Songs:

"The Way You Look Tonight," Tony Bennett

"Step by Step," Brandon Davis

A few reminders at the bottom!

Chapter 22

Edward

Monday is my least favorite day of the week. I always find a to-do list a mile long on my desk and more meetings scheduled than I'd like. And it seems there's always an issue that came up over the weekend that needs to be dealt with first thing in the morning. I especially dislike the Mondays I don't wake up next to Bella.

Now that school has started back up and Bella has officially received her technician certification, we've settled into a new routine. With Bella's new status, Alice has asked her to adjust her hours. So, her workdays are a little longer, meaning the boys spend their afternoons in the after-school program until whoever has them that week picks them up. The weeks when the boys are with their dad, Bella stays with me or I stay at her place. When she has them, while I get to spend time with the kids in the evenings, I kiss her goodnight and head home. I'm hopeful that one day soon she'll be comfortable with me staying over when the boys are with her.

I'll be the first to admit I'm extra moody on the days I wake up alone, and today is no exception.

I'm working on my second cup of coffee when there are three quick knocks on my door.

"Yeah?"

Slider pops his head into my office. "Hey, sir. You got a minute?"

"Yeah, come in." I straighten the papers on my desk and slide them into their file. "What's on your mind?"

"Well, this isn't a social visit." He steps into the room and closes the door. "I need to give you a heads up about something."

"Sounds ominous." I point to the chair across from my desk. "Have a seat."

He sits, slouching over and resting his elbows on his knees, loosely lacing his fingers together. "A few of the guys and I were heading out for an early tee time and we spotted Tuna walking out of the Q with Fig's wife."

"Dammit," I mutter under my breath, tapping the pen in my hand against my desk. While I'm not surprised Jessica Newton managed to snag some unsuspecting soul in her trap, I am surprised it was Tuna. "You're positive it was him?"

"Yes, sir." He shifts in his chair and sits back, giving me a pointed look. "People are starting to talk, Vamp. It's only a matter of time before it gets to Trojan."

I turn my attention toward the window, thinking about the implications of what could happen. As much as I hate to admit it, Slider's right. Gossip has a way of spreading like wildfire on a base. If it's not a telegraph or a telephone, tell a wife seems to assure the job gets done. If this isn't nipped in the bud and kept under wraps, it won't be long before Carmen, group commander Eli Denali's wife, hears about it, and in turn, Eli. From past experience, I know that can only lead to trouble. And trouble leads to distracted pilots and fractured relationships among my squadron.

I nod slowly. "You're right." I turn back to him. "I can count on you to keep this to yourself, regardless of who already knows?"

"Of course, sir."

"And if you hear anything, I expect you to remind them that we're not here to gossip."

"Yes, sir."

"Good. And thanks for bringing this to my attention. I'll take care of it."

Slider closes the door on his way out of my office, and I lean back in my chair. Blowing out a breath, I scrub a hand over my face.

Of all the tasks involved in my job, getting involved in the personal lives—especially something this personal—of anyone in my squadron or of any other commanding officer has to be among my least favorite.

Now it falls to me to meet with Lieutenant Colonel Charles "Tuna" Evenson and ask him what the fuck he was thinking screwing around with another man's wife.

I pick up my office phone and, with a knot in my stomach, ask my secretary to call Evenson's office to make an appointment to meet with him.

"Of course, sir. If you'll hold a moment." The line goes silent for a few minutes before she comes back on the line. "I've added it to your calendar for nine tomorrow morning."

"Thank you."

The moment I place the receiver on the base, my office phone rings.

"Lieutenant Colonel Cullen."

"Hey. Is this a bad time?"

The sound of Bella's voice makes me smile. "It's better now. What can I do for you, love?"

"I wanted to let you know I got the sitter lined up for next Saturday, so I'm officially committing to this fancy ball you want to take me to."

"That's the best thing I've heard all day."

She snorts. "Pace yourself. It's only nine-thirty."

"I can guarantee it'll still be true at five."

"We'll see," she says. "Are we still staying at your house that night?"

"We are, unless you changed your mind."

"No, I haven't. I just …" She blows out a breath. "I'm nervous about the whole thing, I guess."

