The Wedding Picture Chapter 12, a twilight fanfic

Hugs and Kisses to my pre-reader, Paige Edwards. She's the freaking best!

This story is un-beta'd. All mistakes are mine.

Chapter 12

Edward

I told Bella I'd meet her at Intelligentsia at noon, but I sat in a booth in the far corner forty-five minutes earlier. My appointment at the office was shorter than anticipated, so instead of pacing around there I left for the restaurant.

I'm not usually nervous, especially regarding something I want. I focus on and go after it, not allowing anyone or anything to get in my way. I'm not arrogant. I'm ambitious.

I've admired my parents, Esme and Carlisle Cullen, for most of my life. They have been my prime example of determination since I was a snot-nose kid.

I still remember my dad juggling law school and trying to be a good husband and father. Dad was already a well-known, sought-after attorney before partnering with Myles and James.

My dad, James and Myles had all gone to college together and had kept in touch over the years. They had been trying convince Dad to join their practice for the past year or so. Dad finally relented, telling them I would be a part of the package since we were Cullen and Cullen. They had no qualms about it since I had built quite a reputation.

A smile always came to my face whenever I thought about my mom. Since I was an only child, I had all of her attention when I was younger. I never knew what it was to go to a babysitter or have a nanny. Mom didn't work back then and did everything with me. As far as I was concerned the sun set and rose on her. She was the best mom ever and still was.

When I was in the eighth grade, my mom decided to go to school to become an interior designer. My high school and her college graduation were one week apart.

I may be biased, but Mom has been doing kick-ass work for years. Her portfolio includes the Viceroy Hotels and the Beverly Hills Hotel redesign, to name a few.

So, persistence is all I've seen and it's all I know.

I knew since I was in the sixth grade that I wanted to be a lawyer just like my dad. He never pressured me to pursue law, it was what I wanted. He mentored me through it, but he wasn't soft on me either. It's because of him that I'm the successful lawyer I am today.

I've never had any regrets for being fixated on my career. I had fun with women, but I never allowed them to blur my vision.

Until one night I went to a party at my friend, Japer's house. I was standing outside catching up with some old high friends when I noticed her getting a drink at the bar.

She wore ripped jeans with a white crop top and a matching white jacket. Her copper and mahogany hair almost reached her cute bubble butt.

Once I saw her, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. I watched her as she got her drink and followed her back to her circle of friends.

I stared at her so damn hard, I was sure I burned a hole in the side of her head. When she finally turned my way, I didn't even try to play it cool by quickly turning away. I wanted her to know that I was interested.

I had to bribe Jasper with tickets to his favorite hockey team, the Rangers, before he would introduce me to her.

I'll never forget her bright smile and her warm touch when I shook her hand when we exchanged names.

At first, it was a group of us talking but then the crowd started to dwindle, but Bella and I continued to talk. We never had that awkward moment where you're wondering what the hell to say next. Our conversation just flowed like we'd been friends all along.

I knew how to talk, hell I was learning how to do it for a living but there was a certain something about Bella. The way she looked at me was as if she saw straight into my soul. There were no smooth words just to get her into my bed.

The more she talked the more I wanted her. The beautiful thing was she was being herself. Not one of the stuck-up plastic Barbie dolls that knew I came from money and only wanted me for it and my name. Bella had no idea who I was.

I knew other guys wanted to shoot their shot with Bella, but I never gave them the opportunity to.

We were some of the last few at the party when I finally got up the nerve and asked her for her phone number.

I smiled to myself as I remembered our first day and our first kiss when I heard someone clear their throat. "Excuse me," Bella smirked. "Am I interrupting something?"

Damn, she was beautiful. Always had been.

I threw my head back laughing because I was caught red-handed. "Yeah, actually you were interrupting." I teased as I stood up. "Let me take your coat." I offered.

"Sure." She slid out of her coat and I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She had on black leather pants that looked like they were tailored just for her with burgundy boots that went up to her thighs, making her legs look even longer, and a fitted sweater that matched her boots.

She ran her fingers through her hair. "Thank you for reaching out, Edward."

"Of course." I gestured for her to sit across from me. "I've wanted to call since your um…" I trailed off, afraid to bring up bad memories.

"Wedding day." She finished for me. I could see the pain in her eyes. It made me want to find him and beat the hell out of him. "It still hurts but I'm getting better." Her smile was weak.

I reached across the table grabbing her hand with mine. "I'm so sorry. What can I do to help?"

"You being here is more than enough." She squeezed my hand.

"Bella, I'm here to listen as a friend. You can say or not say as much as you want." I consoled.

"Edward, I'm so grateful for family and friends like you. If it wasn't for you all I don't think I could make it through this."

"Sweetheart, I'm sure you're a lot stronger than you think."

