I'm so happy to be posting Chapter 23 of Riptide! Thanks for sticking along with me this far, friends! I'm glad you all are enjoying Riptide. I have had fun messing with these characters and adding my own characterizations. I'm sure you would be rather reading this chapter than this author's note, so thanks for bearing with me during this journey and for your support! Let me know what you think!

Chapter 23

It was 10:30 pm, I finally finished boxing up little pieces of memories and my life for safekeeping during the storm. I had worked for more than seven hours, trying to pack efficiently, yet quickly. Edward offered to help, but I felt as if I needed to do this alone. Sorting through the things I've collected and inherited over the past two years of living in this house brought many different emotions up to the surface.

Edward, Jasper, and Emmett had taken care of the studio, making sure it was protected as best as it could during the hurricane. Currently, I have my life packed into eight or so boxes stacked neatly in the living room, waiting to be loaded into the trailer.

If only my actual life could be packed neatly. I snorted at the thought. My life was messier than one of those terrible soap operas Mom used to watch.

Edward and I currently sat on the beach with a battery operated lantern in between us.

"It's crazy to think these small waves can create such destruction," I said, hugging my knees to my chest.

"The ocean cannot be tamed or predicted," He murmured back. Edward sat legs spread out, leaning upright on his elbows.

"It's so serene right now. To think in a few days…" I trailed off. I knew the ocean's power. The power to destroy and ruin lives. But I also knew of its power of beauty. The ocean sustains life for so many different creatures, all of which have their own part to play in this life. The gentle, white-capped waves inspired and will inspire so many artists, including myself. The ocean is a reminder of how life is truly unpredictable.

Anything can change in an instant. I've learned that lesson too many times to tell.

Suddenly, I thought of Edward. Life could change all at once, without proper warning. I knew I needed him in my life. What was I doing? Why was I keeping him at arm's length?

I looked at him, his eyes were on the dark horizon. Through the moonlight and the dim beams from the lantern, I could see just enough of his features.

Abruptly, I launched myself at him, knocking over the lantern. I landed on top of him, and he easily caught me with his arms. We were now face to face laying on the beach blanket. His green eyes met mine in shock. His perfect lips I longed for were slightly parted and his breath blew over my face. My hands were gently between us on his chest and he wrapped his arms around my waist. His brow furrowed slightly and he opened his mouth to say something, but I didn't let him.

I pressed my lips against his, yearning and eager. His lips froze as I kissed him but urgently began to move against mine. We were both hungry for each other. One of his hands tangled in my hair while the other held a firm grip on my waist. My hands found their way to his mess of bronze. Our lips moved together in perfect harmony, meeting each other's longing.

I moved one of my hands and cupped his cheek. His tongue smoothly glided against my lips, seeking to deepen our kiss. I accepted and our tongues moved together like a perfectly choreographed dance.

Needing to take a deep breath, I pulled away, gasping for air. He took this chance to flip me over to where I was now laying on the sand and he hovered over me.

"I love you," his sweet voice wafted over my ears as he skimmed his nose against my jaw. He was just as out of breath as I was.

"I love you, Edward," my eyes fluttered shut as his lips dipped to my neck. I hummed in agreeance as the feeling of his lips sent fire throughout my body.

"Not that I'm opposed," he said in between kisses, "what sprung this on?" His lips disappeared and I opened my eyes to see him deeply staring.

"Life is too short," I said breathlessly, "I need you, every ounce of you. You make me irrevocably happy."

"I'm yours," his voice was rough, "Yours and only yours."

"That's all I need to hear." His lips attacked mine once more, captivating all of my attention. His weight pressed against me, but only enough where I could feel his body against mine. My hands threaded through his hair once more and kept his face pressed against mine.

On its own accord, my leg hooked around his waist, pulling him even closer. This movement surprised me, especially as I could now feel his bulge pressed against my stomach.

A loud whistle broke our heated act of passion as Edward feverishly broke our physical contact. I shielded my eyes with my arm as a bright beam of light shone on us.

"What the fuck, Emmett!?" Edward spat. The flashlight lowered, revealing the owner. Emmett threw his head back and howled in laughter. My cheeks were instantly burned as mortification filled my veins.

Edward moved off of me, pulling me with him and into his lap.

"Nice to see you two making out—I mean making up," he chuckled and smirked.

"Go the hell away, Emmett."