"There's nothing to be nervous about. It's drinks and appetizers and a couple of speeches to sit through before dinner, then we'll dance the night away."

"Right." She doesn't sound convinced. "And you're sure the dress I picked out is okay?"

I think about the dress that's hanging in her closet. I already know it's going to look spectacular on her, but I'm just as sure it'll look equally stunning on the floor in a puddle at her feet.

I clear my throat. "It's perfect. I can't wait to see it on you. You'll be the most beautiful woman there."

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Vamp."

My grin widens. "I'm counting on it, ma'am."

"You know how serious this is, Tuna."

He stands at the window, silent, his back to me.

"I don't know if this has been an ongoing thing with her, or if it was a moment of poor judgment, but it's over. You need to cease and desist immediately."

Finally, he turns around. His posture is stiff, his eyes hard. "Who came to you?"

"That's not important. People know. People are talking about it. I'd say you have maybe days before Fig shows up on your doorstep, and we don't need the drama that will come from that altercation. You've really put me in a bad spot here. I need to keep the peace in my squadron, and that requires you to step away. If you don't, I won't be left with any choice but to take this to Trojan. Do you understand?"

His jaw ticks as he grinds his teeth together, his gaze still hard. "I do."

It can't be easy being admonished by a fellow officer and friend. And I can plainly see how much it grinds his gears for me to be the one to lecture him.

"I'm glad we understand each other. I'm sure you don't want to go down that road."

He shakes his head once, sharply. "No, I don't."

"Look," I say with a sigh, "we're friends, aren't we?" He nods his agreement. "Then from one friend to another, I'm telling you this isn't the path you want to go down. I know your personal life has hit a rough patch. Your divorce is—"

"I'd really rather not talk about that right now."

"Fair enough. But you have to remember that in your position, you're setting an example for everyone in your squadron. You don't want the reputation that comes with doing what you did."

The sharpness in his eyes fades a little, and in its place, I see a glimmer of remorse. "It was a one-time thing and very poor judgment on my part. It won't happen again."

I rise from my chair. "Good. I'm glad we understand each other. And I appreciate you making time to see me," I tell him, even though we both know it's a load of shit. He didn't really have much of a choice but to meet with me.

"Of course."

"I'll just see myself out, then."

As I walk from his office, I think about how easily I might have been dragged into Jessica's games. If her tricks in the past where I'm concerned were any indication, I can imagine how Tuna got lured in. He may not have wanted to talk about his recent divorce, but I know how it feels to have the rug pulled out from under you. You're vulnerable. And too much to drink, not enough sense, and a moment of weakness are a bad combination. One Jessica used to her advantage. She's been hunting for an easy target for months.

Personally, I was never tempted. I know her type. Hell, I was married to one. Looking back, my first wife was just that—a woman who always had one eye on other possibilities. I count myself lucky to have found a woman who isn't looking for her next conquest or wondering if she could do better.

There is zero doubt in my mind I've hit the jackpot with Bella.

I don't often get to wear my mess dress uniform. It's reserved only for special occasions. But tonight feels different from the times I've worn it in the past. Tonight I'm filled with an anticipation and excitement I haven't felt in a long damn time, and the reason for it is knowing Bella will be by my side.

I take extra time to smooth out my shirt, making sure my cufflinks are secure and my bow tie is straight. Once I slip my arms into my jacket, I smooth and straighten the medals and wings pinned over my heart. And after a final check of my pocket, making sure that the small box I've had hidden in my sock drawer for a while is still there, I grab my keys and head out.

I don't want to keep the woman I love waiting a moment longer than necessary.

The drive to Bella's is way too long. Anxious energy rolls through me, and it grows with every mile, coming to a deafening crescendo when I knock on her door.

"Come in. It's open," she shouts, her voice faint.

When I step through the door, she's nowhere to be found. "Bella?"

"Just a minute." I hear the click of her heels before I see her, but when she finally steps through the doorway into the living room, affixing her earring, all my anxiety melts away, leaving me in absolute and utter awe.

The deep blue of her dress makes her pale skin look almost luminescent. The beads and lace seem to sparkle as she moves, and the netted breaks in the fabric tease what's hidden underneath. Her hair is smooth and wavy, framing her face. And as she shyly pushes a strand of hair behind her ear, the diamond earrings I gifted her for her birthday just two days ago catch the light.

