Chapter 28: Notes of Love

Edward

Saturdays were hands down the best days of the week, especially when my schedule was clear of any work commitments. There was something profoundly comforting about the quiet hush of the morning, the softness of the sheets, and the usual warmth of Bella's body curled up against mine. But this morning was different.

As the sunlight filtered through the blinds and shear curtains, casting a golden glow across the room, a sense of unease crept over me. The bed was empty beside me, the sheets cold, the imprint of Bella's form a haunting absence. I sat up, the silence of the room echoing the sudden worry in my chest. Where could she be?

The tranquility of our bedroom was disrupted—I hadn't asked her to move in with me yet, but it was undeniably our room—and the promise of the day took on a new urgency. It was just me, and the pressing question of Bella's whereabouts, as panic welled up inside me.

Had Jacob, in a desperate bid for freedom, escaped custody and taken her again? The thought sent a shiver of fear down my spine. I couldn't rest until I found her.

I picked up my phone, the screen illuminating a message from her number. What in the—

Edward, I didn't have the heart to wake you. Don't panic. I'm safe, and I should have told you last night that I'm spending time with your mom this morning… stuff for the wedding… I know you want to be a part of the planning, but there are some things better left to me… like the gown. I love you.

A heart emoji punctuated the message. The panic that had been clawing at my insides receded like the tide going out, leaving behind a mixture of relief and mild irritation. I quickly typed a reply, my thumbs moving with a mind of their own.

Yes, you should have, Bella. I nearly had a heart attack when I found you gone. But I forgive you… this time. Just don't make a habit of it, okay? Love you too.

I added a smiley face at the end, not wanting her to mistake my concern for anger. As I hit send, I realized that despite the scare, her message was a reminder of the normalcy and trust in our relationship. She was with my mother, after all, and that thought brought a smile to my face. I didn't even realize I had shared my fear with her in that brief message.

Though I hadn't planned on working, I found myself drawn to the home office, the familiar hum of the laptop booting up a comforting background noise. I could knock out some emails until Bella got home—productive and practical.

Coffee. The thought was a beacon of normalcy. I needed coffee. Making my way to the kitchen, the rich aroma of a freshly brewed pot greeted me. Strange. I didn't remember setting it up the night before. A cup sat next to the machine, steam rising from its brim. Also strange. But what truly caught my attention was the light pink card taped to the cabinet above it all, its hue a stark contrast against the dark wood.

With a mixture of curiosity and caution, I reached for the card. The script on the front was unfamiliar, delicate and flowing—a stark contrast to Bella's usually pragmatic handwriting. I hesitated for a moment, the air of mystery thickening like fog over a river. Flipping it up, I read:

Ready for an adventure, Edward? Dress comfortably and head to Thriftway. -Bella

Huh? I read the card again, the words not making any more sense the second or third time around. Why did she want me to go to Thriftway? Our little town's grocery store was hardly the setting for an adventure, at least not the kind I was accustomed to. My confusion grew, a puzzle with missing pieces. Was this some sort of scavenger hunt? A surprise she had planned? Or perhaps a coded message I was failing to decipher?

I grabbed my phone and dialed her number, only to be met with her voicemail. "Bella, it's me. I found your note, and I'm intrigued—and a bit perplexed. Call me back?" I hung up, the mystery gnawing at me.

One thing was certain: Bella was full of surprises, and I was about to discover another facet of her unpredictable nature.

After shutting down my laptop and filling a travel mug with the rich, dark coffee, I did as she instructed. Heading upstairs, I dressed in tan Dockers and a dark green long-sleeved polo shirt, the fabric soft and familiar against my skin. As I headed out the door, I grabbed my keys and my North Face jacket, the weight of the day's potential adventure settling in.

Slipping behind the wheel of my car, I found another light pink card taped to the center of the steering wheel. I smiled, my earlier anxiety melting into amusement. It seemed my hunch about a scavenger hunt was right. Eagerly, I read:

Grab a cart once you get there. One of the aisles holds the next clue. Oh, and pick up some cider while you're there. -Bella

I laughed, shaking my head in wonder. She was indeed a clever one, turning an ordinary Saturday into a game, a mystery to unravel—my favorite genre. With a sense of anticipation bubbling within me, I started the engine and set off towards Thriftway, ready for whatever Bella had in store.