"I was supposed to tell you two something, but after seeing you two going at it, I completely forgot what I was supposed to say," Emmett shook his head and wagged his eyebrows up and down.

"Fuck off," Edward scowled, pulling his shirt into place.

"You're lucky Mom sent me as the messenger rather than her!" Emmett found this absolutely hilarious as tears formed in his eyes through his laughing fit. If possible, my cheeks grew even redder and I ducked my head. Edward wrapped his arm around my waist and buried his head in my hair which had come undone from its haphazard braid.

"Well," Emmett said, wiping a tear dramatically with his pointer finger, "I'll leave you two alone now, little brother. Make sure you see Mom before leaving." With a final wink in my direction, Emmett shook his head and turned back around towards his parents' house.

Edward pulled me closer to him. "I'm so fucking sorry, Emmett is such an asshole sometimes."

'He does have a point, I'd rather him find us making out more than your mom." I leaned into his chest. Edward laid down, pulling me with him. My head lay on his chest.

"He's going to give me a hard time," he groaned.

"That's what brothers are supposed to do."

"I suppose you're right. If he gives you a hard time, I'll kick his ass. Did you finish packing?"

"If he gives me a hard time, I'll kick his ass." I felt the vibrations of Edward's laughter beneath my head. I turned over to lean on my elbows. "Why are you laughing, Cullen?" I challenged with a twinkle in my eye. "Don't think I can take him?"

"Oh, I know you can, my little angry tiger." He pushed himself up onto his elbows.

"Though she be but little, she is fierce!"

"Alright, Shakespeare, you've convinced me," he chuckled, leaning over to kiss the tip of my nose.

"I love you," I sighed.

"And I love you."

"I'm exhausted," I said, resting my head on his stomach and laying down.

"It's been a long ass day," he yawned.

"I guess you should go see what your Mom wanted to tell you before we fall asleep out here."

"She can wait," he said with a devious grin, bending over to reach my lips.

"Edward," I mumbled against his mouth.

"Ugh," he groaned, "why are you always right?"

"I just am," I said, sitting up and flashing an impish smile.

"You're so modest too," his hands reached out and tickled my sides. I burst into laughter as his fingers wiggled all over. The force of my laughter pushed me back into the sand, where I lay attempting to fight his hands.

"Edward!" I gasped, but his mischevious grin only grew into chuckles.

"Mercy, mercy!" I managed to let out. His hands grew still and he captured my hands into one of his, holding them above my head.

"I love you, Isabella Swan," he murmured, kissing me deeply. This kiss left me utterly breathless and filled my body with warmth starting from the very tips of my toes to my scalp. The warmth was so comforting and inviting. Much too soon, he pulled away and stood, drawing me to stand with him. "Goodnight," he said, placing a small kiss on my hands, still enclosed in his. Edward turned around and started towards his parents' house, leaving me sighing in content.

"Okay, Dad, I'll see you soon," I spoke into the phone, nerves overtaking my stomach.

"Looking forward to it, Bella-Bean." I could hear the excitement in his voice.

We ended the call and I looked to Edward for reassurance. We had loaded the trailer with the boxes and we now sat on the couch, taking a break to cool down in the air conditioning.

"So?" Edward asked, taking a sip of ice water.

"He seemed very enthusiastic, even when I told him you were coming with me."

"Well hopefully I can win his approval," He grinned crookedly.

"Yeah, like that will be hard," I replied, rolling my eyes.

"So the plan is to leave tomorrow morning at eight?"

"That works for me, that would put us in Hartwell at around two-ish."

"Are you anxious about seeing your father?" He asked, grasping my hand.

"A little, I have so many questions for him. I realize I was kept in the dark, thanks to my Mom, so I don't know what's true anymore."

"That is understandable."

"I'm just so confused, and a little angry. I mean, what I thought I knew of my Mom isn't completely true. She lied to me and made so many decisions for me, decisions I didn't know I had. I feel like I have a hard time understanding the difference between fact and fiction now."

Edward set his glass on the table and maneuvered me into his lap. I laid my head against his shoulder.

"I'm sure your Dad will have some answers. I can give you some private time to speak with him while we are visiting."

"Thanks," I gave him a small smile.

Edward and I spent the day together lounging around the house, joining his siblings and their respective partners for dinner at his parents' house.

