Daddyward Contest

Title: Home

Pairing: ExB

Genre: Family and Romance

Summary: Six months turned into nine months before a soldier finally returned home from overseas to his family. His surprise reunion was filled with excitement, love, and a little bittersweet. A request from his daughter made him ponder the years ahead.

Word count: 6001

Home

"Uncle Emmett says he might let me start tomorrow night. I'll be the first freshman in years that does," Seth told me, smiling widely.

"That's great, Seth. I'm proud of you." I returned his smile.

His dropped. "I wish you'd get to see it."

I stared at my family through the screen—it had been a long nine months. "I will. I'm sure at least a half dozen people will record it for me."

"It's not the same," he huffed.

"Seth," Bella reprimanded gently.

"It's okay, Bella. I don't blame him. Seth, buddy, I wish I could be there too. Soon," I promised.

"How sooooon, Daddy? When do you come home?" My youngest, Claire, bounced on her mother's lap, her bronze curls dancing. She was only five, and since I'd been gone, she had turned into a chatterbox like her aunt Alice.

I chuckled at her dramatic scene. "As quick as I can, princess."

My focus turned to my middle child, who was being quiet. At nine years old, she was her mother's mini-me. "What's up with you, Vanessa? Are you feeling okay?"

She nodded and pushed her glasses up her nose with her finger. "Yes, Dad," she said quietly.

Concerned, I tried to catch Bella's eyes. She gave a small smile then shifted Claire on her lap so she could rub Vanessa's back. "Why don't you tell Dad about school tomorrow," she encouraged.

"I have to give a presentation on my favorite hero," Vanessa told me.

"She's nervous about talking in front of everyone," Bella explained.

"I'm sure you'll do great, you're smart like your mom. Who did you pick? Wonder Woman or Black Widow…or was it that new bug girl hero?"

Seth snorted and Bella elbowed him, trying not to laugh. "I think you mean Ladybug," my wife informed me.

"I didn't choose her. I chose you, Daddy," Vanessa said shyly.

My heart warmed. "I'm honored, princess."

Claire scowled and crossed her arms. "I thought I was your princess?"

"You can all be my princesses." I tried to make things better but realized my mistake when Seth looked at me in horror.

"I'm not a princess," he grumbled, scowling at me.

"Then you can be a prince," I teased.

"You're weird." Seth shook his head.

"Seth, don't call your father weird," Bella scolded.

"Sorry," Seth apologized.

"It's okay, Bella. I would've been more disappointed if I didn't get a response," I told her.

She shook her head at me and pursed her lips. "Alright, it's time to say good night to your father. His time is almost up, and you guys have school in the morning, so you should start getting ready for bed."

I got a chorus of goodnights, and I told them I'd talk to them again soon. Bella then asked Seth to help Claire with putting toothpaste on her toothbrush. He agreed and gave her a piggyback ride toward the stairs with Vanessa trailing behind.

"I wish you wouldn't stop me from correcting Seth's behavior. It's hard enough being the only one here to discipline," Bella stated once they were out of sight.

"I'm sorry, love. Has he been that bad? Do you want to call him back so I can talk to him," I asked in concern.

Bella sighed, looking tired. "I guess it's no different than any other teenager at this age. However, he dropped the f-bomb yesterday at practice."

"He did?" I was surprised.

"Emmett made Seth run laps and then spoke to him about his language. Which seems ironic, but at least Em didn't encourage it. I know Seth was eventually going to test limits by swearing, but it still shouldn't be in front of his sisters. Claire will probably pick up on it without realizing that it's wrong," Bella lamented.

I couldn't help but laugh. Which earned me another glare. "Edward Cullen, it isn't funny."

"Seeing a cherub looking face swear like a sailor would be funny. Come on, you'd think it would be funny if it was another kid." I tried to get her to smile.

She huffed and tried, unsuccessfully, not to smile. "No, I wouldn't."

"Liar." I snickered.

She shook her head and changed the subject. "When are you coming home? Haven't they given you an idea?"

My gut twisted as I lied to her. "Not yet, love. But it will be soon, I promise."

