One by one we lined up to get food; I pulled the 'it's my birthday' card as I took a plate with a hamburger and a hot dog. Seth gave me a questioning look, which I didn't quite understand; he then patted his belly and made an outline of a bump. I snorted unattractively and shook my head, then I smacked him in the chest for thinking such a thing.
Edward and I took a seat on a pair of lounge chairs next to each other where we were able to keep an eye on Alexis; she decided to eat her hot dog with the parentals. Taking a bite of my burger, I felt the ketchup/mustard mixture seep out from the bun and land on my chin. I moved to wipe it off with my napkin, but Edward stopped my hand in mid air. He leaned forward, flicking his tongue out to lick the condiment sauce off my skin. I gasped, closing my eyes as my face immediately heated and a little bit of wetness seeped onto my panties. I took deep breaths trying to keep my heart rate steady. Edward moved back as I opened my eyes to see his sexy smirk, his eyes a darker shade of green.
"You, Dr. Cullen, are so evil," I pointed, trying to act angry, but he knew me too well, simply laughing off my not-so-stern look.
I shook my head to clear my thoughts of what just happened, instead trying to focus on why we were all here today. I gazed at the people sitting around me-you could feel the love, warmth, joy, excitement and adoration resonating off of each one of us and the way the colors from the air swirled around the fire pit made it all feel...I don't know...magical? I closed my eyes, humming as I took in the moment.
"I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I think Charlie is ready for some grandchildren," Edward mentioned, pulling me out of my reverie and pointing to Alexis being chased by my father.
"Well, he's going to have to wait a while," I muttered, taking a sip of my beer.
"Are you afraid to have kids, love?" He eyed.
I scoffed at the question, but in reality part of me was. Yes, I worked at a daycare and took care of Alexis, but at the end of the day they weren't my kids, they weren't my sole responsibility. To have a child of my own...knowing that everything I did shaped how they'd turn out as a person scared the hell out of me. I could look back at my childhood and think I was lucky; yes, my mother loved me and for the most part cared for me, but I felt like I missed out on a lot of things because she couldn't grow up. I thanked Charlie everyday for helping me turn out as normal as I did.
"You are going to be the most amazing mother. I mean, I look at you with Lexi and I feel blessed that you came into my life," he said, sincerely.
His compliment filled my heart; I fisted his jacket and pulled his face to mine for a simple kiss that lead to parted lips and a little bit of tongue. A few minutes later we pulled apart and everyone was looking at us with dorky smiles on their faces. I buried my head in Edward's lap which caused everyone to erupt in laughter.
All their minds go straight to the gutter. What are we twelve?
Once we calmed down, we-and by that, I mean they- started telling Edward stories about my high school and college years.
Shoot me now.
"So, Bella and I have known each other for years, but I'll never forget how we first met. It was the first day of senior year, my family had just moved to Forks so I didn't know anybody," Alice started. I groaned remembering the day vividly. "Apparently, all the seniors had a summer project that they had to do for their home-ec class: they had to carry around a bag of flour and pretend it was their baby. They had to turn in their 'baby' and their report that day. So, I'm walking down the hall looking for my next class when I hear this guy tell his buddy to go long. He throws the ball and it goes right over the other guy's head and hits a petite brunette girl smack dab in the head. The girl gets thrown off kilter and everything in her hands goes up into the air including the bag of flour which then smashed on the floor. It sent a puff of white powder into the air. I remember feeling so bad for her, but I couldn't stop laughing when I heard her yell 'my baby, my poor baby'."
"And you say you'll be an awful mother," Edward whispered in my ear, sending goose bumps down my arms.
"I killed my baby, Edward, that classifies as a bad mother," I argued.
Everyone was having a good chuckle at my expense, but I knew the story wasn't finished yet.
"That's not where it ends though. Bella kneels down to start scooping the powder together so she has something to show for her project. Pretty much everyone around her kept walking, snickering as they passed. I felt bad so I went to help, but I guess my shoes were too slippery; they slid on the powder running right into Bella as she stood up and knocked us both on our asses right smack down on her pile, sending the powder back into the air. Bella looked like she wanted to cry, but once she saw my giggling face, she laughed right along with me. We were inseparable after that."
"That explains why she never told me how you two met," Edward chuckled, pulling me closer to his side.
Paul was talking about some college fantasy party where there was a major wardrobe malfunction on my part, when I stopped listening to stare at my father. He was building a sand castle with a still awake Alexis. Sue was sitting in a nearby chair watching them closely, as well. Edward was engrossed in the conversation so I kissed his cheek and gave him a little wink as I stood up to go sit with Sue.
"Hello, dear. Are you having fun?" she asked as I sat down next to her.
"I am. This is just what I needed. Thank you."
"Hey, I didn't do anything. I'm just happy you decided to come and that you brought Edward with you. He really is a lovely man, Bella. Your father and I give our approval."
"Thanks, Sue, that means a lot."
"Have you talked to Renee about him at all?"
I choked on my beer and she had to pound on my back a little bit to help me. I saw Edward's head pop up with concern; I waved to him to show I was okay.
"Are you kidding?" I questioned in between a few coughs. "Renee only calls me if it's a holiday and if she remembers that it's my birthday, which doesn't happen often. I don't think I've gotten anything from her in the past two years. No card, nothing."
"I know that you have these resentful feelings towards your mother, but spin them into positive thoughts. Let them teach you what not to do with your kids. From what I have seen, I think you already do that with Alexis. You love her as if she were your own, don't you?"