"My god, you look stunning."

Her cheeks bloom pink and she looks down, nervously running a hand over the dark blue fabric of her dress. "I still don't know," she says, her voice full of doubt.

"I do." I lift my hand, twirling my finger. "Turn around. Let me see all of it."

She complies, spinning to show me the back of her dress … or what there is of it. It dips low, exposing nearly all of her back, and I have to hold back a moan. I want to sweep her off her feet and find out what's underneath, but attacking her won't do me any favors; it would only make us late. So, instead of mauling her and dragging her to bed right now, I shake the thoughts from my head. "You're breathtaking, Bella."

She faces me, looking up shyly. "Thanks. You clean up pretty good, too, Vamp." She points to the stairs. "I just need to grab my overnight bag and my clutch, and I'll be ready to go."

She leaves me to go collect her things, and I take a deep breath to try and calm my ass down. But when I do, I'm instantly bombarded with a scent I've come to associate with the place that feels like home. That's what Bella and her boys have become to me—my home.

"Are Jake and Seth all squared away for the night?"

"Yeah," she calls from upstairs. "I dropped them off a couple hours ago. I don't know who was more excited about tonight, the boys or Emmett. He certainly didn't pass up my offer to buy them pizza."

When I hear her descend the stairs, I rush over to take the large bag from her hands. "Let me get that." I take her bag from her, but instead of taking it out to the car, I place it on the floor at my feet.

"I thought we needed to get going?"

"In a minute." I eye her from head to toe, my gaze landing on her bare neck. "Now that I think about it"—I reach into my pocket and pull out the small box I've been saving for tonight—"your dress is missing something."

"What's that?"

"This," I say as I open the hinged lid and turn the box toward her, "is the rest of your birthday present." I pluck the heart-shaped diamond pendant from the velvet-lined box and hold it up. She gasps and her hands fly to her mouth. "I thought tonight would be appropriate to give this to you." I step behind her as I unclasp the chain, reaching forward to drape the necklace around her neck and fastening it in place. Leaning forward, I whisper in her ear, "We both know you have my heart, but now everyone else will know it, too."

When she turns to face me, her eyes shine. "It's beautiful. You're beautiful." She winds her arms around my neck and pulls me down to her. "Thank you," she whispers just before she kisses me.

Automatically, my hands rest on her hips, pulling her closer as I deepen the kiss. Her breathing picks up, and I can feel my pulse racing. It's obvious if I don't put a stop to this quickly, we're never getting out of here.

With a groan, I grudgingly pull away. "As much as I'd love to continue this, we really should be going."

"Are you sure?" she asks with a twinkle in her eye.

The corner of my mouth turns up. "Not in the slightest, which is exactly why we need to go. Do you have everything you need?"

She takes a deep breath and nods. "Yeah. Let's do this."

The line of cars at the front of the Glendale Civic Center stretches as far as I can see.

"I can't believe how many people are here," Bella says from beside me.

"Well, Luke is a large base. Double that with spouses and plus ones, it's quite a crowd."

We watch as one of the shuttle busses stops at the curb up ahead and unloads probably a hundred people, all of which are dressed to the nines for the occasion.

"Why didn't we park in the shuttle lot and take one of the busses?"

I inch ahead in the line. "I'm taking advantage of the valet service. Being stuffed into a shuttle bus isn't exactly what I had in mind for tonight."

When we pull up to the unloading zone, I hop out of the car and hand over the keys, swapping it for a ticket. "Thanks."

Once I've made my way to the other side, I open Bella's door and offer her my hand. "Careful of the curb."

She takes my hand and gracefully steps out of the car. "Don't let me make a fool of myself tonight," she says only loud enough for me to hear.

"I don't think you could if you tried."

She scoffs. "I'm sure I can find a way."

"I don't know why you're so nervous. You're going to be the belle of the ball, baby."

The setting sun casts pale shades of orange and purple around us, and when Bella smiles up at me, I'm dumbstruck, once again, by how beautiful she is. She's always beautiful, but tonight, all dressed up and adorned in diamonds, she positively glows.