"Thank goodness you are going with us," Esme said, stroking my cheek. "I would be terribly worried if you weren't with us."

"Thank you for letting me tag along," I said sheepishly.

"Nonsense! You are part of the family." She patted my cheek and returned to the kitchen. Just then, Emmett and Rosalie walked through the front door. They met us in the living room where everybody else was seated. Alice stood up and flitted over to Rosalie, hugging her and speaking to her quietly. I stood up as well and went to greet her.

"Hi, Rosalie," I smiled warmly.

"Good to see you, Bella," she pulled me into a hug.

"At Nana's, we will have to spend some girl time, it will be like we're teenagers again!" Alice grinned, wrapping her arm around my shoulder. "Plus, Nana is very strict with room assignments, so it looks like you and I will be sharing a room, Bella. I bet you're so looking forward to meeting my grandmother, Elizabeth." Alice winked.

"I've...heard a lot about her," I grimaced

"Alice is so overdramatic, Elizabeth isn't that bad. Just follow her rules and there won't be any issues." Rosalie said, rolling her bright blue eyes.

"You didn't have to grow up with her, Rose," Alice retorted. "Anyways, I think dinner is ready now, I'm starved." She pivoted around and grabbed Jasper from the couch as she made her way into the dining room.

"You'll be fine, Bella. Don't worry about Nana," Rosalie patted me on the shoulder and turned to sit down for dinner.

I was nervous to meet the infamous Elizabeth Platt, who so terrified her grandchildren when they were kids. Would she approve of me? I wasn't religious...I barely knew anything about the Catholic church. I believe in God, I guess, but Mom never had time to instill any religious beliefs as I grew up. I was apprehensive I might say the wrong thing to her and offend her.

Edward noticed me lingering in the living room and took my hand, leading me, still mulling over Nana Platt's approval.

After dinner, everybody gathered in the living room once more. We caught a movie that was playing on the TV and it played in the background while we all chatted.

"The garage is good to go, Jasper helped me add those extra braces. Thanks again, Jasper."

"No problem, Em. You helped me at my house, so I guess we're even?" Jasper responded to Emmett.

"Bella's house and gallery are all set as well," Edward said while looking at our intertwined hands."

"Good," Carlisle said, "I'm glad we helped each other out. Now, we are leaving tomorrow at nine in the morning. If everyone, except Edward and Bella, would meet here, we will make sure we leave together. I know you've made the drive before, Emmett, but I think we should stay together. We have many cars and I don't want anyone to get lost."

Emmett would be driving his truck, pulling the covered trailer, Rosalie would be driving her red convertible BMW. Jasper, his Chevy truck, while Alice drove her Lexus NX 300. Carlisle was driving his Mercedes and Esme her Hyundai Sonata. Edward, of course, would be driving his Volvo. They were all taking their own cars to protect them from the storm.

The movie was suddenly interrupted by the emergency newscast. Everyone drew quiet as soon as the ominous beeping sounded.

"Warning. Warning. Hurricane Watch is now in effect." The robotic voice boomed. After the banner replayed itself, the screen cut to a meteorologist in front of a map of Florida and the ocean.

"Folks, we have now entered into the Hurrican Watch for Hurrican Aro. Aro is only picking up speed, teetering into a category three hurricane. We are now advising for evacuation. This storm is brutal, ladies and gentlemen, it is approximately 450 miles wide and only continues to grow in strength. Tomorrow the governor is expected to make an official mandatory evacuation statement. As Aro barrels towards Florida, remember to be safe and prepare your home and business. Do not wait until it is too late to protect you and your family from Aro. Make good decisions, folks. Nothing is more important than your life. We will start feeling the beginnings of the hurricane during the middle of the night, starting with increased wind speeds and light rain. We at News 4 Orlando will be posting real-time updates through our website and app. We will check in tomorrow morning after the governor declares his official announcement. This has been Liam O'Malley, News 4, serving Orlando and surrounding areas."

The loud beeps continued once more, making me jump. I looked to Edward, with anxiety filling every pore of my body.

The room was silent, everybody was gazing at their partners.

"Maybe we should reconsider our departure," Carlisle said evenly, breaking the tension in the room.

We all nodded in agreement. "Perhaps we should leave early tomorrow morning," Esme said.

"I agree," Emmett chimed in, "if we leave at six, that would put us ahead of the traffic and panic."

