*POV BELLA*
Getting up from the bed demonstrated to be a lot harder than I assumed it would be. It was almost like learning to walk again. After falling 5 times, Carlisle deemed it'd be best to use a cane for a while. We didn't tell him there was a chance Alice and I might have prolonged my recovery that day. I almost regretted it when the pack and Emmett started making jokes about me being the only wolf who couldn't walk. Luckily, it was Thanksgiving break and there wasn't a necessity for a school excuse. We were still holding off on me phasing, though my wolf had been clawing at me to get out. Everyone being apprehensive with all my bones having to break and rebreak. Once everything settled down, Rosalie and Alice informed us about Alice's tears the day of the attack. Carlisle suspected it could be another sign of my wolf giving her more human traits. The tears didn't occur again, but her skin was softer under my touch and her heartbeat stayed the same. We also assumed her tears were in regards to the intense emotions she was experiencing that day.
The house was buzzing with Esme and the others getting ready for tomorrow's dinner. Since my plan to help her wasn't possible, I asked Leah and Emily if they could come help. Luckily both agreed and Alice picked them up this morning. Billy and Charlie's football love gave Emmett an excuse to get a bigger TV, and it took up most of the living room wall. Though Esme and Rosalie thought it was ludicrous, they allowed it for Charlie's and Billy's sake. It would also serve as a surprise for them come Christmas time, both Emmett and Edward wanting to get them each one. Because I wasn't allowed to actually cook, I was given the task to peel the corn and potatoes. Nothing that would require me to stand. It was great sitting in the kitchen, watching Leah, Emily, Rosalie, Esme and Alice all talking and getting along. Each group of girls having questions for one another.
Leah: so Alice, I never got to ask you… what are your intentions with my best friend?
I rolled my eyes at Leah while the others laughed at Alice being completely caught off guard. They all knew about her gift so I'm sure this was a last-minute decision of Leah's.
Bella: you don't have to answer that, she already knows.
Esme: you know, I'm curious about Bella's intentions with my daughter. So girls, what are your intentions?
Esme now catching me off guard, almost made me cut myself.
Alice: well, I don't know about Bella, but my intentions are to love her for the rest of my life. Hopefully one day get marry. Bella just has to ask my father for my hand in marriage.
I glare at her as she plays into their game. And now I'm regretting not going with the boys to get the tables and chairs.
Bella: Esme, Alice is the love my life. She's the most amazing person I've ever met, I fall madly in love with her every day. She's the first thing I want to see every morning and the last thing I want to see every night. She takes my breath away every time I look at her. Esme, my intentions are to love her every day for the rest of my life and make her the happiest I can. She holds my heart. The only person to hold my heart and no one can ever change that. I hope one day you'll give me your blessing to marry her. Make her my wife I'm even willing to take on the name Cullen, though Charlie might feel a little sad. The Swan name dying off and all…
Before I can finish my declaration of love, I'm tackled to the floor with Alice's small body. Esme and Rosalie yell out her name, but it doesn't stop her from hugging me tight and giving me a deep kiss which I return back. The realization of water on my face causes me to break our kiss and look at her. Seeing the few tears running down her face, tugs at my heart. I wipe it away with my thumb and kiss her eye.
Esme: you have my blessing sweetie. But you still have to ask Carlisle.
All of us break out into a laugh. I slowly get up, lifting Alice with me since she doesn't let me go. She doesn't return to making the rolls. Instead she sits down on my lap and starts peeling the potatoes. Rosalie taking over her job. From time to time she turns and places a quick kiss on my cheek. The boys finally return 2 hours later with enough chairs and tables for all 14 of us. They set up the tables in a square like setting to allow everyone to face each other. When we finish prepping everything, I offer to give the girls a ride back to the Rez.
Leah: so you're planning to get coffee with Lauren? As your best friend who saw the damage she caused, I don't think it's a good idea. And I'm sure Jake would agree.
Her comment coming out of left field causes me to slightly jerk the wheel. I knew Alice would talk to someone about it, but I just figured it would be Rosalie and Edward.
Bella: she moved back Leah. And apparently has taken a job at the school. It's for closure. More for her than me. I've moved on from the whole thing a long time ago.
Leah: mmmm. She separated from her husband.
Bella: your point?
Leah: she left her husband and now wants to talk to you. Smells like bullshit if you ask me. A bullshit set up.
Bella: I don't recall asking you. And even if it is, I would never do anything to hurt Alice, you know that.
Leah: is Alice going too?
Bella: are you crazy? Alice would probably rip her head off. And I already asked her not to look into the future for the conversation.
Leah: ok either me or Jake or hell, both of us.
Bella: if you haven't noticed Leah, I'm a big girl. I can handle the situation.
Leah: when is this "situation" happening?
Bella: Friday. I asked Jess for her number and already texted her to set it up.
The rest of the ride is silent. We drop off Emily first, she tells me good luck with Leah and hurries off into the house. The drive to Leah's isn't far yet with the tension in the air, it feels like forever. When we pull up, she doesn't get out and I know more is coming.
