Chapter 31
A Long-Awaited Visit
Carlisle's house was situated at the end of a long and winding drive. Under gray skies, Bella parked her car, and craned her neck to get a look at the multi-level home.
"Whoa…" she said, and blindly unbuckled her seatbelt.
Seriously, the house was so beautiful and stylish, it looked like it belonged in a magazine.
With a lingering sense of awe, Bella exited her car and started for the front door. Made of glass, it not only allowed a view of the entryway, but it showed her reflection, too.
Because this was a rather cool day, she was wearing a jacket over a striped mock neck sweater. Her jeans were black. So were her ankle boots. She had bought them earlier in the week, during a rare shopping excursion with Audrey.
Eager to see Carlisle—yet nervous at the prospect of potentially meeting Rosalie—Bella held her breath and knocked. Seconds later, she caught glimpse of a familiar figure coming down a set of stairs. Sporting a welcoming smile, Carlisle made a bee-line toward her, his eyes already on hers.
"Hello, Isabella," he said upon opening the door.
"Hey, Carlisle," Bella replied as he stepped aside to let her in.
"Did you have any trouble finding the place?"
"Not at all. Your directions were very precise."
"May I?" His hands were poised to take her jacket.
"Of course. Thanks." As she shrugged out of the outer garment, Bella surveyed what she could see of the house, and took it all in. "This is incredible… It's so light and open."
"Thank you. We had it built a couple of years ago, in the same location as our former home."
"That's right, you lived here before."
"From nineteen thirty-nine, to nineteen forty-one."
Once he had placed her jacket on a bench, Carlisle asked her if she was up for a tour of the house.
"Absolutely."
And so, taking her hand in his, he led her toward the staircase, where a large, rustic-looking cross was displayed on the wall.
Following her line of sight, Carlisle explained that it was his father's cross. "I went back for it about a century after my father's death."
"Wow."
"Come."
After showing her a stunning kitchen, he guided her through a living-room which boasted a grand piano. "It belongs to Edward," he explained as they passed by. "No matter where we live, or how often we move, the piano always comes with us."
"How long has it been since he lived with you?"
"The last time was in nineteen eighty-six."
"Wow, that's a long time ago."
"It is. But," he added as a smile found light on his perfect mouth. "He's coming for a visit over the holidays. Maybe you'll get to meet him."
"I'd like that."
Continuing with the tour, Carlisle showed her living-room after living-room. Some were smaller than others. All of them contained books and mementos, things like statues, vases, and African masks.
After climbing another flight of stairs, the two were in a hallway when Carlisle indicated an open door. "This is my study."
They entered.
In addition to a bookcase and a leather sofa, the room featured many works of art. Some of them were religious pieces, others depicted scenes of medieval medicine.
"It's a great space," Bella said as she explored. "Very you."
Turning, she saw that he was watching her, fondness writ clear on his features.
"What?" She smiled.
"I'm just happy that you're here."
"And I'm happy to be here. Thanks for inviting me, Carlisle. Thanks for allowing me into your private world."
He stepped forward then, one slow step at a time. His expression was changing, softening into a look of pure longing. Entranced by the sight, Bella narrowed the gap even more.
The kiss that ensued was soft yet passionate, and expression of yearning on both their parts. As her head swam, Bella luxuriated in his taste, in the feel of his mouth as it moved with and against hers.
Yes, this, she thought.
The kiss continued for several heady moments. Before they could get carried away, however, Carlisle pulled back, and cocked his head as if he had heard something. He likely had.
"My sister's almost home. Her car is coming up the driveway."
No doubt sensing Bella's anxiety, Carlisle asked, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
"Rosalie might have her opinion on things, but she doesn't dictate how I live my life. If she gets out of line, I won't hesitate to let her know."
By the time Rosalie entered the house, Bella and Carlisle had descended to the kitchen. As they waited by the island, the two exchanged a glance.
It'll be okay, his eyes seemed to say.
A jangle echoed from a distance. If Bella had to guess, Rosalie had just tossed her keys in a bowl. The next thing she heard were footsteps. High heels clicking up the stairs.
Then she was there.
Just like her brother, Rosalie had perfect marble skin, blond hair, and amber eyes. But the comparison ended there, for unlike Carlisle, her features were entirely frigid.
"I see you've invited the human," was all she said at first.
Swallowing hard, Bella watched as she came closer, almost like she was sizing her up.
In response to his sister's stance, Carlisle—who was standing slightly behind Bella—placed both of his hands on Bella's shoulders. The protective touch was reassuring. So were his next words. "Her name is Bella… Bella, this is my sister, Rosalie."
"Nice to meet you," Bella stammered.
But Rosalie did not return the greeting. Instead, she looked to her brother. "So, you want me to pretend like this isn't dangerous for all of us?"
Feeling like she needed to say something, Bella said, "I would never tell anybody anything."
Rosalie's gaze shot to Bella once more. "Has he told you?"
"Told me what?"
"You should know." Rosalie crossed her arms. "The entire family could be implicated if this ends badly."
"Badly… as in… I would become the meal."
Carlisle chuckled. Rosalie didn't. "Laugh all you want, but you're the one who's endangering us," she told her brother.
"You've made your point, Rose. That's enough."
Her nose flared in anger, her eyes darkening a little. "Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. I need to feed. Excuse me."
With a lingering stare at Bella, Rosalie turned, then left.
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