"It's been over nine months, they said it would only be six," Bella complained.

"You know I don't have control over it." I felt guilty.

Bella blinked back a few tears. "I do know. I'm sorry. I just really miss you. And the kids miss you. And I'm over-tired at the moment. I don't mean to make you feel guilty."

"I miss all of you. I'll be there sooner than you know it. I love you," I told her, trying not to get choked up myself at her tears. I hated it when she cried.

Bella wiped away a stray tear and took a deep breath. "I love you too. Stay safe."

I closed my laptop and slipped it back into my bag then entered the adjoining room. Jasper looked up from packing his rucksack.

"I should never have let Alice talk me into surprising them like this," I told him.

Jasper chuckled and patted my shoulder. "You know your sister has a flair for dramatics and has seen one too many reunion videos on the internet. Just think how happy and surprised they'll be to know soon is hours rather than days."

"Bella hates surprises." I was second guessing, thinking that I should have told her I would be home by morning.

"I doubt she'll hate this one. Come on, we have just enough time to get dinner before our flight." Jasper threw his pack over his shoulder.

Home

Jasper and I stepped into the baggage claim and looked around. I spotted my father-in-law, waiting back away from the small crowd. We approached him, and he gave me a smile and a nod. "Welcome home, boys," he said.

"Thank you, Chief. It's great to be back," I said.

"Thanks for picking us up," Jasper said.

"Like I stood a chance of saying no to Alice." Chief Swan snorted then smiled bigger. "But I would also do anything for my grandkids and Bella."

An hour later, we pulled up to my house. I knew that Alice had Bella out to brunch, so I was able to enter the house undetected. She sent me a message a few minutes ago that said Bella was just going into the market for a few things, so I knew I had some time to kill.

When I stepped into the house, I felt a sense of peace and ease to finally be here in my home. It still smelled the same and mostly looked the same. A few changes here and there, like new school pictures were on the wall to the right of the mantle. I didn't even mind the few stray toys on the living room floor.

I took my rucksack to the laundry room, emptied out the dirty laundry, then started a load. Then carried the rest to our bedroom. I wanted to change out of my fatigues, but Alice insisted that I wear them for a better effect. It wasn't worth the years of complaining if I didn't. I heard a car door slam, and moments later someone entered the house.

I grinned and tiptoed down the steps, walking stealthily toward the kitchen. I leaned against the doorframe, watching my wife put away groceries, clueless that I was there. She was still the most beautiful girl in my world. We met freshman year of high school and fell in love by our sophomore year. We had talked about marriage, but it came a lot sooner than planned when Bella got pregnant with Seth after prom.

Bella headed for the laundry and paused in the doorway with a confused expression on her face.

"I hope you don't mind. Our washing machine does a better job of getting the smell of sweat out," I spoke up.

Bella's head whipped around so fast, I thought she might snap her neck. She gasped and dropped the container of detergent. I opened my arms and met her halfway before she jumped into my arms. We hugged each other tightly before we started to kiss, desperate to feel each other after months of being separated. I didn't stop until I cupped her cheek and felt it was damp. I broke the kiss and leaned my forehead against hers.

"Hi," I said.

"You're home." She sniffled.

"I'm home," I parroted.

Her eyes suddenly narrowed. "Why are you home? How are you home? We just talked to you last night…Edward Anthony Cullen, where were you last night?"

"Did you just middle name me?" I teased.

"You were already back, weren't you? Put me down, Edward," she ordered.

"No, not yet. I've missed you too much to let go of you right now. Please, don't be mad, it wasn't my idea to lie to you," I pleaded, trying to give her my best puppy dog eyes.

Bella's face softened. "I'm not mad, just surprised. Whose was it?"

I snorted. "Who do you think? It was my nutty sister. Jasper beat me to the phone to say we were heading home. She wanted to seize the opportunity to recreate a homecoming for you and the kids like those videos. You know how Alice gets when she's like that. It killed me last night not to say anything. I was in a hotel in Atlanta for a brief layover."

Bella sighed. "I should have known. It does sound like Alice. It makes sense now why she insisted that we take today off for our mental health. And it is a cute idea to surprise the kids. They will all be over the moon."