Leah: Bella... I know you would never hurt Alice, and I know you're very much in love. I just don't trust Lauren. She hurt you once and all this could hurt you again. Bringing up old memories and all that shit, I just don't want you going back into your dark place.
Bella: I wouldn't Leah. Please have a little faith in me. Support your best friend, you know. It already doesn't help that Alice is having a hard time with this.
Leah: fine! I still want to be there. And it'll make Alice feel better about it.
Bella: *sigh* I'm starting to hate ya friendship. But fine. You won't be sitting with us. You can play spy from the other side of the café.
She doesn't say anything else just gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and jumps out the car. I send Alice a text that I need a minute to clear my head. She replies with a simple "ok". I'm sure already knowing Leah would bring Lauren up. I pull out of the Rez and head into town to go home. Away from Alice's house. But when I pull up, I'm unable to go in. I pull out the driveway and start heading back. Parking Edward's car and upstairs. Walking into Alice is looking out her window.
Alice: before you say anything, I didn't tell Leah to say anything. I just talked to her about it. She knows more about Lauren, and I just wanted to know a little more.
I walk up behind her, knowing my touch will soothe her as hers soothes me.
Bella: you could've asked me.
Faster than my wolf senses can register, she turns in my arms.
Alice: Bella, you wouldn't even tell me about her yourself. Recall the time I had to go to Leah because you almost wolfed out when we saw her?
Bella: yeah, I remember… I could've lost you and Leah that day. I'll always regret that… Ok what do you want to know?
Alice: is she the type to try to sleep with you? What am I saying, of course she doesn't have boundaries. She cheated on you! What does she even want? And why now?
Bella: wooooo, ok slow down…. Alice, even if she did try, I hope you know I would never.
Alice: of course I know but it doesn't stop her from trying. *I chuckle at her* Bella don't laugh at me!
Bella: I'm not! I love you baby. It doesn't matter if she attempts. It doesn't matter if she's willing to give me the world. No one can give me what you give me every day just by smiling at me. Remember what I told Esme and the girls? I meant every word of it. As far as what she wants. I don't know. That's what I'm going to find out. Don't worry, Leah is going to be there.
Alice: ok, I feel a little better now.
I drop the cane and lift her up, she instantaneously wraps her legs around me. Gently walking over to the bed, I lay us down.
Bella: oh yeah? How much better? Because you haven't let me touch you since the other day.
Alice: you know why.
Bella: then maybe we should go slow?
My hands start to roam her body as she pulls me into a slow kiss. I instantly get hard when her hands start running through my hair. A growl builds in my chest when she tugs at it. The one good thing about Alice's love for shopping and fashion, she'll always have more clothes for me to rip apart. The sound of her panties ripping causes a growl from her.
Alice: I really loved those!
Bella: I'll buy you more… but I'm sure you love this more.
I slide inside of her and moan at how wet she is for me. She opens her legs wider for me allowing me to dive deeper inside of her. Her moans and sighs encourage me. When she shoves her tongue into my mouth and starts grinding her hips into me, I know I won't last long. Thankful to all the Gods, we can go over and over again. We spend the rest of the night locked away in her room.
*POV ALICE*
Sleeping with Bella has become one of my favorite things to do. Listening to her heartbeat while she whispers my name and tells me she loves me in her sleep, pure happiness. The cherry on top is feeling her hot skin against my body. It feels like the heat runs through to my bones. Times like this, after hours of making love, I wish I could sleep with her. Instead I just close my eyes and relax my body, diving into a deep state of meditation. Eventually, the sun shining through the curtains, pulls us out of our "sleep". She gives me forehead kisses as her way to say good morning.
Bella: do you know you purr when you're "sleeping"?
Alice: no I don't!
I smack her arm as I start getting up, but she yanks me back and pulls me into her arms.
Bella: yes, you do. It's ok, I like it.
Alice: well you snore and talk in yours.
Bella: and you like it lol. Come on, let's take a shower.
Alice: if we shower together, we won't be getting out anytime soon. And we both remember what happen last time Esme had to come get us.
I see the shiver that runs down her spine and laugh.
Alice: I'll shower quickly and while you shower, I'll go down and help the others.
I don't wait for her to reply. Though the thought of Esme coming in on us again, is enough to stop me from letting her join me this time. Truth of the matter was, I needed some time to think. My thoughts from yesterday seem to have returned full force. I rush into the shower like the water will wash my thoughts away. As if it would ease all my worries. I don't need my gift to know it won't. In fact my gift is harming me now. I promised Bella I wouldn't look into the future for her and Lauren's conversation. The temptation of it, has been causing a headache since we agreed to her doing it. The dinner planning has been a good distraction but now that everything is done, every situation is crossing my mind. What if Lauren apologizes and says she wants Bella back? What if Bella forgives her and takes her back? What if Lauren kisses her and Bella kisses her back? What if it all makes Bella rethink everything about us? If Lauren offered her sex, would Bella do something? Would she tell me the truth of what happened? What if she makes a weak excuse for Bella to take her home?
Bella: hey, you plan to leave me some hot water? Are you ok?