Unable to help myself, I pull her into my arms. The kiss we share on the promenade of the civic center is chaste in comparison to most we've shared, but it's more than is polite for public.

Even though I'm not ready, I pull away, resting my forehead on hers. "As much as I'd rather have you all to myself tonight, we should get inside."

"Yeah, you're probably right."

Reluctantly, we rejoin the procession toward the doors and get swept away with the crowd.

The civic center has done a great job of coordinating with our planning officials, and the place looks great. The theme this year is Heritage to Horizons, and it being the 60th anniversary of the Air Force, historic pictures and memorabilia are displayed everywhere the eye can see.

A live band is set up, but they won't begin playing until later. In the meantime, music from the Air Force's early years is piped through the speakers while people mill around. Those who have arrived are talking and taking full advantage of the pre-dinner drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

I pluck two flutes off a passing tray and hand one to Bella with a dramatic bow. "For you, my lady."

She shakes her head at my theatrics, but I catch a glimpse of a smile as she takes the glass. "Thank you."

I offer her my arm. "Shall we?"

These things are always entertaining in their own way. A celebration of the Air Force, it's a night to get dressed up and collectively let our hair down. Well, within reason. We've been known to get up to a lot more at the O club or at the squadron on a regular basis. This is more of a watered-down version of what we're capable of.

All of that aside, I knew having her on my arm would make tonight different from the other formal events and balls I've attended over the years. I just didn't realize how much different. All the times I've attended in the past—sometimes alone and other times with a date—don't compare to having Bella at my side tonight. I feel a sense of pride having her walk beside me. She's captivating and charming, and everyone I introduce her to is instantly bewitched. Being able to call her mine just does something to me.

When the chimes are played over the speakers, signaling the meal will soon be served, I usher Bella toward our table. "Let's see who we'll be spending dinner with, shall we?"

I'm pleasantly surprised when I spot Button.

"Oh, look!" Bella says, pointing at my OPSO and his wife. "Ben and Angela are at our table."

I kiss her knuckles. "I'm glad you'll have someone you know to talk to."

When we reach the table, Angela gets out of her chair to hug Bella. "I'm so happy to see you here." She pulls back and admires Bella's gown. "And this dress. Wow, Bella. You're a knockout tonight."

I lean in and kiss her cheek. "Lovely to see you, Angela."

"You, too, Vamp. I hope you're easing our girl into this."

"I'm doing my best." I reach across the table and shake Button's hand. "Hey, Ben."

"He's taking very good care of me." Bella smiles at me over her shoulder as I pull out her chair. "Thanks."

I take my seat beside her. "I'll have you know she's holding her own tonight. Everyone I've introduced her to has been absolutely smitten."

Angela grins widely. "I'm not surprised."

With dinner being served soon, our other table mates—Lawrence, our honorary squadron commander, Jared, my head maintenance officer, and both their plus ones—join us, and in a matter of minutes, our table is full of familiar faces. Bella takes it all in stride.

By the time the food comes, everyone around the table has settled into conversation. Angela and Kim, Jared's wife, discuss the toy drive coming up in a couple of months, and as it does any time we're together outside the office, the conversation between those of us in our uniforms turns to work.

"Slammer just got orders for Balad," Jared says. "He had a by-name request direct from Big Hawley."

I lean back, my breath leaving me in a slow exhale. Bella's curious gaze catches my eye, and I take her hand. Of all the possibilities of what's next for me, being sent over to Iraq weighs most heavily on our minds. And as things continue to escalate over there, it's more than just a possibility.

Button leans in, placing his folded hands on the table. "I bet half of us get sent over before it's all said and done. It's just a matter of time."

I clear my throat. "That's the job, gentlemen. We go where we're needed."

"Yeah," Ben says, "but I can think of a dozen other places I'd rather get sent than the sandbox."

The second course is brought to the table, and conversation, thankfully, steers away from sensitive topics. When the meal is finished and cleared away, a former Luke wing commander, Major General Philip Dwyer, delivers a speech. But once all the pomp and circumstance is done, the actual fun begins.

I stand and offer Bella a hand. "May I have this dance?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

As I lead her toward the dance floor, I spot a familiar face. "There's one more person I'd like you to meet if that's okay. Then I promise I'm all yours."