I looked over at the little girl who was the topic of conversation; she was stomping on her sand castle. Based on Charlie's face, he was trying to act mad, but the edges of his mouth were twitching. He then tried to scoop her up into his arms, but she was too quick for him and she ran towards me, crashing into my chest.
"Umph," I breathed, the wind getting knocked out of me slightly. "Yes. Yes, I do."
"Tect me, mommy," she said, climbing into my lap.
I threw the blanket over her so she couldn't be seen, though you could hear her giggles.
"Where'd the munchkin go?" Charlie asked, panting.
Oh, Charlie, you're not supposed to be panting like that from a little run. You should be more in shape, Chief.
"I think she's hiding with her dad," I lied, shrugging my shoulders.
"You know you're an awful liar, right?" He smirked.
"He's onto us, Lex," I said, whipping the blanket off her. "Run, run, to daddy."
She jumped up as fast as she could and squealing as she ran to Edward, who had no clue what was going on. He was taken by surprise when Alexis ran into him, hiding her face in his neck. Sue and I both laughed as we watched Charlie take off at a snails pace behind her.
"Tell me about her calling you mommy," Sue started.
I was wondering when they were going to bring that up.
"Well, after the incident, Edward took me back to his place and Lex asked me to be her mom. I wasn't sure what to say. I was a little wary to say anything since Edward was in the room with us, but I told them both, straight from the heart, that I wanted nothing more to be a part of their lives and be Lexi's mom. God, Sue, I'm completely and irrevocably in love with that man, it scares me sometimes."
"Why are you so scared? It's not like there is anything in his past that would take him away from you and you two just survived a monster from yours. If you made it through that without any problems, then I don't think there is nothing to worry about," she comforted, grabbing my hand.
"I know, you're right. I just...I feel like it's all happening so quickly. He wants me to move in with him. I mean, I'm kind of living with him now, but I told him I wanted to find my own place after this whole James ordeal was over," I told her, running my free hand through my hair.
"But," Sue said, encouraging me to continue.
"But, I'm not sure that's what I want anymore. I just want to be with him, Sue. I...I," I stammered.
"Bella, you know there is no timeline when it comes to love. If we all listened to the rules...that we all have one true love, I don't think I'd be with your father right now," she sighed. "I feel blessed to have fallen in love with two amazing men. You have that, you have that love in front of you and you need to savor every moment of it. Don't waste your time thinking about if it's moving too quickly or out of order. From what Leah has told me, you've been doing things out of order from the very beginning." She winked. "This is your love story, no one else's. Do what you want to do, don't let anyone tell your story but you and Edward."
I smiled as the tears prickled in the corners of my eyes. It'd been so long since I had been able to talk to someone in a mother-daughter manner like this. I reached over to give her a hug which she reciprocated.
"I'm here anytime you need to talk," she offered.
"You ready to go, Sue?" Charlie asked, interrupting our moment.
He helped her stand up, pulling her into his arms. They held each other for a few seconds and I turned away, feeling as if I was intruding on a private moment. Sue then turned around to hug me again.
"Night, Bella," she said, kissing my cheek.
"Night, guys. Drive safe," I said, moving on to Charlie.
"You should get going soon too, sweetie. Edward and I are going fishing with Billy and Jacob in the morning," he mentioned.
"Is that so? Hmm, did you have to coerce him into that trip?" I teased.
"I did no such thing and I'm appalled that you would think so lowly of me," he feigned being hurt. "If you must know, it was Edward's idea. Is there something I should know before I go on this trip? There aren't any surprises are there?"
"Not that I know of, Dad." I smiled.
He gave me a skeptical look and then a wink before heading up the hill with Sue. Little arms circled around my legs, her face looking up at me with her drooping eyes. I knelt down to pick her up feeling only a slight twinge in my ribs, which was a good sign to me, it meant that I was getting better and soon...
Don't think about that right now, Bella.
Alexis curled her arms underneath her body and laid her head on my shoulder, closing her eyes. I walked back over to the fire pit where my friends were chatting among themselves instead of one big group. I took a seat next to Edward, who wrapped one end of the blanket around us to keep us warm.
"You shouldn't be carrying her," he muttered.
"She latched onto my legs and she looked exhausted. Besides, I barely felt any pain," I winked, nibbling on my bottom lip. "In fact, if we had the house to ourselves tonight, I'd start by attacking you on the sofa. I'd make you come twice, once with my mouth and then with you inside me as I rode you. I'd pull the blanket over us as we rested for a bit, before you carried me upstairs to christen my bed...until the sun came up," I whispered, seductively into his ear. He closed his eyes and let out a throaty growl as his head fell forward. "Then I'd send you off without any sleep and smelling like me to go fishing with my dad."
His head whipped up to look at me like I was out of my mind; I couldn't hold back the giggles as he shook his head.
"You, Isabella Swan, will be the death of me," he chuckled, his mouth hovering over mine.
"Well, at least we'll go happily and in love," I added, tilting my head forward to feel the tingles run throughout my lips.
"Ahem, I don't mean to interrupt this love fest that is going on here, but my little Tinks is starting to pass out so I think I should get her home. I'd go ahead and leave, but seeing as you two drove us..." Jasper grinned.
"Yeah, sorry, we can go." Edward stood up taking Alexis out of my arms so I could stand up.