"I'm excited that I won't miss Seth's first game," I said.

"You'll also get to hear Vanessa's presentation, parents are invited. I'm not going to ruin it, but she worked really hard on it, and she was super nervous when she left here this morning."

"When do you have to pick up Claire?" I kissed her jaw and she moaned. I hoped we'd get a quickie in before the kids came home.

"In about an hour and a half. After we get Claire then we need to go to Vanessa's class. I was going to get them a quick dinner then on to Seth's game. It's actually a busy day," Bella explained.

I chuckled. "Sounds like it. Shall we continue this upstairs first?" I kissed her under her jaw.

Bella blushed. "I've been looking forward to it."

"I've been more than looking forward to it," I admitted, throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her up the stairs.

"Edward, put me down." She laughed and smacked me on the ass.

"Never," I retorted with a smirk.

"I'm too heavy for this," Bella complained.

"Are you calling me weak, woman?"

I quickened my pace and threw her down on the bed. She squeaked and looked flushed from the blood rushing to her head. She looked completely gorgeous on our bed. As I worked to shed my clothes, she tried to smooth her hair.

"If I knew you were coming, I could've gotten to the salon," she lamented.

I crawled on the bed and hovered over her. "It would've been a waste of money once I'm done with you."

She blushed and swatted at me. I grabbed both her hands and pinned them above her head.

"You have a hitting problem. Do I need to teach you a lesson?" I teased.

"Please we both know you get off on it, that's why you tease me." She licked her lip and bit it, driving me crazy.

She lifted her hips and wrapped her legs around my waist. My cock pushed its way out of my boxers and brushed against her thin yoga pants. I let go of her hands so I could remove her shirt then started to remove my dog tags so they would stop hitting her in the face. She stopped me and shook her head. I smirked because I knew she liked me fucking her while I had them on. I took off my boxers and she eyed my cock with anticipation in her hooded eyes.

"This is going to be quick and fast. We'll have to do slow later," I whispered in her ear as I grabbed a hold of her pants.

"You talk too much." Bella covered my mouth with hers, plunging her tongue into my mouth.

I moaned and only got her pants down to her ankles before I couldn't wait any longer. I pushed her back on the bed and entered with one swift thrust. She gasped and her eyes rolled back. Her hands gripped my shoulders as I pounded into her.

"Harder," she begged, wanting it a little rough after months of separation.

I obliged her, and her head tilted back, exposing her neck. I buried my face, licking her skin, then sucking her earlobe. She moaned and her fingers raked through my hair. I felt her throbbing around my cock. Her breath started to hitch, and I knew she was about to go over the edge.

"Let go, baby, let me feel you around my cock," I growled and rolled my hips and thrusted.

She gasped. "Again."

"Yes, ma'am." I did as ordered.

She screamed out my name as her body shook then stilled under me. Her chest rose and fell, and she looked up at me with bliss filled eyes. I released into her with a couple of short spurts then one long one. I rolled to my side and pulled her against me.

"God, I missed you, baby." I tried to catch my breath.

"I missed you too." She kissed my pec.

"Don't do that unless you want round two," I told her as my cock started to stir again.

"Unfortunately, that will have to wait for tonight. We have kids that missed you too." She sat up and gave me a small smile.

"As much as I missed them. I'm looking forward to when they're in bed." I winked at her.

Home

When we got to the preschool, we walked up to the door hand in hand. We got a few curious looks from other parents. A few knew me and welcomed me home. The door opened and the teacher poked her head out. She started to call out names then spotted me; she beamed before calling back into the room.

"Claire Cullen."

Claire bounced out the doorway, holding a picture in her hands. She glanced around for Bella then froze when she saw me. Her eyes widened as big as saucers, and she screeched so loudly that several people jumped.

"Daddy! You're home!" She dropped her picture and her bag in her race to get to me. I dropped to my knees as she barreled into me so hard, I almost lost my balance. She wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed as hard as she could.

"Hi, princess." I smoothed her hair and kissed the top of her head.