"Yeah, of course."

I squeeze her hand in reassurance.

"Eli, how are you tonight?" I ask my OG as we approach their table. "I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Bella." I turn to her. "This is our group commander, Eli Denali, and his wife, Carmen."

Reaching out to shake their hands, Bella offers them a smile. "Nice to meet you both."

Carmen's eyes brighten. She's obviously taken advantage of the freely flowing champagne. "Oh, I've heard so much about you. It's nice to finally put a face to the name."

"Ah, yes, the woman who tamed Vamp," Eli says. "It's lovely to meet you."

"Was he really that incorrigible before I came along?" She looks over her shoulder and winks at me.

Eli chuckles. "He really was."

"Hey, I wasn't that bad, was I?" Their responding laughter elicits a chuckle from me. "All right, maybe I was." I nod at Eli and his wife. "If you'll excuse us, I promised my lady a dance."

"It was lovely meeting you," Bella says as I lead her away.

Carmen wiggles her fingers in a wave. "You, too, dear."

"Now, that wasn't too bad, was it?" I ask as I wrap an arm around her waist and take her hand.

"Not in the slightest." She wears a smile, but I can see the questions formulating in her mind as we sway to the music.

"Go ahead, ask me."

"Ask you what?"

"Whatever has the gears turning in your head."

She's contemplative for a minute, the music playing as we dance, until finally, she says, "I guess I was caught off guard with what Ben said … that going over there was inevitable."

It's my turn to be thoughtful, weighing my words before I speak. "And if that's what happens?"

She stops swaying and kisses the underside of my jaw. "I meant what I said. I'll be right here waiting for you."

The live band isn't half bad, playing songs from different eras. Bella positively glows as she's spun around the dance floor, happiness and light just pouring from her. Ben and Peter cut in a few times, all of us gravitating toward each other all night. Angela and Charlotte aren't bad dance partners, but I'm not content until I finally get Bella back in my arms.

"Are you having fun?" I ask her.

She's absolutely beaming. "I am. But there was never really any doubt." Her expression turns impish. "I've seen the way you guys like to party."

"Well, this is slightly different. Can't exactly put ourselves on full display at an official event. The higher ups might have something to say about that."

"Mmhmm."

"We can take the party back to my place." I run my nose along the shell of her ear, the nip of my teeth causing goosebumps to rise on her skin. "And there are no rules there."

"I'm counting on it, Vamp."

Pressed against the wall outside my bedroom, Bella writhes against me as I trail a hand up her leg. My fingertips graze against her stockings until I reach the lace edge, the garter against the back of her thigh eliciting a sound from me that's part moan part whine.

I grab a handful of her ass and grind myself against her. "I need to get you out of this dress," I mumble against her lips.

"Then what are you waiting for?" There's a hint of a challenge in her voice, one I gladly accept.

I blindly search her back with my free hand while still holding onto her ass with the other. Somehow, I manage to tug on the short zipper enough that I can feel the fabric wrapped around her slacken. And when I pull away, tugging the straps off her shoulders, the dress slides down her body, pooling at her feet.

"I knew it."

"What?" she asks, her breaths coming fast, her chest heaving. But then again, so is mine.

"I knew that thing would look good on my floor." I drag my tongue along my lower lip, willing myself to slow my ass down. I drink in the sight of her—her flushed face, her bright eyes, the sheer strapless bra and the matching sheer thong panties.

She looks like sin … and she's all mine.

Knowing she's got me under some kind of spell, she takes a step toward me and drapes her arms around my neck, pressing her barely covered body against mine. "What about you? I'm pretty sure this thing"—she plucks at my collar—"would look just as good on the floor."

A slow grin spreads across my face as I pull at one end of my bow tie and tug, leaving it to hang around my neck. "You think so?"

She cocks a brow. "Oh, I know so."

Impatient, she attacks my mouth and starts tugging on my jacket. Somehow, we manage to free me from it. While I work on my buttons, she reaches for my suspenders. But when she begins to tug them down, she pauses.

"What is this?" she asks, running her hands up and down my arms, biting back her laugh.

I chuckle, shaking my head in disbelief. It's been a long time since anyone's asked about what hides under my mess dress uniform.