Seth and Paul put the fire out while Rachel, Leah and I gathered the food. Edward headed up the hill to put Alexis in the car. I linked an arm through Seth's as we made our way to our cars.
"I just hope that Jake and I are as affectionate as you and Edward are when we have this kid," Leah commented. "What were you saying to him anyway? He looked kind of uncomfortable."
"Oh, well, Edward has been teasing me for the past couple of weeks," I blushed. "Try being around that man twenty-four/seven and not be able to act upon your impulses because you have some bruised ribs. And then he doesn't help, getting you all riled up then walking away, leaving you wanting more."
The girls groaned in camaraderie as the guys chuckled, each of them receiving a subsequent smack in the head. Edward stood, leaning against the passenger door with his arms crossed over his chest looking as if he stepped off the screen of the latest talked about movie geared toward teens.
"See what I mean, ladies?" I inquired, nodding to my boyfriend.
"Mmhm," they moaned in unison.
"Alright, alright, night Bella-Bell," Jacob said, tugging me away from Seth and into his strong arms. "I hope tonight is just the start of an amazing birthday."
"Thank you, Jakey."
We gave each other quick pecks on the cheek then I moved onto Paul and Rachel who gave me a double hug before shoving a present in my hands. I tried to object, but they walked away singing 'lalalala', pretending that they couldn't hear me. After saying good-bye to Seth and Leah and getting a couple more presents, I walked over to a waiting Edward, who stood with the door open. With a chaste kiss and a smack on the ass, I slid into the front seat.
The drive was quiet since we were all exhausted from the days events; Alice and Alexis were passed out in the back seat, Jasper was humming along to the radio and I leaned my head against Edward's arm as he drove. I waved farewell to them, carrying Alexis inside while Edward stayed outside to speak with Jasper about something. By the time he walked back in, I had Alexis changed, teeth brushed and asleep on the sofa bed. I laid snuggled next to her, my eyes shutting on their own.
A pair of smooth lips, hot air breathing on my skin, and the smell of cinnamon woke me up. I forced my eyes to open, feeling the ache as I did so.
"Do you want to sleep down here?" he mumbled, his mouth on mine.
"Mm, no, I want to be with you," I said, groggily.
"Then hold on, love."
He placed my arms around his neck, one at a time and I locked my hands together. His one arm rounded my back while the other snuck under my knees then he lifted me, carrying me up the stairs. I laid my head on his shoulder, feeling my heart flutter just by being in his arms.
I could do this every night.
He sat me down on the edge of the bed and very carefully and slowly undressed me. His fingers tickled my sides as he lifted my shirt up inch by inch and I lifted my arms, letting out a small giggle when he ghosted over my armpits. I shivered from the cool air hitting me. Edward wound his arms around to unhook the lacy garment. Again, his fingers trickled over my skin making bumps break out over my body. I looked up into his eyes, which were now a shade darker and filled with want. I pushed off the bed just enough to capture his lips, my hands knotting in his hair, holding his face to mine. I pulled him back down needing to feel the weight of his body on top of me. I opened my mouth to deepen the kiss, inching my tongue closer to his. I moved my hands down his back, yanking the fabric of his cotton shirt up to feel his skin, the contours of his muscles. We broke the kiss long enough to rid ourselves of the barrier.
My fingers enjoyed the feel of his muscles twitching under my touch; my body warmed knowing I was causing his body to react in such a way. I dipped my thumbs into the hem of his pants and slid them from hip bone to hip bone a couple of times until his belt buckle was truly becoming an obstacle. I quickly unfastened it as well as his button fly before he had the chance to notice what I was doing. His hands found themselves latched onto my perk breasts making me arch into the warmth of his chest. He kissed his way down my jaw to the hollow of my throat and lower to the valley between my breasts. I moaned when his tongue flicked my right nipple.
"You taste so fucking good, Bella," he whispered.
I arched slightly and his hands gripped my hips, holding me in place. He bit down on my peak and my whole body ignited with want for him. His tongue twisted and turned over my nipple as his thumbs caressed my waist, his touch was making my skin burn. I could feel his hard length straining against his jeans so I wrapped my legs around his upper thighs and slowly removed his pants along with his boxer briefs with my feet. Edward was now hovering above me completely naked still lavishing attention on my breasts.
"Edward," I breathed.
"Yes, love," he mumbled.
"Please, I need you. Please, for my birthday," I whimpered, wiggling my hips against his cock.
He's driving me fucking insane and he knows it.
He released my favorite throaty groan sending incredible vibrations over my skin and I knew he was going to give me whatever I wanted. He lifted his head to stare into my eyes.
"On two conditions," he pointed. "One, if I am hurting you at all, you have to tell me stop. Two, we cannot make any noise. I will not have Charlie walking in here."
I stared back into his eyes as if in a trance, unable to look away even if I wanted to. I'd do anything and everything he asked me to do just so I could feel him inside of me.
"First, the only pain you'll be giving me will be pure ecstasy and second, you better make sure the door is locked...just in case," I responded with a wink.
He stood up and walked over to the door to lock it. He strutted his way back over to me, stroking his beautiful cock, up and down, ever so slowly. I licked my lips seeing the precum seeping out, thinking about how good he would taste. Then I thought about how much better it would feel to have him inside me. Edward must have seen the conflict play out on my face because he lay down beside me and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, just staring.
"What's the matter, love?" he asked, sliding his hand underneath my panties to let his finger circle my clit. "Fuck, Bella, you're bare."