~~ Black Cat ~~

Despite my usual aversion to Thriftway, I ventured inside and grabbed a cart, making a beeline for the cider aisle. I picked up two bottles of Bella's and my favorite sparkling cider, the familiar label bringing a hint of a smile to my face. Slowly, I navigated up and down each aisle, my eyes scanning for a glimpse of light pink. I found it in the most unexpected of places—the book section. I had to laugh. It was taped to the stand, right beneath a novel adorned with a male model on the cover. I pondered the book's significance for a moment, the chiseled features on the cover somehow reminding me of simpler times, before placing it in the cart.

"Don't forget the note," Angela chimed in, her presence catching me off guard.

"What are you doing here, Ang?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"Bella roped me into helping her. She wanted to make sure that card didn't disappear," Angela explained with a knowing smile.

I shook my head, amused, just as I caught the look of disapproval from a town member. Rather than ignore it, I offered a saccharine retort, "Take a picture, it'll last longer."

The old bitty huffed and vacated the aisle.

I chuckled, and Angela's laughter joined mine. "Bella's rubbing off on you," she observed.

"She is. And boy, did that feel good. I can't wait to tell Bella tonight," I admitted, holding the note. "I'll open this once outside."

"Bella figured you might," Angela said with a wink before departing with her basket.

I made a quick stop in the produce section for some raspberries and strawberries, then headed to the registers. Leaning against my car, I allowed a smile to form as I opened the card:

I hope you had your license with you.

I paused, perplexed. My license was always with me, but clearly, Bella meant something else. I racked my brain but came up empty.

Returning to the card, I continued reading:

Came up blank, didn't you? No matter. To ensure the next message isn't taken, I asked Leah to safeguard it. It's at the diner. -Bella

I chuckled at the end. Oh, Bella. What do you have in store for me?

~~ Black Cat ~~

The drive to the diner was a mix of excitement and trepidation. Much like the grocery store, the diner wasn't a place I frequented with enthusiasm.

Leah was perched at the counter, her Black Cat uniform lending her an air of authority that seemed out of place in the quaint setting. A laminated menu lay before her, its corners slightly curled from use. I took the vacant barstool beside her, the metal creaking under my weight. Without a word, she slid the menu towards me, her eyes never leaving the bustling activity of the diner.

"It's inside," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the clatter of dishes and the murmur of conversations.

I nodded, feigning nonchalance while my fingers traced the edge of the menu. Inside? The word echoed in my mind, a clue wrapped in mystery. Was it tucked between the pages, or was there something more cryptic at play? With a subtle glance around to ensure no prying eyes were upon us, I opened the menu. The anticipation of uncovering the next piece of Bella's puzzle sent a thrill through me.

There, nestled among the laminated pages like promised ambrosia, was the pink card. Feeling a surge of boldness—perhaps influenced by Leah's formidable presence—I opened the card.

Life is peculiar, don't you think? Just when you think you have it figured out, it throws you a curveball. In the end, you learn to follow wherever it takes you. I've found that it eventually takes you exactly where you need to be, when you need to be there. Leah will take you to the next location, as you will need an escort. -Bella

The words resonated with a truth that was both comforting and enigmatic. Bella's ability to turn the mundane into something magical never ceased to amaze me. With a nod to Leah, I prepared myself for the next phase of this unexpected journey, wondering what destination awaited and what lessons I would learn along the way.

~~ Black Cat ~~

I left my car in the safekeeping of the diner's parking lot. The townsfolk might hold their reservations about me, but even they wouldn't stoop to tampering with someone's vehicle—that crossed a line into criminal territory.

I climbed into the passenger seat of the black SUV, the leather cool against my skin. As she started the engine and we pulled away, I closed my eyes, allowing my thoughts to drift. There had to be a clue hidden within Bella's cryptic messages, a thread to unravel that would lead me to her intentions. The words echoed in my mind, each one a potential key to unlocking the mystery she had woven. What was she leading me towards? And more importantly, why? The answers lay just beyond my grasp, teasing at the edges of my understanding.