"My party shirt."

"Your what?" she asks, giggling.

"My party shirt." I hold out an arm and stare down at my sleeve. "This baby only comes out for special occasions."

"I don't have to guess why you chose this pattern." Her mirthful eyes travel over the black fabric emblazoned with vampire fangs. "But I wonder …"

"What?" I ask, leaning in to nip at her neck.

"I wonder what this would look like on the floor."

"Let's find out."

A startled cry escapes her when I pick her up and toss her over my shoulder, my hand landing on the bare skin of her ass. I turn the corner, stalking into my bedroom and tossing her on the bed.

I'm not entirely sure where my shirt ends up or how I get her bra off. And I'm certain there's a good explanation for how her thong is torn before it, too, is tossed aside. The only thing I know for sure is that I'll never, for as long as I live, forget how she looked wearing only the diamonds I gave her and her garter and stockings.

Definitely a night to remember.

If anyone had told me a year ago that I'd fall head over heels in love with a woman with kids, I would have suggested they have their head examined. But now, I can't see my life without them in it. I'm not just committed to their mother, but I'm 100% invested in these kids, too. And because of that, it feels wrong not to involve myself in every part of their lives. But I promised myself I'd take cues from Bella, especially where her boys are concerned, and she didn't invite me to come along for this one. So, I'm parked in a shady spot in the school's parking lot, waiting for Bella to be done with Jake's parent teacher conference.

It's early still, but the sun is already bright in the cloudless October sky. My attention is divided between Jake and Seth sitting in the backseat, talking about all the things they want to do when we get to Lake Pleasant this afternoon, and the front door of the school. I know it's not my place, and I know I'm not a parent, or even a step-parent at this point, but I'd give anything to be in there with her.

There's also a small, unreasonable part of me that doesn't like the idea of Garrett being with her when I'm not.

But my irrational jealousy cools a little when I spot Bella and Garrett walk out of the school. She stands more than an arm's length away from him as they exchange a few words. When they turn to walk toward my SUV, I straighten in my seat.

"Boys," I say, gaining their attention as I open my door, "your dad is headed over to see you."

While I walk around the car to help Bella in, Jake presses the button to put his window down and pops his head out to say, "Hey, Dad!"

"Hey, guys. I just wanted to come over to tell you I hope you have fun on your camping trip."

"Careful," I tell Bella softly.

"Thanks." She leans over to kiss me before I can close her door. "You're too sweet."

I peer at her over my sunglasses. "I'm just giving them a minute."

While the boys say a quick goodbye to their father, I make sure the few things we have strapped to the roof are secured. As I step around the car to climb back in, Garrett shocks the hell out of me when he addresses me directly.

"Edward," he says with a curt nod. "Drive safe. You've got precious cargo."

I bite back a rude retort. Instead, I smile, albeit a little condescendingly. "I will."

I get into my car and watch as Garrett climb into his truck.

"Don't let him get to you," Bella says softly. "He's … I think he's trying."

"Yeah, well, so am I."

"I know you are." She kisses my cheek. "Thank you."

I reach over the console for her hand, glancing in the rearview mirror to make sure the boys are occupied. But I keep my voice low anyway, so they don't overhear when I ask, "So, what did Jake's teacher have to say?"

"She said he's doing fine. He's not having any of the problems he did last year. He's paying attention and turning in all his assignments. He's made some friends this year." A contented sigh escapes her as she settles back in her seat. "I think he's finally adjusting to everything. The family counseling sessions we went to seem to have helped."

I lift her hand to my lips. "Good. I'm glad."

She looks over at me and smiles. "I think you played a part in it, too."

"I did?"

"Of course, you did." She squeezes my hand. "You make everything better."

We've opted for two tents because Bella told me her kids are wild sleepers and we'd be safer in our own tent. It's the first time I'm spending the night with all of them, even if it is in separate tents. My hope is it's a way to ease the boys into me staying overnight at their house when this trip is over.

The boys are excited to scratch off all the things on their to-do list, which includes helping set up camp. Kids helping with the actual assembly of the tents is an experience I wasn't prepared for.