"It's been so long and there is so much to do," I explained, squirming under his touch and ignoring his comment. "I don't know what I want more."
"Well, it is your birthday so I'll do whatever you want me to do." He smiled, slipping one finger inside me.
My breath hitched in my throat as his fingers stroked me. I leaned my head back against the mattress and closed my eyes taking in the moment.
As the oxygen refilled my lungs and I let it out, I said, "No matter what I decide to do, these pants need to come off."
"Ain't that the truth," he replied, making quick movement to rid me of the last pieces of barriers with his free hand.
While he did that, I took the time to figure out what I really wanted. I wanted the quick release from his magical fingers and his mouth fucking my pussy; this was also my chance to show him how much I loved him and wanted to thank him for everything he had done; but watching him hover over my body, thrusting deep inside, his muscles straining as he held off his release just for me took the cake. I bit my bottom lip and looked up at Edward through my eyelashes, his eyes black and hooded.
"I want you to fuck me, Edward," I said, seductively. "Then I want you to make love to me."
As soon as the word fuck left my mouth, Edward was on top of me, peppering kisses from my sternum down to my pubic bone. His tongue flicked my clit at a rapid pace and I had to bite my arm to keep the scream from escaping as I looked up to see him between my legs.
Fuck me, it's been too long.
My hips bucked towards his face when he slid two more fingers inside, warming my body up for him even more.
Who am I kidding? I was warmed up and ready to slide home.
"Ungh, no games, Edward," I growled, feeling the pressure build slightly.
"Yes, my love." He smirked from his current position.
With a kiss to those lips, he licked his way up to me. His tongue delving into my mouth, hungry and desperate and he filtered the moan, I let go, tasting myself mixed with him. His cock rubbed against my inner thigh making me move slightly to get him right where I needed him to be. Edward spread my legs further apart and slammed into me, sheathing himself in my wetness causing me to gasp and a low rumble to roll through his chest. Fuck! Edward didn't even wait for my body to get reacquainted with his size before he pulled back and drove into me again, harder than before.
I did ask him to fuck me.
He was so deep and firm inside me; he felt so fucking good that it took all of my might not to scream or moan his name. I could feel the salt and metal mixture on my tongue.
I made my lip bleed, he made my lip bleed. I whimpered softly every time he pulled back until he was almost out of me completely before crashing into me over and over again, hitting my g-spot.
Ungh, fuck me, he's so deep, it feels fucking incredible. God, I fucking love him.
His hand left the wall to wrap around my lower thighs, his strength holding me up at the same angle as his other hand moved between my legs, circling and pinching my clit. The muscles in my lower abdomen were tightening with each movement, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold on. He raised my hips a little bit higher; his now forest green eyes locked with mine as his tongue darted out ever so slightly and I pictured him back between my legs. That was my undoing; I arched as my body pulsed against him hard and unrelenting, sending him so fucking deep inside me. It was one of the strongest orgasms I'd ever had, and Edward continuing to slam into me was only making it last longer. He then dropped my hips and moved his torso above my body, pushing my legs so that my knees were practically touching my chest.
He buried his face in my neck and licked me from my collar bone to my ear. I tilted my head to the side giving him more access as he thrusted over and over. The muscles tightened again and my second orgasm grew stronger with each one. He slammed into me one last time before his body stilled and I felt him explode inside, biting my neck sending me over the edge again, my body writhing beneath him.
He collapsed on top of me, his face nuzzling in the crook of my neck. Both of our breaths were loud and fast, my heart thumping inside my chest hard enough to make the skin move every time it did. After a few minutes, I opened my mouth but no sound came out; I tried to move but my body felt as heavy as a rock.
"Bella? Are you alive?" he asked, a hint of cockiness in his voice.
"Uhhumenah," was all I could say.
"I'll take that as a yes." He smiled, peppering kisses below my ear.
As I tried to refocus on the here and now, instead of the pleasure rollercoaster I had just taken a ride on, Edward shifted his weight so that he was no longer inside of me and I pouted at the sudden loss. He chuckled at my sadden face, his fingers grazing the tips of my breasts making it even harder for me to focus. After a few more quiet moments I was able to talk...well somewhat.
"God, that was...that was..." I stuttered, still trying to catch my breath.
"Are you ready to go for round two?" he inquired.
As those words left his mouth, I could feel him starting to get hard against my leg.
"Edward? Already?"
"It's been a long time, love, and I'm not going to pass up an opportunity to make love to you. But first, how are you feeling? I wasn't too rough, was I?" he questioned, raising his head to check my body for any injuries which I wasn't quite sure how much he could actually see since it was dark.
"Fuck no, Edward. You were just...perfect, magnificent, just what I needed our first time together again. I needed to know that you still wanted me," I responded, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Bella, I always want you, you have to believe me," he said in a husky voice, pressing his growing cock against my outer thigh. "You feel that? That's all you, baby." Then he lightly moved his knuckles over the apple of my cheeks. "These have been the most excruciating weeks of my life."
"I love you, Edward," I stated.
I then pulled his face down to mine kissing him all over-his forehead, his eyelids, his cheekbones, the tip of his nose, his chin and finally his succulent lips that if I could, I'd kiss and suck on all day long. We parted our lips and our tongues entwined together. My hands wound around his upper body and slid down easily because of the sweat, towards his ass as far as they could reach; my nails dug into the tight flesh making Edward buck his hips toward mine. His mouth left mine, moving to place open mouthed kisses along my neck, sucking on my weak spot behind the ear.