"Some days I don't feel so strong and I get angry with myself for being so damn weak when it comes to him." Her lips trembled. "I don't understand," she slowly shook her head. "I don't normally miss anything, but this slick bastard was able to get past my radar." She released my hand, leaned back, and exhaled with a defeated expression.

I wanted to find Aaron and beat him to a pulp but helping Bella was more important.

"Listen, Bella, Aaron Smith is a cunning, charming motherfucker. He's been able to fool seasoned attorneys. Who knows how many crooked connections he has working for him that could've been covering his tracks?" I hissed trying to keep my cool.

She straightened up. "You know, he's talked about these associates of his. I knew it wasn't Myles or someone legit because he'd go into the other room when he spoke with them." She rolled her eyes.

"Associates?" I cocked my head. "Did you ever happen to catch any names?"

I wondered if the partners knew anything about this. It seemed like Bella wasn't the only one he'd been fooling.

"I'm sorry, no." She shrugged. "He was always so secretive with those calls. He'd go into his office and shut the door, talking for at least thirty minutes if not longer. I remember one night I made the mistake of asking who he was talking to. It was almost ten o'clock at night, so I knew it wasn't someone from the office calling that late. Anyway," she waved her hand and continued. "My simple question turned into this huge blow-up and I promised myself I'd never ask him again."

That asshole played the typical psychological game men play when they know they're caught. He started an argument to avoid answering her question. Bella has always been easygoing, so I'm not surprised she didn't push.

"No worries, I'll do some digging of my own to find out who these people are." I shook my head in disbelief wondering how much shit he has gotten away with right under Myles and James' noses. I'd be talking to my dad about this tonight.

"Just be careful, Edward. I have a funny feeling they're not on the up and up." She pleaded.

"Do you think he's done some illegal things?" I leaned in.

"I wouldn't put it past him. I understand client-attorney privilege but come on," she exhaled and shook her head. "who's talking to a client at eleven and midnight about corporate law? That shit had shady written all over it." She chuckled.

I shook my head and laughed with her.

Aaron made the mistake of taking her quietness for being unobservant. I would have thought he'd been smarter than to conduct any type of unlawful activity around Bella.

"Anyway… enough about him. What's new with you?" She perked up.

"Well," I started but was cut off by the barista.

"Excuse me, sir and ma'am," he looked between the both of us. "I'm Nick and I'll be your server for today. Can I get you anything?"

"Ladies first," I smiled.

"Thanks," she returned the smile, then looked at the waiter. "I'll have the Costa Rica Women's Lot Honey and a chocolate brioche bun."

"Great choice," Nick smiled. "And for you sir?"

"I'll have a Daily Batch Brew with a chocolate croissant."

"Great, I'll be back shortly," he nodded before he walked away.

"Okay, so what were you about to say?" She grinned.

"I'm a senior partner now." I couldn't help but grin back.

"Really?" She squealed, putting her hand on her chest.

"Yeah." I nodded.

"Edward, I'm so proud of you. I remember you saying you probably wouldn't reach that status until you were about forty and now look." She beamed.

Damn, she still remembered that?

"Thank you. Yeah, I know. I was blown away when I was told I was being considered. I thought since we'd recently merged with Myles and James, I'd have to prove myself to them. But…" Bella interrupted me.

"Prove yourself?" Her eyes were wide. "Edward you'd already done that at Cullen and Cullen. Myles and James aren't stupid, they know real talent when they see it."

"Thanks, Bella." I blushed. She's the only woman that's been able to make me do that. "That means a lot to me. You've always been one of my biggest supporters."

"Edward, you earned everything you have. You could've ridden on the coattail of your dad's reputation, but you didn't. You put in the work and made a reputation for yourself. You were only twenty-nine when you received the Top 40 Young Lawyers award and at thirty-two you were recognized by the National Law Journal Legal board and from what Thea told me only a handful of recipients are awarded each year."

I stared at her, blinking. "How did you know about that?" I asked, shocked that she knew.

She bit her bottom lip, looking down at the table. "We are friends aren't we Edward? Friends do keep up with each other's achievements, right?" Her cheeks were red.

"Yeah…" It came out as more of a question than a statement.

"Please don't think I'm some type of creepy stalker," she folded her hands on the table. "Just because—"

Nick cut her off. "Here you go." He sat our drinks and pastries on the table. "Is there anything else I can get for you?"

"No, we're good." I tried to sound less irritated about his bad timing. He was just doing his job.

"Perfect. I'll check on you guys later." He set extra napkins down and walked away.

Bella sipped her coffee, closed her eyes, and smiled. "They have the best Joe in Chicago."

That was one of the many things I loved about her, she enjoyed the simplest things in life.

I waited anxiously, hoping she'd pick up where she left off.