"No, we need this pole," Bella says, holding it up to Jake. "Seth, no, honey." She hands off the tent pole to me and goes to her youngest, catching him before he trips over the guy lines of our tent.

"I'm okay," he shouts, righting himself. "I'm okay."

Chuckling, I shake my head, turning back to help Jacob. "Let's see if we can get this up so we can check out the lake."

Our site is close to the shore, so once we've finally set up camp, we all head to the water. The lake is full of people, some water skiing, some jet skiing. We even spot a few sailboats catching the wind.

"Can we go out on a boat, Mom?" Seth asks, jumping up and down.

She looks my way, and I shrug. Turning her attention back to her son, she replies, "We'll see. Let's check out the beach tonight, then we'll look into renting a boat tomorrow."

The beach is dotted with families soaking up the sunshine, and the boys, now dressed in their swim trunks, have fun running along the shoreline, darting in and out of the water. Bella and I, meanwhile, follow hand in hand.

"I like this," she says, swinging our joined hands between us.

"Me too."

"It's … it's like our first family vacation." Her words are softly spoken, but they may as well have been shouted from a rooftop.

The picture it paints in my mind causes a warmth to spread through me, and I can't stop the smile from spreading across my face. "I really like the sound of that."

"Me too."

When the sun begins to inch its way toward the horizon, we convince the boys to head back to our campsite. A fire and s'mores top off our evening, and it isn't long before Jake is nodding off and Seth is asleep in Bella's lap.

"Can you help me get them into bed?" Bella asks.

We skip over the usual routine, choosing to forgo toothbrushing and merely wiping off their sticky hands and mouths before laying them in their sleeping bags.

"Goodnight, boys," Bella whispers.

"Night, Mommy."

"Goodnight."

She backs out and zips them in, practically falling into my arms when she turns around.

"You're all mine for the night," I whisper, placing a kiss on her lips.

"I am. What are you gonna do with me?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure. I know what I want to do with you, but …" I look over her shoulder at the boys' tent. "We might be a little too close to them to get away with that." I kiss her again. "Honestly, I'm just happy knowing I get to hold you all night. It's been a long week without you."

"It has."

"Then take me to bed, woman."

The boys are up before the sun and anxious to find out about the boat, but when I tell them the marina isn't open yet, they change tack and ask to go fishing. Bella, still curled up in our joined sleeping bags and an adorable, rumpled mess, isn't having it.

"Go without me," she mumbles, pulling a blanket over her head. "I'll make breakfast when you get back."

We leave her in peace and grab our supplies, heading out to the docks to find a spot. I don't plan to catch anything—the boys aren't master anglers, and I'm mediocre at best—and the docks will be bustling with people in a matter of hours.

We find an out-of-the-way place and set up. I help the boys with their lines, baiting their hooks and helping Seth cast his. They're both pretty quiet this early in the morning, and I have to wonder how many times they've done this exact thing with their grandfather and just instinctually know it's quiet time. I can imagine Charlie Swan, the quiet man I met, is even more so when he's got a fishing pole in his hand.

But the silence has given my thoughts a chance to run away from me. One goal I had on this trip was to make some time for just the boys and me. I even spoke to Bella about it as we were making the plans. Forming an even closer bond with them is important to me, and I want them to know I'm just as dedicated to them as I am their mother.

I also had a somewhat ulterior motive to getting them alone.

I've flown in all kinds of conditions, training and in tactical missions. I've even reached the ceiling only to roll and dive back to earth. But I'm not sure I've ever had my stomach turn inside out the way it is right now, because this is the moment I've been psyching myself up for. The trouble is, now that the opportunity has presented itself, I'm not entirely sure how to approach it. So, I do what I do best when I'm not sure of what I should do.

I wing it.

"How do you boys feel about your dad getting married next month?" I cast my line, waiting for the bobber to float back up before I reel it back a little. I glance at them, and neither seems eager to give an answer.

Jake shrugs a shoulder, and Seth gives me a marginally more enthusiastic response. "There's going to be cake. And Daddy said we're going to dance." He pulls a face. "But I'm not excited about the fancy clothes. We went to try them on, and it was too tight on my neck. And I heard Daddy call them monkey suits."

I smirk. "Yeah, I've worn a monkey suit a time or two. But it's not so bad."