He peppered kisses across my collar bone to my burns which he blew on softly sending a shiver down my spine. My fingers tangled in his silky locks, holding him in place. I circled my hips against him hoping to speed things up. His hands slid down my body one at a time, hitching my legs around his back where I locked them into place, crossing my ankles. Edward exhaled heavily onto my face, the tip of his cock twitching against my wet folds. I had to fight the urge to push him down into me by biting my lip, which was already raw from our previous escapade.
I watched his eyes move from my eyes to my mouth and then back to my eyes. His breath increased in force as his forehead dropped against mine.
"You are so beautiful, Bella. I want to spend every night with you like this."
My heart started to race and my breath hitched, hearing him say that he wanted me the way that I wanted him every night in our future. I knew we'd had this discussion before, but hearing him say it again, weeks later, sent a fire that ignited in my stomach, traveling around my body at lightening speed.
"I want nothing more, Edward." I smiled.
I pushed against his ass with my heels and lifted myself to meet him as his length slipped into me; we both gasped, looking into each other's eyes. Feeling a little more at home, I smiled giving him all the permission he needed to start moving. I tilted my chin up to capture his lips and we moaned against each other's mouths, filtering the sound. He thrusted his hips into mine and I arched my back needing him to go deeper, needing to feel more of him.
"Bella," he groaned, quietly.
"Ungh, yes, Edward, like that," I breathed, arching my back again, desperate for the release that was building in the pit of my stomach.
"I'm getting closer, baby," I mewled.
"Me, too," he grunted through gritted teeth.
He raised his body a bit, resting his weight on his left arm as his right hand ran down my arm, gliding along my neck, and moving over my chest, pausing for a few seconds to feel my heart beat. He then slid it lower to my stomach, caressing my skin. Edward placed it on my lower abdomen and pressed just the right amount as he moved inside. That little bit of pressure was enough to set off my third orgasm of the night, not nearly as strong as the previous one, but still just as fucking good. My release set off Edward's; his jaw hung slack as his orgasm slammed through his body and sent me on a wonderful high.
He rolled us onto our sides, both of us panting. We laid, in pure bliss, smelling of sweat and sex. I brushed the matted hair off his forehead and just stared into his eyes with a smile plastered on my face.
"What?" he asked.
"We just had sex in my dad's house and we christened the bed like I wanted," I giggled softly.
"I can't believe we just did that." He shook his head. "I have to be up in..." he paused, checking the clock on the dresser, "I have to be up in five hours, Bella, to go fishing with your dad."
The look of terror on his face only made me giggle some more and I couldn't stop. I buried my head in his chest hoping it would stifle the sound. Edward snaked his arms around my head and held me against him until I was sane enough to come back up, but I used this position to my advantage, placing kisses along his abdomen and moving lower.
"Hey, hey, ah, ah, no way," he said, lifting me up to the pillow. "I kept my promise, love, now let's go to sleep. We both have a big day ahead of us."
"Mmm, alright," I yawned.
"Good night, my love."
"Night, Edward. I love you," I mumbled.
"Happy birthday, Bella."
"Happy indeed." I smirked, causing him to chuckle as we both closed our eyes.
I awoke the next morning from the best sleep I had had in weeks with a huge smile on my face. I stretched to make sure I could still move; I was a little sore, but damn, it was worth it. I closed my eyes, picturing Edward looking down at me with an intense gaze as he slammed into me with his hard, thick cock, going deeper and deeper with each thrust. I'd never forget the sensation that washed over me as he entered me for the first time in weeks. The way his ab-muscles contracted with the buck of his hips, his jaw tightening as he held back his own release, waiting for my own to come first.
Then taking his time making love to me. Though we had done it many times before, last night, I felt more connected to Edward than I ever thought possible. He filled me so completely that my eyes rolled into the back of my head numerous times. My body warmed at just the thought of seeing him naked again. Now that I had gotten a hit, I was in need of another one.
At first, I felt kind of bad for coercing him into having sex with me last night, using my birthday as a reason. But after hearing the low growl erupt from his chest, I knew that he needed this just as much as I did.
I groaned, feeling the loss of his body heat next to me and giving into the fact that I was alone in this big bed. I rolled onto my side pulling the covers around me tighter to feel a little bit of the warmth that I was missing. I heard a crinkling under my hand as I grabbed onto Edward's pillow to see if it smelled like him. I lifted my head to find a yellow sticky note with Edward's beautiful script:
Happy Birthday, Love!
I would have waked you but you looked so
peaceful that I didn't want to disturb you.
We shouldn't be out too late. You and
Lexi enjoy your mother/daughter day
together.
I miss you already.
Love Always,
Edward
Putting the note down, I moved to get out of bed. My legs wobbled a little bit as I stood, walking over to the rocking chair to grab my robe before heading into to the bathroom to shower. While Edward was spending the morning with Charlie, I booked a mini spa day for Alexis and I; we were going to get manis and pedis.
After an enjoyable shower that helped ease my aching muscles, I went downstairs to wake up Alexis and to start breakfast. To my surprise, she was already up and dressed for the day with Sue.
"Happy berfday, Bella!" Alexis yelled, running up to me with her arms open.
"Hey, baby girl, thank you." I smiled, picking her up and nuzzling her nose.
"How old you be?" she asked, holding up her hands in my face.
"How old am I? Oh I'm older than the number of fingers you have," I laughed.
"How old?" she persisted.
"I'm twenty-six."