"Soooon was today? Why didn't you tell me?" Claire asked, beaming with joy.

"I wanted to surprise you." I rose to my feet. Bella joined us, holding Claire's things.

"I was surprised. Were you surprised, Mommy?" Claire twisted her head to look at her mother.

"Very surprised, baby," Bella told her.

"This is my daddy, everybody. Ms. M, this is my daddy," Claire shouted, making a few bystanders smile and snicker.

"I know, Claire. I bet you're happy he's home. Have fun with him, and I'll see you on Monday." Ms. M chuckled and waved.

Claire insisted that I ride in the back with her. She held my hand the entire time and talked non-stop. I couldn't get a word in edgewise; Bella caught my eye a few times in the rearview mirror and just smiled in amusement.

When we got to Vanessa's school, we signed in at the office then went to her classroom. Before we went in, Bella looked Claire straight in the eye.

"I need you to be on your best behavior. I know you were excited to see your dad. But don't ruin the surprise for your sister. Let her see him on her own. Please don't shout out to her," Bella said to her.

"What if I forget?" Claire asked innocently.

"I'll tell you what, if you remember we can have McDonalds for dinner," I promised her.

"Can I have a Happy Meal?" she asked eagerly.

"Only if you're good," I told her.

"I'll be good," she assured us.

Bella poked her head in first then waved us to join. We took seats in the back, and Vanessa was a few rows up, facing forward. Her teacher, Mrs. Clearwater, noticed us and gave us a subtle nod. The young man speaking finished talking about his favorite hero, the pizza delivery guy, and took his seat as a few applauded.

"Thank you, Jared. That was certainly interesting. Vanessa, you're next," Mrs. Clearwater spoke from her desk.

Vanessa stiffened and stood up. She slowly made her way up to the front and tripped halfway. Some of her classmates giggled and she turned bright red.

"That's enough," Mrs. Clearwater stated, and the laughter ceased.

"She's just like her mom," I teased Bella, earning an elbow to my ribs.

Vanessa stood at the podium and she started to shake from her nervousness. I instantly wanted to protect her by standing up now, so she'd see me. Before I could stand, Bella placed her hand over mine and leaned over to whisper in my ear.

"We need to let her do this. The more she does, hopefully the next time will be easier," she explained.

I nodded in agreement even though it was hard to watch my kid struggle. Claire moved from her chair and sat in my lap. Vanessa pushed her glasses up her nose then gulped.

"My hero is—"

"I can't hear you!" a kid yelled.

"Taylor, don't yell. Vanessa, please speak up, so those in the back can hear. You got this," Mrs. Clearwater said.

Vanessa took a deep breath. "My hero is my father, Sergeant Edward Cullen. He works for the United States Army. He has been de…ployed four times overseas. He fights bad guys so that people can live in peace. He's been to many foreign countries like Iraq and Af…ghanistan. He fixes vehicles like tanks. When Dad is home, he helps train other soldiers."

She had finally hit a groove and was doing well. She hadn't looked up from her sheet once, so she hadn't seen me yet.

"Also, when he is home, he's the best dad in the world. He helps us with our homework, especially our math. He reads me and my little sister, Claire, stories before we go to sleep. Sometimes, he makes them up and they're funny. My dad also plays basketball with my brother Seth." She paused for a moment and took another deep breath as she started to look like she was going to cry. "Right now, my dad is in Afghanistan, again. He's been there a very long time. And I know he's helping others, but I…I miss him… and I hope he comes home soon." Her voice shook as tears ran down her face.

Everyone started to clap for her, and Bella bumped my arm; her eyes were glistening. She mouthed go to me, and I handed Claire over to her. As I stood up, Vanessa glanced up at the movement, and her hand flew over her mouth.

"Daddy?" She gasped and tried to make her way to me.

Vanessa tripped over her feet, but I caught her before she hit the ground. She clung to me and buried her face into my chest as started to sob. Her whole body was shaking as I held her. Mrs. Clearwater told me it was okay to take her into the hallway. So, I carried Vanessa outside so she could calm down.

"Hey, sweetheart, it's okay." I tried to soothe her when she wouldn't let go of me.