"As everybody knows, Bella and I are stopping at her father's house in Georgia," everyone nodded, "Bella, can you call your dad to see if we can arrive earlier?"

I tried to speak, but only a squeak emerged from my mouth. I quickly nodded, standing up from the couch to go into the other room to call Dad.

"Bella, is everything okay?" he asked, rather than greeting me.

"I think so," I tried to sound calm, "We have a change of plans."

"Are you still coming to Hartwell?" Dad asked, sadness creeping into his voice.

"Yes, yes, I might need to arrive earlier, that's all. Tomorrow a mandatory evacuation announcement is expected, and the Cullens, Edward's family are planning to leave early in the morning tomorrow to avoid some of the chaos."

"Understandable," he said, agreeing. "What time are you going to arrive with this new plan?"

"They want to leave at six, so if we make minimal stops, we should arrive by 12:00 or 12:30."

"Alright, Bella, that is fine. I took the next couple of days off from work to spend time with you, so I will be here at the house when you get here."

"Dad, you didn't have to do that, thanks," I smiled.

"Anything for you, Bella-Bean."

"I'll see you tomorrow then,"

"Yes," he replied, and I could picture his mustache moving over his smile, "I'll see you tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing you, and meeting that Edmund of yours."

"Edward," I corrected, shaking my head and smiling.

"Oh, yes, Edward."

"Goodnight, Dad."

"Get some sleep, Bella."

We both hung up and I turned around to rejoin the Cullens in the family room. I was a bit surprised to see Edward leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Oh!" I gasped, clutching my phone to my chest, "I didn't know you were there."

He unfolded his arms, gave a small smile and closed the distance between us.

"Did everything go okay with your Dad?" He asked, laying his head on the top of mine.

"Yes, he said he will be home and we can arrive at any time."

"Great, I'll be sure to thank him for his hospitality."

"He's going to love you," I said, angling my head so we were face to face, "I love you, so how could he not?"

"You have great confidence, love," Edward kissed my forehead. "Let me walk you home, you should get some sleep."

"I can sleep in the car, it's you who needs the sleep."

"I can manage. I do need to go home and grab my overnight duffle and suitcases."

"Alright, let's go say bye to your family," I said, pulling his arm towards the living room.

"We're going to head out," Edward called.

"Alright, son. We will see both of you bright and early tomorrow," Carlisle said, standing.

Esme followed suit and came over to us to give us a hug. "Goodnight, Bella, I hope you get some rest." She pecked Edward on the forehead, and he had to lean down so she could reach it properly. "Night, son."

The Cullen siblings, their spouses, and soon-to-be spouses exchanged goodbyes as well and soon Edward and I stood in front of my front door.

"Goodnight, love," Edward leaned down and kissed me. My hands wrapped around his neck in their own accord as I kissed him back. "I'll see you tomorrow morning. I'll be here early."

"Here," I began, bending over and recovering the hidden extra house key, "take this so you can come in tomorrow morning."

His eyes dazzled me, even in the dim porch light. "Thanks," he smiled crookedly.

He gave me one last parting kiss, leaving me wanting more. I went inside and changed for bed, laying out the outfit I had packed for tomorrow. My house looked so barren, devoid of some of the knickknacks and things which made the house feel like a home. My room was empty as well. My closet was completely desolate, only a quilt and pillow covered the bed, and the drawers of my dresser had been unfilled. I sighed as I crawled into bed, laying down and attempting sleep.

The wind howled around me, sending my dress whipping around my legs. I stood between the dunes just before the beach. My legs started running towards the water's edge. A little girl in a gingham yellow halter-neck bathing suit sat in the sand, building a sand castle. Her chocolate curls waved through the bursts of wind. She couldn't be but four or five.

"Hey!" I tried to shout to her over the howls of the angry wind, "Come away from there! The waves are coming in!"

She only looked at me and smiled a silly grin, her green eyes twinkled.

"Look what I made!" She clapped proudly.

I suddenly realized I was not alone on the beach. Edward, dressed in white linen shorts and a white short sleeve button up shirt, stood ten feet away, admiring the little girl.

I ran to him, crashing into his body in despair. "What's wrong, love?" He asked in surprise.

"We need to get her away from there! She's going to get hurt!" I cried.

"Come on, little one," he hollered.