The cool, crisp air was a sharp contrast to the warmth of the SUV's interior, snapping me out of my reverie. My eyes fluttered open just in time to see Leah exchanging words with the guard at the front gate of the base. The base? What? Why? It was best not to voice my questions aloud.

A badge was handed to me, and I examined it with furrowed brows. It was plastic, a more permanent material than the sticker badges I'd been given during previous visits. My name and picture were emblazoned on it, a detail that only deepened my bewilderment.

"Leah, what's the meaning of this?" I couldn't keep the question contained any longer as she navigated through unfamiliar parts of the base.

"You'll have to ask Bella that. I'm just as in the dark as you are, and the guard wasn't forthcoming with any information," Leah replied with a shrug as she parked the SUV. "One thing I can tell you is that you get to keep the badge when you leave."

"Ooo…kay," I murmured, my mind racing with possibilities. "So, where exactly are we?"

Leah turned to look at me, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "Security building. The next card is waiting in Bella's office."

The mention of going to Bella's office, situated within the high-security confines of a military base, sent a jolt of adrenaline through me. My heart rate accelerated as I followed Leah out of the vehicle, each step laden with a heady mix of trepidation and anticipation. What was Bella's endgame?

"You might want to pay attention to the route," Leah suggested, her voice low but clear.

"Another thing to add to the list of questions for Bella," I mused aloud.

Leah's laughter was light, a contrast to the heavy atmosphere. "I'm afraid so."

She breezed through the security checkpoint with ease, while an invisible barrier halted my advance. "Leah," I called out, a note of confusion in my voice.

She turned, an amused smile gracing her features. "Try the badge."

Obediently, I hovered the badge over the sensor, and the barrier lifted. With a shake of my head, I mentally added more questions to my growing list.

The emblem of a Black Cat at the door didn't faze me as we paused. "This is command central for Black Cat," Leah explained, her tone matter-of-fact. "It's not normal for civilians to be granted a peek into the nerve center, but exceptions have been known to happen."

I nodded, absorbing her words. I was special, but the reason why remained shrouded in mystery.

As we walked through the doors, heads turned. The look on Sam's face must have mirrored my own—surprise mingled with curiosity—but he held his tongue when I held up the badge and shrugged. I continued to follow Leah, though I didn't miss the fact we passed a cubicle with Bella's name on the wall. We went deeper inside the nerve center, past rows of busy workstations and hushed conversations. A closed door with a nameplate reading—Admiral I. Swan—was on the wooden door.

"This is where I leave you for a bit, Edward," Leah said, her voice steady but not without warmth. "I've been instructed to give you a half hour, then I will drive you to the next location."

"Thanks," I said, my hand firm on the door handle. I turned it down, and the door swung inward, revealing an office that was starkly utilitarian yet held a personal touch. A large desk stood at the center, papers neatly stacked and a digital frame cycling through photos—many of which featured a familiar face. Bella's face. As I watched, the images transitioned to reveal pictures of... me.

The room was silent except for the soft hum of machinery. On the desk, another pink card sat propped against a small wrapped box—black and silver. Their presence was a stark contrast to the military precision of the room. I stepped inside, the door closing with a soft click behind me, and picked up the card.

I sat down at her desk, careful not to disturb anything. I didn't open the card immediately, choosing instead to take in the office. Beside the sidelight was the quill I sent Bella. I smiled, intrigued by its presence here in her office, in her world. Perhaps the card held answers. Bella's handwriting greeted me:

You probably have a growing list of questions, Edward, and rightly so. Let me answer one now… about the quill. It might seem strange that it's in my office on a military base. And you might be right. But to me, it's a double-edged sword. It's a reminder that dreams are possible. And it's a symbol that you listened when I told you about mine. Maybe one day soon, I'll share with you a piece of me that not many are privy to. Now, please open the box. -Bella

I lifted the box from the desk, its lightness catching me off guard. It was the kind of box one might choose for a delicate treasure, promising something precious within. As I tore away the paper, a sleek black box was revealed. Lifting the lid, a wave of emotions engulfed me—amusement, confusion, but most of all, a deep-seated anticipation for the secrets it held.