"I've missed so much, Daddy. Please, don't go away again," she mumbled into my shirt.

My heart broke at her plea. I knew I couldn't give her that promise as long I was still in the service. I did my best to soothe her. "I've missed you, too. I'm here now. And I loved your speech about me."

She pulled away from me and looked embarrassed. "I cried. Everyone is going to make fun of me."

"No one is going to make fun of you, sweetie. I'm sure everyone will understand. Besides, Mrs. Clearwater said you did such a good job that you can go home early today," Bella spoke up, holding Vanessa's jacket and backpack.

"You know what will make Nessa happy? A Happy Meal, it has happy in the name," Claire said seriously.

I snorted and looked at my youngest. "You have a one-track mind."

Claire giggled and shrugged her shoulders. Vanessa bit her lip, still looking a bit shell-shocked. I exchanged a look with Bella, concerned about Vanessa's reaction. I thought she would be more excited, maybe happy tears, but this seemed different. Bella gave me a sympathetic smile then focused on our daughter.

"How about milkshakes with the Happy Meal?" she suggested, knowing Vanessa loved their strawberry ones.

Vanessa smiled slightly and nodded her head. She held my hand tightly as we started to leave. I held Claire's hand too, but she was bouncing like a jumping bean.

Home

When I got in the car, I sat between them in the back. Then again once we got a table at McDonalds. When Bella took Claire to the bathroom, I had a few minutes alone with Vanessa.

"Dad," she said softly as she drew in her ketchup with her fry.

"Yes, princess," I encouraged.

"I'm sorry for asking you not to go away again," she said.

I blinked in confusion and dropped my burger. "Why are you sorry?"

"Because I know you go to help other people, and I shouldn't ask you not to help them," she admitted.

"I see. You feel guilty for wanting me home with you," I concluded.

She nodded and I pulled her out of her chair and had her sit on my lap. I hugged her and she rested her head on my shoulder.

"You are not selfish. You and your siblings are just the opposite. You guys have been more than understanding when I have to go away and have been big helpers to your mom," I told her.

"I wish there was peace so no one would ever have to leave their families," she said softly.

"I wish that too. Is this why you've been looking so sad?" I asked.

She nodded.

"I just got back, so it will be a long while if I have to go anywhere again. It will be others' turn to go somewhere," I explained to her. "You're stuck with me for a while."

Her smile grew. "I don't mind being stuck. Will you read me a story tonight?"

"Absolutely." I kissed the side of her head, relieved to see a real smile now.

Vanessa's confession just about broke my heart. I felt a twinge of guilt for being gone, especially after hearing my daughter's feelings on the matter. I hated that she felt guilty for wanting me home. Bella and Claire headed our way. Bella looked as pleased as I did to see Vanessa happier. Claire broke away from her mom and ran to us.

"I want to sit on your lap too." She tried to climb on, so I shifted Vanessa to one side and helped her.

Bella sat across from us. She took a picture then rested her chin on her hand watching the three of us. "Girls, I know you missed your dad. But I don't think he can eat with you sitting on him."

Vanessa grabbed my burger and brought it to my mouth. I took a large bite, making them giggle. Claire grabbed a fist full of fries and offered them to me.

"A guy could get used to being waited on like this," I joked.

Bella rolled her eyes then took another picture, while laughing.

Home

Alice and Jasper were waiting for us when we arrived at the gym later. She gave me a big hug to welcome me home.

"Where are the videos? I want to see the girls' reaction to seeing their dad come home," Alice asked Bella.

Vanessa paled and leaned into my side. Bella glanced at her briefly then pulled Alice away and spoke to her quietly. At first, Alice looked slightly disappointed, then glanced at Vanessa with a sympathetic look. They walked back after a moment.

"Vanessa, can I read your speech sometime? I heard it was very good," Alice asked her.

"It wasn't very good. I cried," Vanessa said softly.

"It's okay, everyone cries sometimes. They're lying if they say they don't. At least, you didn't throw up. One time I gave a speech and that happened to me," Alice told her.

"You did?" Vanessa perked up.

"I did. And on my teacher too," Alice told her.