Bella sat her cup down. "Edward," she continued softly. "Just because one part of our relationship didn't work out that doesn't mean I don't care about you and want you to have the best life has to offer. You're a good guy, and you're important to me," she reached for my hand and squeezed it.

It was second nature for me to tangle my fingers with hers. I rubbed my thumb across the top of her hand, staring down at our connection. It felt right, like this was how it was supposed to be the whole time.

How could I have let her walk away?

Why did I give her an ultimatum?

Being a goddman fool is how.

"Edward?" Bella pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Yes?" I finally met her gaze.

"I wanted to know if you're taking care of yourself?"

"Yeah, I'm—Bella, I'm fine. I want to know how you're doing. This is me, honey, you know you don't have to pretend or put up a front with me. I want to be here for you." I begged.

She turned her head and bounced her leg under the table. One of her tell signs that I'd hit a nerve. Bella has always been headstrong but there were times she could be as stubborn as a mule. Not wanting anyone to see her sweat. But now wasn't that time.

I waited, with our fingers still intertwined. I'd give her as much time as she needed.

"I, um—" she began, using her other hand to pat a tear, clearing her throat. "I told myself I wasn't going to cry over this—him anymore." She finally turned to face me. "He's not worth another damn tear!" Her eyes narrowed. "Why should I walk around sad or depressed for something he did? When I saw him in court he looked just fine. He doesn't care how he's hurt me. I'm just his toy that he wants back." She seethed.

"Hold on," my eyebrows shot up. "What do you mean court?"

"I got a restraining order against him."

"Why?" I gritted my teeth.

"Because Aaron came up to my job acting like a fool and security had him arrested."

I never wanted to hurt anyone as badly as I wanted to hurt him.

"Bella, did he hurt you? Has he ever put his hands on you?"

"No," she shook her head. "He's crazy but I don't think he's that crazy."

"I know you think you know him but I'm not so sure about that. You don't know what he would've done had he gotten you alone."

"Now that you mention it, he did seem kind of off." She scrunched her nose. "I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it was odd behavior, even for him."

"See, that's what I'm saying. You don't know what he's capable of. Thank goodness security was there." I exhaled in relief. "Are you being safe, Bella? Maybe I should've met you at Thea's house instead of us coming here."

For all she knew Aaron was having her followed.

As soon as I knew Bella was home safe, I'd be calling Jacob Blackmon, my private investigator. The second call would be to Charlie.

"You sound as bad as Robert," she waved a dismissive hand at me. "I told him I wanted to get my own place and he had a fit. I told him I wanted to move on with my life. After the divorce I'll have to get a place anyway," she shrugged.

"Divorce? My eyes widened.

Whatever the bastard did it had to be pretty bad for her to move this quickly.

Just because I didn't comment about her getting her own place doesn't mean I didn't catch that. There was no way in hell that was happening any time soon. I'd make damn sure of that. Her safety was paramount.

"Yes, he's already been served. From what I was told he didn't take it too well either. Some of his neighbors called the cops because of all the noise that came from his condo. Of course, when they arrived his smug ass didn't let them in, but they were able to see the living room was in shambles. Daddy said he told the officers if they didn't have a warrant, he wasn't letting them in." She chuckled.

The sonofabitch probably didn't see that one coming.

As much as I wanted to laugh, I had to make sure Bella was okay. "Are you sure that's what you want to do?"

I knew he hurt her badly, but I didn't want her to make a knee-jerk decision she'd regret later.

She stiffened. "I've never been more sure about anything in my life, Edward. Yes, my feelings are hurt but this isn't some little argument we got into and I'm being emotional about it. This can't be fixed. I don't trust him anymore and if you don't have trust, you don't have a relationship."

I nodded in agreement, "You're right, sweetheart." I reached for her other hand. "I want you to know you're not alone in this. I know your family will be there for you, like they always have but I want you to know I'm here too. I'll do whatever you need me to do to help you through this."

Her eyes swam with tears. "You have a life, Edward. You can't be at my beck and call every time I need to talk. I'm sure the woman or women in your life would have something to say about that."

She had no idea. They didn't even compare to her.

"There is no woman. The few women I've been with know it's casual and nothing more will come of it. Please say you'll let me be here for you." My eyes pleaded. "I'll stay on the phone with you all night if that's what you need. We can have a movie night at your place or mine. Hell, I'll come over and cook dinner for you every night."

"Thea would love that," she chuckled, shaking her head.

"I know," I laughed with her. "But I'd do it… for you. You're important to me too, Bella." I squeezed both of her hands.

"Okay, you'll be my new bestie," she smiled with a twinkle in her eyes.

A/N: What did you think of E & B's convo? Do you think they still have feelings for each other? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I apologize for the long wait. Life has been "lifing."

RECS

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La Bellissima, by StarryBlueEyes WIP

The Love of the Game, by DrivingEdward Completed

The Sixteen, by FanficsR4nerds