"Less than Daddy," she grinned.
"That's right, less than Daddy," I continued to laugh. "You excited about our day?"
"Uh-huh. I get pwetty pink nails," she answered.
"That will be pretty. Hey, Sue," I greeted her with a one arm hug.
"Hello, dear, Happy Birthday."
"Thanks. Did you want to go get your nails done with us today?" I inquired, grabbing a muffin.
"No, you girls go enjoy your day. Edward said to drive carefully." She gave me a knowing smile.
"That man is always worried about me, even if I am just driving down the street." I shook my head.
"Well, you are pretty accident prone, Bella," she countered.
"Touche. We'll see you later. It shouldn't take more than an hour or two."
I drove slowly to the nail salon which looked podunk on the outside but once you walked through the doors, it felt as if you were taken into an alternate universe. The store had white tiled floors with crimson red and tan walls. There were five glossy, wood desks with various nail supplies all around towards the front and five, cream colored leather chairs with tubs lining the back wall. To our right was a rainbow of different nail colors on shelves.
The owner, Charlotte, greeted us as we entered. She told us to pick out a color then have a seat in the back, which we did. Alexis had to sit towards the end of the chair in order to put her short legs in the water. Charlotte and her sister Maria asked a multitude of questions, and even Alexis jumped in on answering some of the questions.
"So, Bella, what brings you back in town?"
"When do you leave?"
"Is Seattle where you live now?"
"Is this your daughter?"
"Is the father...is the father around?"
After answering their initial questions, I sat back enjoying the massage chair. I was able to move the back of Alexis' chair forward enough for her to lean back and enjoy the mechanics of the chair as well.
"So, Lex, what has been your favorite part about Forks?" I asked her.
"The beach!" she exclaimed. "I like it here, Bella. Can we come back soon?"
"Anytime you want to come, we can, Lex. I'm glad that you have had fun, sweetie."
"Bella, you gonna stay?"
"Stay where?"
"At my house? I don't wan you leave," she pouted.
"I don't want to go anywhere, Lex, but it's up to your dad." I shrugged.
"He wan you stay, too. We get you pwesents for berfday and he look at pwetty wings," she mentioned.
"Wwwhat?" I stammered, my hand moving to my chest.
I gulped thinking about our conversation in the car where we talked about marriage and him discussing his intentions with Charlie. I had just realized that I was ready to move in with him, but was I ready for a ring on my finger? If he did propose on my birthday, would I say yes? I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Edward, but was I ready to walk down the aisle in a white dress with my father on my arm and the man I love waiting for me at the end? With each thought I felt my chest rising and falling more quickly; I felt myself taking in air but it wasn't filling my lungs.
God, I can't breathe. This is just too much for me to take in right now.
"Bella? Mommy? Mommy!" Alexis screamed, shaking my arm. "What wong?!"
Calm down, Bella, you're scaring Lex. Just take deep breaths, everything is going to be okay. You're overreacting here a little bit. She didn't say he bought a ring just that he looked at them, no need to have a panic attack.
After a few minutes, I felt myself calming down and coming back to reality. That's when I heard her- "I scared, Daddy, pwease come." I looked over at Alexis and she had my phone to her ear. She lifted her eyes to mine and silently handed over the phone.
"Edward, I'm fine...No, I had a small panic attack, but I'm doing better now... No, I don't need you to come get us... There is no need to be pinching the bridge of your nose and running your hand through your hair... Haha, because I know you... Are you that eager to get away from my dad?... How about this? You finish with Charlie then meet us at the coffee shop in a half hour... Okay see you soon... I love you, too. Bye."
"I sowwee I called Dddy, but he take care of you," Alexis apologized.
"No, it's fine, Lex. You did the right thing. Who taught you to do that?"
"Daddy. He say hold down button two," she said, holding up two fingers. "And it call him."
"Hmm."
"What? I do sumhin wong?"
"No, not at all. In fact we're going to get a hot chocolate after this." I smiled.
"Yay!" she exclaimed, bouncing in her seat.
"Oh, careful, honey, you don't want to ruin your nails," Maria commented.
"So, Bella, when are you and Edward going to get married?" Charlotte asked.
"Um, I'm not sure. We've kind of talked about it, but that's it. We've only been dating for six months, so..."
"Well, let me say this...love isn't the same for everyone, so in reality time makes no difference. I mean my sister got engaged to her college boyfriend after four years then he cheated on her a couple of months before their wedding. He threw it all out the window and she thought she knew him."
"Jerk," I heard Maria mumble under her breath.
"And that's the nice word she uses to describe him and that's only because Alexis is here," Charlotte laughed. "Now me, Peter and I fell in love instantly and we were engaged after four months together and married just after our one year anniversary. We've been happily married for five years now. Don't let a number dictate your life, Bella."
I let the words that Charlotte just said sink into my brain. They reminded me of the conversation I had had with Sue the night before. They were right; this was my love story, our love story, to write and no one else's.
"Thank you, Charlotte."
She gave me a little wink then continued massaging my left hand.
"Look at my nails, Bella," Alexis said, wiggling her toes as she lifted her leg into the air.
"Absolutely beautiful," I complimented.