"Ewww," the girls chorused.

"That's what my classmates said. A few days later, another kid fell off a slide, because he was pretending to be Superman, and an ambulance needed to be called, and everyone forgot what I did," Alice told them.

"Was the kid, okay?" Vanessa asked in concern.

I laughed. "Your uncle Emmett was fine. He has a hard head."

"Uncle Emmett did that?" Claire giggled. "Did my mommy or daddy do anything funny?"

Alice's eyes lit up with mischief, and Bella gave her a death glare. "Don't you know how your mom and dad met?"

Both girls shook their heads. Bella shot me a pleading look and I glanced away. They were bound to find out at some point.

"Alice—" Bella begged.

"Your mom was the new girl at school, and on her first day, she tripped in the cafeteria at school, dumping a whole plate of spaghetti and meatballs all over your dad," Alice announced.

The girls burst into giggles, and I coughed, trying not to laugh at the memory. Bella blushed and shook her head. She grabbed both girls' hands and headed for the gym.

"Let's go before we miss the start of Seth's game. Remind me, girls, to tell you later about the time your aunt tried to dye her hair red." Bella smirked at Alice as she walked past her.

"My story was funny," Alice complained.

"The hair dying story is funny too. You looked like Ronald McDonald for a month." I threw my arm around her shoulders as we went toward the gym. Jasper followed behind us laughing.

I hung back and leaned against the wall, out of sight, watching the team warm up, waiting to be announced. From here, it looked like Seth had grown several inches since I left. He was running along the edge of the court when a young girl, who was part of the band, dropped some music sheets on her way up to the band area. He paused and picked up the sheets. They exchanged some words, and she blushed then tucked some hair behind her ear before continuing on her way. Seth turned back to the court with a goofy grin on his face. He was really growing up fast.

A whistle blew and the court cleared. The commentator announced the teams, and I was proud to hear my boy named in the starting lineup.

"Please, rise for the National Anthem. Tonight, we also welcome home an alumnus, Sergeant Edward Cullen!"

I stepped out from my hiding spot just in time to see Seth's head whip around. Emmett jerked his head in approval, and Seth came running to me. I gave him a hug as the crowd cheered and clapped.

"Why didn't Mom tell me you'd be here? Did you hear, I'm starting," he exclaimed excitedly.

"She didn't know herself until this morning. I did; I'm glad I won't have to miss it," I told him.

The music started to play, so we both quickly stood at attention until it was through. I wished him luck as he headed back to the court for the tip off. I took a seat with my family with Claire on my lap, just in time for Seth's team to take control of the ball. Bella leaned into me and rested her head on my shoulder. I slipped my hand into hers and gave it a squeeze.

"So, who was the girl Seth was talking to?" I asked.

"That's Jenny. Seth like likes her." Vanessa giggled.

"He wants to kiss her," Claire squealed.

"Girls, that's enough." Bella struggled not to laugh.

"Time certainly flies," I muttered. I had missed so much in the last few months, and I was afraid if I left again, I'd miss so much more.

"I know, it seems like yesterday girls had cooties." Bella grinned.

Seth's team won in overtime, and the girls left us to run to congratulate their brother. Seth didn't seem to mind them and even let Claire ride on his shoulders.

"He's been a big help the last few months. Always helping without being asked," Bella answered my unspoken thoughts as we walked hand in hand toward them.

"That's good to know," I agreed.

When we got to them, Seth hugged us both.

"I still can't believe you're here. How long are you staying for?" he asked me.

"I'm not going anywhere for a long while," I promised him.

"Sweet!" Seth exclaimed.

"Hey, Seth, are you coming?" Sam yelled from across the gym.

He shook his head. "My dad just got back."

"What's going on?" I asked.

"A bunch of guys usually go for pizza after the game," Seth explained.

"Go ahead. I'll still be here tomorrow. You earned it for a great game and how much you've helped your mother." I pulled out my wallet and gave him some money. "Do you need a ride?"

"Sam will drop me off. Thanks, Dad" He excitedly grabbed the money and raced to catch up to his friends.

"Sam can drive?" I was in disbelief.