Instantly, the wind calmed and the waves retreated back to their normal level. The little girl looked up at Edward and ran away from her sand castle over to us.

"There's nothing to be afraid of, Bella, love. She's safe."

"Safe," I repeated.

Her little legs finally reached us and Edward let go of me to catch her in his arms.

"Let's go inside, Riley-Bear, it's time for lunch." She giggled and snuggled into his chest. Edward walked into the dunes, disappearing and leaving me on the beach.

The water calmly lapped at my feet, reaching to where I was standing.

"Bella-Bean!" I heard a voice cry. I twisted around, trying to find the owner of the familiar voice.

Riley, my brother in his sixteen-year-old self, grinned as he reached me. He wrapped me in his arms and suddenly I was six again.

"You have a whole life ahead of you bean," he ruffled my brown curls, "take it by the reins!"

"But Riley, I can't do this without you," I leaned my head against his bare chest. He kneeled down in his navy blue swim trunks and hugged me.

"You can do this, Bella," another voice murmured behind me. I whirled around in Riley's arms. Auntie Irina stood young, wearing her red sundress and her blonde hair wrapped in a messy bun. Riley chuckled as I left his arms to encircle my arms around her legs.

"You've made me so proud, little Bella," she cooed in my ear, "I wish I could be there and witness all of your successes, meet your friends, see you married."

"Me too," Riley said quietly, joining our hug.

"I love you, my sweet." Auntie returned a lock of hair behind my ear. "Both of my sweets." She tapped Riley on the nose and he scowled playfully.

"Remember, you are a Higgenbotham just as much as a Swan. Higgenbotham girls are strong, chickadee. Things will play out as they should.

"Bella!" Edward called out to me. I was no longer six. I turned my head to find him, and he motioned with his arm to come to him.

"Go," Aunt Irina smiled, "go to him." She ran her hand down my cheek. "You are a precious treasure, Isabella Swan. I loved you once and always will." She kissed my forehead and backed away into the dunes.

"Alright, my turn," Riley said grinning, "Make sure he takes care of you." His eyes turned sad. "And thanks in advance, Riley's a pretty kick-ass name." With that, he picked up a surfboard I hadn't noticed was lying in the sand near us and ran out into the surf. "The waves are awesome today!" He cheered and his voice faded away.

"Bella?" Something disturbed my sleep. I rolled over, grabbing the quilt with me. Realizing that the sound wasn't coming from my unconscious mind, I sprung into a sitting position. I blinked my eyes and looked at my bedroom door where Edward stood, light from the living room behind him. He stepped inside and sat on the bed next to me.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," he smiled.

"I swore I set an alarm!" I croaked.

"It's okay, we're leaving in about 45 minutes."

"Oh!" I remembered. I flipped the covers over and got out of bed. "Let me change!" I scurried into the bathroom with my clothes. I changed quickly, brushing my teeth and brushing my hair. Edward was still waiting for me on the bed.

"Are you bringing this quilt?" He asked.

"Yes, help me not forget it. Are you hungry?" I didn't have much food in the fridge as we had to unplug it while we were gone, as well as the other appliances.

"No, I'm not," he said, "Maybe we can grab something on the way there."

"Alright," I agreed.

"Need anything else?" He asked, standing up to retrieve my last suitcase.

"I think I'm okay," I said. I was sad to leave so many things behind, especially because I didn't know if I would see them again.

"Aro turned into a category three at 4:00 in the morning today."

"It seems to be just growing stronger."

"Another reason to evacuate."

"All of your stuff is already packed into your car?"

"Yes, I've already made some space for the last few things you are bringing."

"Thanks," I said, giving him an appreciative smile. "I love you, you know."

"I know. And I love you." He placed an innocent kiss on my lips and turned to drag my suitcase to the car. I grabbed the folded quilt and followed him. The wind was still howling about outside, and the light rain had increased in pressure. I ducked as I followed him, quickly shoving the remainder of my items into the safety of his car.

We ran back inside and did a quick check of the house. The house was so dark with the windows covered, it unnerved me. We unplugged everything and turned off the electricity to the house. I sighed and gave the living room a once over.

The worst part about leaving was the uncertainty if I were to see my house again. Edward came up beside me and drew me to his side.

"Ready to head over to my parents?" He asked softly.

I nodded, wiping the stray tear that had started to fall. Edward kissed my temple, and hand and hand. we said goodbye.