A half hour later, we were standing at the front desk paying when the front door swung open and in strut my sexy ass boyfriend. I noticed Maria's jaw drop slightly before snapping shut. Alexis jumped into his arms to show off her new nail color. When she finished, I made proper introductions before we said our goodbyes and headed across the street. We ordered our drinks, including a hot chocolate for Alexis and took a seat on one of the couches, Edward and I both taking a sip and letting the hot liquid warm our bodies. He laid his arm on the back of the cushion and I snuggled into his side. Alexis sat next to me reading one of the many books the coffee shop had, she didn't know how to read, but she made up her own based on the pictures.
"I don't know how you and Charlie went fishing in this cold weather. It had to be ten degrees colder out there."
"Yeah, we bundled up with tons of layers and Charlie brought a thermos of hot coffee. We ended our trip earlier than expected because the fish weren't biting. We did catch three of them though," he said, twirling a strand of my hair. "So, love, do you want to tell me what happened earlier?"
"Not particularly," I mumbled.
"Come on, I want to know," he coaxed.
I turned to check on Alexis. She was reading a 'Winnie the Pooh' book to an imaginary group in front of her. I chuckled softly, turning my attention back to Edward
"Your daughter, who can't keep any secrets, told me that you were looking at rings when you went shopping for my present," I explained, looking down at my cup. "I kind of panicked because I just realized that I want to move in with you, but marriage?"
"You do know that when I ask you to marry me that we don't have to do it right away. We can wait until you're ready."
"I'm slowly starting to realize that."
"And did you say you want to move in with me? Does that mean we don't have to go apartment hunting?" he beamed.
"As long as you still want me to," I replied sheepishly.
"Uh...yeah, of course I do. I knew you wouldn't be able to leave." He smirked. "And, uh, love, what would you think about moving...to a new house?"
"Um, what and why?" I asked, shaking my head in disbelief.
"Well, the current one is tainted with bad memories, like your apartment was. Plus, when we do get married and have kids we're going to need more space. So why not start looking now, put the house on the market because who knows how long it will take to sell." He shrugged.
"It all goes back to marriage and babies, huh?"
"I gonna get a little brutter or sitter?" Alexis jumped in.
"Do you want that?" I inquired.
"Yeah, I have sumone to pay wit," she replied, crawling into my lap.
"We'll see okay, I can't make any promises." I smiled.
"So, you never did answer my question." Edward smirked.
"Um...yes, we can go house shopping."
"In that case, I have a present right here in my pocket," he said, pulling out a little canary blue box with a white ribbon. "Just for you. Happy birthday, beautiful."
I looked back and forth between him and the box. You'd have to be living underneath a rock to not know what store this present came from. I gave him an evil glare making him laugh and I grabbed the box.
"I was going to give it to you later, but seeing as this present goes along with our conversation..." he paused, waiting for me to open the gift.
I slowly untied the ribbon then jiggled the lid, handing it to Alexis to hold. I slowly moved the tissue paper out of the way and nestled underneath it all was a key which I assumed was to his house. I looked up at him with the biggest smile on my face.
"Now it's official, love, not only do you have the key to our house, but also the key to my heart."
"You are so cheesy, but I love you for it."
"I love you, too."
He leaned forward, kissing my lips and I lifted my hand to cup his cheek, holding him close. Alexis raised her own hands and rubbed our cheeks, soothingly. We laughed into each other's mouths, pulling apart.
We finished our drinks and then headed back to the house to finish packing and to say goodbye. I decided to open the presents that my friends had left for me so that I wouldn't have boxes sliding around in the back of the car. I figured I'd get the worst one out of the way-Seth's-who gave me a book; 'What to Expect When You're Expecting.'
"Uh, Bells, is there something you need to tell me?" Charlie asked, eyes wide.
I wanted to be mad, but instead I snorted a laugh because of his face, Edward's and Sue's. Edward had his head in the palm of his hand, shaking it, and Sue was beaming not only at the thought, but also at her son, the jokester.
Why did I decide to open these up in front of everyone instead of up in my room with Edward? Oh, that's right; Charlie and Sue wanted to give me their gift.
"No, Dad, I'm definitely not pregnant, I swear. It's just Seth being a jerk," I said, shaking my head and moving onto the next present.
This one was a combo gift from Rachel, Paul, Leah and Jacob. I opened the smaller of the two black and white boxes to find a black Coach wristlet.
"Oh, pwetty," Alexis commented.
I handed it to her to check out and moved onto the other box; inside that one was a black and gray Coach wallet. I pulled out the card and read:
Happy 26th birthday, Bella,
These are to go along with that Coach purse Renee sent you a couple of Christmases ago.
It was Leah's idea and then Rachel wanted to go in on the gift, too.
We know how your are about having your wallet and purse match, so now you can use it.
We hope you like them.
Love,
Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Paul
xo
"When did you start liking the finer things in life?" Charlie asked.
"Oh, be quiet and you're one to talk there, mister."
The next gift was a three tier gift wrapped together with a black ribbon; it was from Alice and Jasper. I opened the first box which held the card:
Happy Birthday, B!
This is a little something for you, but really it's for Dr. DILF.
I don't think you'll be wearing it for long once he sees you in it ;)
Hugs and Kisses,
Alice and Jasper
I could already feel my cheeks turning a darker shade and I hadn't even seen what she bought. I opened the lid of the medium sized box and found a pair of brown silk panties.
Okay, that's not so bad.
I covered the box back up and opened the last one. Beneath the layers of tissue paper, I found a brown sheer, embroidered teddy. It was beautiful, something that I wouldn't normally wear, but for Edward, I would give it a try. I fingered the delicate fabric and thought about how he'd react to seeing me in it, sending a newly ignited fire burning through my body pooling in the pit of my stomach and in my cheeks. Edward looked at me wide eyed and I ducked my head into the palm of my hand to which he offered his sexy smirk. I took a couple of deep breaths and straightened myself out, trying to avoid any and all eye contact with Charlie.