I must have been so lost in thought that I didn't even hear her come in. I glace over at the clock and see its been 30 minutes.
Alice: hey, sorry, just got lost enjoying the water. Give me a minute, I'll be right out.
Bella: hmmm.
I know by the look on her face she doesn't believe me, but she doesn't push the question. I hop out and get dress quickly. Rushing out the bathroom, giving her a kiss and run outside for a quick hunt. After 2 bucks, I start heading back to the house. I catch Edward's scent and see him wanting to come out to talk to me. I jump up on a branch and wait for him. I don't wait for long before he's jumping up joining me.
Edward: the last time we had a talk like this, I was trying to get you to admit your feelings for her.
Alice: I remember. And now big brother?
Edward: now I'm here to remind you to trust those feelings, trust her feelings.
Alice: you don't know her feelings.
Edward: oh but dear sister, I do. I might not be able to read her mind, but I can Jake's. I understand their imprinting more now. And her imprinting to you is stronger than Jake's to me, remember?
A sadness tugs at me hearing him admit to our love being stronger.
Edward: hey I didn't say all that lol. But seriously, she stood by watching you and Jasper. That has got to mean something.
Alice: Lauren is her first love.
Edward: you're her last and only love. You have to trust her. I know it's still hard considering what you've gone through with Jasper. But you must remember one thing, she's not Jasper and Lauren is not you. For the record, I did talk to Jake about all this. He was here when Lauren happened and he's been in Bella's head since you happen…. He said there's no comparison.
I sit thinking over his words.
Edward: everything is going to be alright sis. If not, I promise to kick Bella's ass.
Alice: yeahhhh. I don't want to lose a brother. You saw what happen to Emmett.
Edward: ahhhhh ok, we'll let Rosalie handle it. Now come on, the others will be arriving, and Esme will kill us if we're late.
We both chuckle at the thought of letting her handle it and take off back to the house. Sure enough, Esme is waiting outside with her "mom" look. She pulls me into a hug and tells me "Everything will be ok". We walk in as the others start to arrive. Emmett quickly grabbing Charlie and Billy to show them the TV. We all hear their gasp and Charlie's "holy fucking shit", as I walk into Bella's open arms. She doesn't ask questions, and she doesn't make a comment, she just hugs me tight and whispers she loves me. I give her a quick kiss and walk over to help put the food out with Esme and Carlisle. We all sit down with our parents sitting on each end.
Carlisle: before we start to eat. Well, before you guys start to eat. I just want to say, "thank you". Thank you for letting our family do this. And thank you for letting our family into your lives. We've always had a lot to be thankful for, I think the others can agree when I say this though… I've never been more thankful for this life than I am today. Here with all of you. As a parent, all we want is for our kids to be happy. And thanks to you all, my sons and daughters are very happy. Esme and I have wished for many years that Edward and Alice would find real love like Rosalie and Emmett have, like Esme and I have been blessed with. I'm glad and thankful they found that in Bella and Jacob. Ok I won't take up more time. Don't want the food to get cold.
Charlie: Carlisle, do you mind if I say something?
Carlisle: of course not, the floor is yours.
Charlie: a few months ago, I didn't know 10-foot wolves existed. Let alone vampires. Now I call both family. Though only one carries my blood, everyone here is still my family. When Bella's mom, my wife, passed away… when she passed away, Bella and I went thought a lot. I wasn't the greatest father at the moment.
Bella: dad….
Charlie: let me finish… I wasn't the greatest father, but Billy knocked some sense into me and for that I'm thankful. Jake, Leah, you two have always been there for my Bella. Especially when I couldn't be and for that I'm thankful. Emily, Paul, Sam… I've seen you three grow up into wonderful people. Paul, Sam, you two help in protecting this town and the Res and for that I'm thankful. Rose, Emmett, Edward, I hear you three helped these two over here get together. You guys were good friends to my Bella and for that I'm thankful. Esme, Carlisle, I'm sure I speak for Billy here in saying… thank you for changing and raising two wonderful people. For opening your home to us all and for throwing this wonderful feast. Though you guys don't eat. For you, I'm thankful. Lastly, Alice… Now at first you gave my Bella a hard time. I saw her heart broken even. I was scared of losing her even. But you came back for her. You saved my baby girl. She might turn into a 10-foot wolf, but she will always be my baby girl. You've put a smile on her face that I haven't seen since her mother. For you, I'm thankful. Everyone in here has made this old man happy. And everyone in here is the family I'm thankful for. Ok now that I've made half of the room cry. Let me sit down and enjoy this meal.
Carlisle: well Charlie, I think I speak for everyone here in say, we're thankful for you. you gave us Bella. And she is the piece of a puzzle that our family has been missing. Also Charlie, while human food isn't that great for us. We can drink wine. I hope you don't mind a little underage drinking tonight.
Charlie raised his glass; I'm guess his way of saying it wouldn't. His own face shedding a few tears. When I look over to Bella, I see the tears running down her face as she looks over to her dad. They share a small smile, and she squeezes my hand. I place a quick kiss on her lips and lay my head on her shoulder. These are the moments we've all waited for and cherish.