me, I'll plead ignorance."

"Thank you."

Emmett draped an arm around Bella and pulled her into a hug. "No problem," he whispered against her temple.

"Ummm, Bella?"

"Yeah?"

"Can we go eat now? Charlie got some really big shrimp, and I did promise to help."

"Okay." Bella's eyes lit up with amusement as she stood from her spot. She looked down the dock to see all the lights turned on, paving the way back to the house. "I could eat."

"Good, 'cause I'm starving."

Bella patted Emmett on the back, and before he could respond or even stand, she yelled out, "Race you!" And she took off like a shot down the dock, as her laughter rang out into the evening air.

An: So how do we feel about the family advice and interaction? Both Bella and Edward have a wonderful support system around them, and who doesn't love themselves some Emmett? He is a treat to write. I would love to know your thoughts, so please kindly leave a review. They are incredibly motivating. :)

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See you in two weeks

~Be Happy

~Be Kind

~Be Blessed

~DrivingEdward