"Don't worry, he's a very safe driver," Bella promised.

Home

Later that night, I leaned in the girls' doorway, watching them sleep. It took a few chapters of Vanessa's new book before they crashed. I was about ready to crash myself after all the traveling I'd done the last few days. However, Seth wasn't home yet so I couldn't go to sleep quite yet. I also needed to talk to my wife since I had pondered a major change in our lives.

I found Bella in our living room on the couch reading a book with hot chocolate on a tray in front of her. She looked up when I entered and set down her book.

"I'm sorry that I don't have any beer in the house. I'll get some tomorrow; can I get you something else?" she offered.

"That's okay. If I had a beer now, I would crash. We didn't tell Seth a time to be home." I sat down next to her.

"He knows I want him home by nine, and he has been very good about it," Bella told me.

"Oh. That's good." I glanced at the clock and realized it was only about twenty minutes from now.

"I'm sorry. I didn't include you in on his curfew. It just came up while you were gone," she apologized.

"Don't apologize, you did what you had to do. Nine for a fourteen year old on a no school night sounds good to me." I yawned.

Bella kissed my cheek. "Poor, baby. I don't think there will be a round two tonight. Go to bed, I can wait for Seth."

"I'll make it, I've spent too many nights falling asleep without you in my arms. Plus, I want to talk to you," I said.

Bella gently pulled me down so my head was in her lap. She combed her fingers through my hair. My eyes fluttered closed. It felt so good and was lulling me to sleep. I captured her hand and kissed her fingertips.

"Although, I won't make it if you keep doing that."

"Edward, I can tell you're exhausted. I'm sure whatever you have to say can wait until tomorrow," she said soothingly.

"I want to say it now to get it off my mind. There's going to be some big changes in the next few months," I told her.

I felt her stiffen under me. "That's right, we've been here a few years. I guess I should've expected that it would be time for us to relocate. We were lucky to be so close to home this last time."

"What if we don't?" I stated.

"I don't understand. Since when do they give you any real say in the matter?"

"My contract is up this summer. I'm seriously considering not re-enlisting." I opened my eyes and looked into her curious brown ones.

"This is big. But why? I thought you loved the army," she questioned.

"I do…did. I will have put in fifteen years of service, that's more than most. It all started so I could take care of you and Seth. I feel as if I gave my time and missed so much at home," I explained.

"Is this because of Vanessa's breakdown?" Bella wondered.

"Partly. However, I was already thinking about it before. She thought she was being selfish for wanting me to be home. The truth is she, Claire, Seth, and you have been nothing but selfless. I feel like Seth has practically grown up. And if I stay in, I might miss so many more milestones and he will be out of the house before I know it. You have been a rock holding everything down each time I go, and I don't want to be separated from you anymore." I sat up and wrapped my arms around her.

"What will you do?" she asked.

"Emmett has said I can always have a job in his shop. If I can fix military vehicles, then common cars and trucks should be a snap." I shrugged.

"I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be happy if you never went on another tour," Bella said, looking up through her eyelashes at me.

I kissed her and she melted into me. Her lips parted and I slipped my tongue into her mouth, caressing hers. She sighed heavenly and I tightened my arms, ready to carry her upstairs.

"Hey…ugh!"

We broke apart to see Seth in the doorway to the living room, flustered as he looked in every direction but at us.

"Don't you know how to knock," I teased.

"For the living room? Don't you guys have a bedroom?" he shot back.

"What can I say, I missed your mom." I shrugged.

Bella smacked my chest playfully. "Did you have a good time, Seth?"

"Yeah. I'm going to head to my room and put my earbuds in." He shuddered.

"Good night," we both called as he disappeared quicker than he came.

"Oops," I said nonchalantly as Bella giggled.

I stood and offered my hand to her. "I don't know about you. But I'm ready to go to our room as well."

Bella nodded, and as soon as she was on her feet, I swooped her up bridal style in my arms and carried her up the stairs.

Even though I had wrestled with my decision for months. I knew I had made the right one. I was happy to be at home with my family.

"Welcome home, soldier." She kissed my cheek.