"Are you going to be there?" Seth asks.

"No, but your mom and I will be picking you up from your grandma and grandpa McCarty's the next morning. Then you'll be with us while your dad and Kate are on their vacation."

"Their honeymoon," Jake corrects, a hint of disappointment in his tone.

"Yeah, that's right." I reel in my line and lay my pole on the ground. "Have you guys decided what you want to do while they're gone?"

"Can we go to Enchanted Island?" Seth asks, bouncing around so much he just about drops his pole.

"Careful." I reach over and help him reel in his line. "Yeah, I'll ask your mom about it. I don't see why we couldn't. We already talked about doing a few fun things those two weeks."

They excitedly start talking about where they want to go and what they want to do, fishing all but forgotten. I can also feel my mission going way off course. So, like any good pilot, I correct my flight plan and aim for my target.

"There's actually something I wanted to talk to you two about."

They both look my way, focusing their full attention on me.

I crouch down, closer to their level. "You guys know I love your mom, don't you?"

Seth gives me an enthusiastic "yes," but Jake merely nods.

"And I may not have said it before in so many words, but I … I love you boys, too."

Seth tackles me, slinging his arms around my neck. "We love you, too, Edward."

The tidal wave of emotion I feel with this little boy in my arms nearly knocks me on my ass. I revel in the moment, squeezing him to me. But when I glance at Jake, he looks apprehensive. I motion him over, and he comes to me willingly, getting in on the group hug, and everything feels right.

"You two mean the world to me." I pull back, holding them both at arm's length, my gaze bouncing between the two of them. "And I want to be part of your family for a long time." I swallow hard. "That's why I'm asking both of you if you're okay with me asking your mom to marry me."

The serious expressions to cover their faces make a knot form in my stomach. Some silent conversation happens between them before my eyes, and almost as if they've discussed this already, Jake is the one to answer for them.

"Mom's happy for the first time in a really long time, and …" He looks at his brother, getting a nod in response before he looks back to me. "We want her to stay that way."

"I want her to stay that way, too, Jake."

He stares at his feet and bites at his lower lip, something I've seen his mother do when she's unsure of herself. When his eyes meet mine, there's a vulnerability there that breaks my heart.

"Do you promise not to make her cry?" he asks.

"Yeah," Seth chimes in, nodding his head, "we don't want her to cry anymore."

I cup the sides of their heads in my palms, making sure to look them both in the eye. "I'll do everything in my power to make sure she's happy for the rest of her life."

"Then, yeah," Jake says, his voice a little raspy but sure, "we're okay with you asking Mom to marry you."

"Yay! We're getting married!" Seth shouts, probably scaring off the fish for miles around. He comes at me again, this time leaping into my arms, grabbing my face with both his hands, his eyes bright. "Can we come on the honeymoon?"

A/N: Who wouldn't love to get all dolled up and go to ball on Edward's arm? And him in his mess dress uniform? Gah. I made a manip of him all dressed up and shared a pic of Bella's dress over in my group if you want to check those out. And that moment with the boys … my heart. Can't wait to hear what you think!

**IMPORTANT REMINDER!**

As I told you with my last update, after I post chapter 23, this will go on hiatus for a little while. I want to have the rest almost, if not completely, written before I update again. With any hope, that won't take me too long. I'm feeling the tickle in my brain, so hopefully the words aren't too far behind. But I promise to leave you in a good place with the next chapter. It's also EPOV and not a cliffhanger. ;) What follows chapter 23 will be a second story arc, and I don't want to disappoint you with long breaks between updates.

Chapter 23 is back from my beta and will post after I get back from a 25th anniversary trip with the hubs. That adorable man found an 1800's converted schoolhouse in the mountains to hide away in. I think I fell in love with him all over again. *insert heart eyes*

Thanks for sticking with me!

Remember, the best way to stay up to date with what I'm up to, join in the discussion, and to see exclusive teaser pics, check out my Facebook group, Sunshine Fics. I'd love if you all could join us. I'm also on Twitter at CSunshine1220 … for now. Still weighing that one. ;)

I will "see" you soon!

Be kind.
Stay safe.
Stay well.

Lots of love
~Sunshine