"Okay, honey, this is from Sue and me," he mentioned, handing me a small black box.
I stared into my father's eyes and saw the love emanating from them. I bit my bottom lip as I opened the top and there sat a beautiful silver ring with smooth and cable details and a diamond 'x'. It was gorgeous and very unlike Charlie. Generally he bought me electronics or things for cooking, but this...this was too much.
"I...this is beautiful, Dad. How did you...?" I was at a loss for words.
"Leah mentioned to Sue that you loved David Yurman's jewelry, but could never afford it on your salary. That's why people have birthdays." He smiled, a bit uncomfortable at the attention.
"You are the best, you know that?" I said, giving him a tight hug.
We held each other for a minute before he let go and I moved to hug Sue then I put the ring back in the box. I knew exactly which finger I was going to put it on, but seeing as I had a cast in the way, I'd have to wait until later this week.
"Me next, me next!" Alexis yelled running over to me with a canary blue bag that read 'Tiffany's and Co.'
I dug out the rectangle box from the mist of white tissue paper. I threw the lid off for theatrics and picked up the drawstring bag. I poured the contents into the palm of my hand- it was a sterling silver charm bracelet with one charm that read 'Mom' in cursive. The tears prickled in the corners of my eyes. I picked it up carefully and noticed the charm was actually a locket. I hit the button and it popped open to a small picture of Alexis and myself that was taken at the Cullen house one Sunday. I felt a tear slide down the side of my cheek and Alexis used her small hand to wipe it away.
"You like it?" she asked, eagerly.
"Like it? I love it, Lex. Thank you," I gushed, kissing her cheek. "Do you want to help put it on?"
She used her little fingers to open the clasp and connect it to the other end on my left wrist. Edward's gift was last and again, it was another little box like the one Charlie and Sue gave me. I untied the cream color bow, placing it on the table and lifted the lid to find a silver cable ring with a diamond heart.
"Remember how I said you had my heart? That's just another reminder," he whispered for only me to hear.
I turned my head to meet his lips, sucking on his bottom one. Knowing that there was an audience around us, we parted after a few seconds. I slid the ring on my ring finger for now and stood to gather up all the presents. I carried them back upstairs to pack quickly, and then came back downstairs with my bag to find everyone outside. I hugged and kissed both Charlie and Sue, making plans to have them up for Thanksgiving.
"Hold on to that man, Bella. He loves you more than his own life," Charlie whispered to me as we hugged.
I leaned back slightly to look into his eyes and they were sparkling with a little bit of moisture pooling. Charlie was letting me go; he knew that with Edward he didn't need to worry about me as much, which also meant that he could move forward in his life. He could be much more than just a dad or a police chief. Now, if my gut feeling was right, he could become a husband again. I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him tight.
"I love you, Daddy," I muttered into his shoulder.
"I love you, too, Bells."
I released my hold on him, walking backwards to the car as I continued to wave, smile and shed a couple of tears. I slipped into the front seat continuing to stare at my father, the one man who I knew would always be there for me, my one constant...that was until Edward came into my life. It was a scary feeling to know you were being let go, but that it was the best for all parties involved. As the car backed out of the driveway, I let the tears fall and sketched my father's face into my memory through the blurry vision. Each time I came to visit, he only appeared happier and that warmed my heart. A warm hand linking with mine pulled me from my thoughts and I turned to look at our connected hands, his fingers gliding over the ring he gave me.
Imagine what it would feel like if it was the diamond ring on your finger.
I lifted my eyes to look at his profile and couldn't keep the smile off my face. I must've looked crazy, smiling as tears streamed down my face. Edward quirked his head towards me, offering his crooked grin which I loved. I leaned across the center console and kissed his soft lips, gently and quickly whispering my love for him against his mouth.
It was late in the afternoon by the time we made it back to Seattle. We had to make a stop at the Cullen's home before we could go to Edward's- our house. We were welcomed with open arms and kisses all around. Esme and Rosalie pulled me into the kitchen to discuss our trip to Forks, passing me a glass of wine. Alexis tagged along, wanting to be one of the big girls. So I sat her on the counter as I gave the two women the PG version of what happened. When I finished it all, I showed them the ring and the bracelet Edward and Alexis gave me. Esme already knew about Alexis' gift since she took her to pick it out. She explained that Alexis knew exactly what she wanted and they had to go to four different stores to find it.
We enjoyed a dinner that Carlisle cooked- steak with corn on the cob and mashed potatoes, for dessert we had cake, courtesy of Rosalie. I wasn't going to make a wish before blowing out the candles, but Alexis yelled at me until I did. I received more gifts- a scrapbook of Edward, Alexis and myself that Esme had started and we were supposed to continue filling and the rest of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series thanks to Rosalie and Emmett.
We said our goodbyes and drove to our house. When Edward pulled into the garage, Alexis ran inside ahead of us while we grabbed the bags. I walked in ahead of him and sighed walking through the laundry room and to the kitchen.
"What is it, Bella?" Edward asked, the concern written on the lines on his forehead.
"It's nothing, I'm just...I'm finally home," I exhaled.
He dropped the bags and closed the space between us encompassing me in his arms as his lips crashed to mine.
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