Inside, a bracelet lay gracefully against the backdrop of obsidian velvet. It whispered tales of ancient times and modern elegance. The interwoven black and silver links danced in a harmonious symphony of contrasts, reminiscent of the chainmail worn by knights under a moonlit sky.

Each link was a promise of strength, a testament to the artistry that bound them. The two circular charms, intentionally spaced along its length, shone like full moons in a starless night, their lustrous sheen a beacon in the darkness, reflecting untold stories. These polished orbs, cool and smooth to the touch, seemed as though they were crafted from the very heart of fallen stars.

Where had Bella found such a bracelet?

With a growing sense of intrigue, I picked up the lid, and there it was—a pink card nestled inside. I opened it eagerly.

There is more to this bracelet than meets the eye, Edward. Turn on your phone's camera. Aim the rear camera at the protruding stones, in turn, and reveal what other secrets it holds and the only we will know. -Bella

Following her instructions, I activated my phone's camera and aimed it at the stones. An image of Bella materialized on my screen, her smile intoxicating, her left hand poised against her cheek. And there, on her wrist, was a bracelet similar to the one I held—a twin in design. I moved to the other lens, and instead of a photo, words appeared—I dreamed of you too.

The revelation left me momentarily breathless, the words I dreamed of you too resonating with a profound significance. They were reminiscent of the piano piece, "From This Moment," we had first danced to. The words echoing those of the lyrics I had sung close to her ear. My dream revealed.

My gaze shifted between the bracelet and the message on my phone, a tangible connection to Bella's thoughts and dreams. But it reflected my thoughts and dreams, too. I had never told her my dreams. How she had discerned them from a song, I may never know. That she was right… for that, I didn't have the words.

I stood up, the chair rolling softly against the floor. My heart was a drumbeat, loud in my ears, as I paced the length of the office. The walls, once mere barriers of security, now felt like silent witnesses to this intimate moment. Bella's presence was palpable, her essence interwoven with every item in this room, especially the bracelet that now lay in my palm. I understood now why she hung the quill in her office. It was more than a tangible piece of me, not merely a gift showing I had listened. It was her dream, a dream I supported even before our paths converged, before we confessed our love. It gave her a reason to stay safe, to avoid reckless risks.

I clasped the bracelet around my wrist, the cool metal a stark contrast to my warm skin. It was a perfect fit, as though it was made with me in mind. I laughed at my ridiculousness. Of course it was made for me. The charms glinted in the light, each one a silent vow from Bella, a promise of shared secrets and a future to be unveiled.

With the bracelet secured, I felt an unexpected sense of completeness, as if a missing piece of me had been restored. I knew then that this scavenger hunt was more than a mere game; it was a journey through the layers of Bella's heart, a path laid out for me to discover the depths of her love, the strength of her support.

As I stood there, the weight of the bracelet on my wrist, I allowed myself to ponder the future. Bella and I, two souls intertwined, were embarking on a journey that was ours alone to navigate. The thought filled me with a sense of purpose and belonging. The dreams we shared, the aspirations we held, they were no longer solitary visions but a shared tapestry we were weaving together.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. It was time to meet Bella, to confront the myriad emotions that this day had stirred within me, and to share the trauma I had endured during her captivity. I just prayed the next location was the last.

~~ Black Cat ~~

Leah was leaning casually against the wall when I opened the door. She smiled. "Bella was right, you didn't need the full half hour. I owe her lunch now."

I shook my head, amused yet not entirely surprised by their wager. "Just take me to her," I requested, my voice laced with a quiet urgency.

"That's the plan. You can thank your mom for that, Edward. Bella had one more stop in mind," Leah remarked, her tone suggesting there was more to the story as I fell into step beside her.

Before we could reach the exit, Sam intercepted us, a serious expression on his face. "Edward," he said, extending another black box similar to the first. "Bella doesn't know about this. It's a little something from the squad."

Curiosity piqued, I opened the lid to find a silver pin, the head of a jaguar, much like the one on Bella's uniform, but with a unique twist—hers was gold with silver embellishments.

"You're being made an honorary member of Black Cat," Sam explained, his voice firm with respect. "When you and Bella get married, we'll have your back just as we have Bella's. Plus, you're already one of her protectors. Wear it with pride." He winked, knowing of my dilemma with the town.

I laughed. The weight of the pin in my hand was more than just metal—it was a symbol of trust, a badge of honor, and a silent vow that I was now part of something much larger than myself.

"Thanks," I said, the gratitude in my voice mingled with a tinge of awe. "Bella's waiting. Oh, what about my car?"

"At your destination," Seth replied, the keys jingling like a promise in his hand. "Bella asked Paul and me to take care of it."

He handed me the keys, their cool metal a reassuring weight in my palm.

"She really did think of everything, didn't she?" I remarked, a smile playing on my lips as I walked out, Leah's footsteps a steady echo behind me. The pieces of the day's puzzle were falling into place, each step bringing me closer to Bella, to the answers, and to the end of this intricate dance of clues and discoveries.

~~ Black Cat ~~

Leah pulled up outside my house, the familiar sight a stark contrast to the day's surreal events. I sat there for a moment, unsure of how to proceed, the weight of the day's revelations resting heavily on my shoulders.

"She's waiting for you, Edward," Leah reminded me gently, her voice pulling me back to the present.

"Right," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "Thanks for the ride."

"Anytime, Edward. Go get your answers," she encouraged, a soft smile on her face as she nudged me out of the SUV with a playful urgency.

I stepped out, the cool evening air brushing against my skin, grounding me. With each step towards the front door, my resolve strengthened. It was time to face Bella, to unravel the final mystery she had laid before me.

A pink card was taped to the door, the final messenger in a day filled with them. I couldn't help but groan—partly in exasperation, partly in fondness—as I peeled it off and read the simple, yet profound message:

I love you. Welcome home.

It was succinct, a stark contrast to the elaborate journey I had been on. As I pushed the door open, a wave of delicious smells enveloped me, a symphony of scents that spoke of a carefully prepared meal. The gentle strains of piano music floated through the air, a familiar melody that tugged at my heartstrings, but the name was of it was eluding me.

The house was alive with the warmth of Bella's presence, a constant that had become the heartbeat of my existence. I moved back toward the kitchen, the heart of our home, where I found Bella pulling something out of the oven. With quiet stealth, I approached her from behind, timing my embrace for the moment she set the dish down, ensuring her safety.

As I drew her into my arms, I felt her body tense in surprise before relaxing against me. I turned her gently, capturing her startled gasp with a kiss that conveyed all the love and questions I had carried throughout the day. My concerns fell to the wayside, lost in the feel of her lips against mine.

In a fluid motion, I turned us, my foot deftly lifting the oven door and closing it with a soft thud. The world outside faded, leaving only the two of us in our cocoon of warmth and affection.

With dinner safely cooling on the stove and a final, confirming glance at the oven to ensure it was off, I swept Bella into my arms. Her laughter mingled with the soft music still playing in the background, creating a melody that spoke directly to my heart. As I carried her upstairs, each step felt like a dance, a silent declaration of our love and the life we were building together.

The world outside faded into insignificance as I laid Bella on the bed. I blanketed her with my body after kicking my shoes off. Clothes were slowly shed and I made love to her.

In the quiet aftermath, Bella's voice was a soft whisper against the silence, as she trailed her fingers up and down my back. "That wasn't part of the plan."

I smiled, my voice barely audible as I responded, the emotion clear in my hushed tone. "But it was part of my plan to thank you for the wonderful adventure. I love you more than you'll ever know. I'm glad I got my dream," I whispered back.

Bella rolled over, reaching for something out of sight. "And you can read my dream."

She handed me the leather-bound journal I sent her with the quill. She will never cease to amaze me. The discussion about my experiences, my trauma during her absence weeks ago, fell to the wayside, but not forgot, as accepted the tome.

I opened it, expected to see a pink card. There was none. Instead were the words:

To the man who believed in me. There are not enough words to express what you mean to me, but the story within is a start.