The holidays had come and gone. For Thanksgiving, we had everyone over at our house, including Charlie and Sue, who drove up that day. It was an incredible day seeing as all of us had something to give thanks for.
The week we returned from Forks, I had made the decision to go to James' sentencing hearing. I spoke to the judge, telling him how I no longer felt safe in my own apartment now, knowing that James had lived in the same area as I did for who knew how many months and very well could have been spying on me.
"Your home is supposed to be the one place where you can feel comfortable, where you can feel the most at ease, and I can never feel that way again. He has tainted every good memory I ever had in that place," I explained.
In addition to my statement, Edward also spoke on behalf of the prosecution. On James' behalf, the only person willing to talk was his mother, who even admitted that he needed help; she just didn't want to see him get the most severe punishment, she wanted the two years in prison plus two years probation.
It took the judge longer to make a decision than it did the jury. We had to wait about two hours, the difference this time though was that I wasn't nervous, I wasn't fidgeting, because I knew no matter what he was out of our hair. I listened intently as the judge informed James that he had taken everyone's' statements into account, but in the end, he couldn't deny the pain and turmoil he caused in my life. With that, James would spend the next five years in prison with a chance for parole after four years with a mandatory probation for three years including two-hundred hours of community service. His sentence started immediately; he quickly hugged his mother before he was slapped with handcuffs and taken away.
Never once did James apologize, which to me, proved that he didn't regret his actions; had he not been caught, he would have done it again.
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas passed by in a blur. It was filled with shopping, parties, school plays and open houses. I was getting sick and tired of watching strangers walk through the house, but Edward promised me that it was all a good sign considering the housing market wasn't in the best shape. I just hoped someone didn't make an offer too soon; we hadn't even had a chance to do our own house hunting.
Of course, my words would come back around to bite me in the ass. On Christmas day, we were celebrating at the Cullen's house when Edward got the call from the realtor. The last couple that had come through the week before was putting an offer on the house. They were even offering more than the asking price if we would leave certain furniture in the house such as Alexis' bedroom set; they had a three year old daughter who fell in love with everything about that room.
So, with the weight of needing to find a new home in the next month or two pressing down on my shoulders, we spent the rest of the weekend down in Forks with Charlie and Sue. I thought Carlisle and Esme were bad in spoiling Alexis, but they didn't compare to what Charlie and Sue bought her. There was barely any room in the car for any of us to fit once Edward loaded everything in, which included a big girl bike.
There was one present that took me out of my stress-filled mood; Charlie proposed to Sue under the mistletoe. It was the sweetest proposal I had ever seen. They got caught by Alexis who told them they had to kiss, which they did, and then Charlie got down on one knee, pulling out a velvet box and opening it. Sue's hand immediately went to her mouth as she gasped at the romantic notion. He then proceeded to ask her to marry him to which she simply said yes.
I found myself clutching onto Edward as we watched this memorable moment.
He dipped his head to my ear and whispered, "That will soon be us."
I shivered feeling his warm breath against my skin. I slowly turned my head, my eyes moving between his own and his mouth. I closed the few inches that separated our lips, pressing mine forcefully against his, fisting my hand in his shirt, and holding him close to me. We pulled apart and moved to congratulate my father and Sue, who were both overjoyed. Sue immediately asked me if I would be her maid of honor, since she didn't have any daughters of her own. Then she asked if Alexis would be her flower girl, to which she responded by jumping up and down screaming. Charlie turned to Edward, inquiring if he would be one of his groomsmen.
Before we could even think about house hunting, we had to get through New Years. Carlisle and Esme offered to baby-sit the grandchildren so we all could head downtown for a karaoke night. Alice and I were able to convince a very pregnant Leah to join in the festivities. She deserved to ring in one last New Years before she became a mother.
She still had a month and a half to go before she popped. None of us knew what they were having since she and Jacob were keeping it a secret, which did not make for a very happy Alice. She was dying to go shopping for pink and blue, but couldn't. She had to stick with yellow and green-and who were we kidding-yellow really didn't look good on a baby, especially one with their russet color skin.
New Years Eve was a memorable night filled with too much drinking, jokes, stories as well as announcements.
The great thing about the place we went, there was a competition to see who was the karaoke king and queen. Of course, our guys had to show their machismo and make a bet over who would win, each of them picking themselves except for Edward, who was smart enough to pick Emmett. In the end, we never found out who was crowned because we left right after midnight, right after Jasper proposed to Alice and Rosalie told Emmett she was pregnant.
But it wasn't just their news that made the night memorable-Edward and I made love numerous times to ring in the New Year and we didn't stick to just the bedroom.
That weekend we put all of our problems on the back burner and spent it as a family, de-stressing and having fun. We started the day early with a trip to the aquarium, which Alexis loved, seeing as Finding Nemo was the only movie she would watch multiple times in a row. We ended it with a double feature at the movies-first seeing "The Princess and the Frog" followed by "The Blind Side."
The new year brought busy schedules for both Edward and I. Leah had handed over controls of A New Moon Rising to me; I was working twice as much both inside and outside of the center. No one else was willing to come in early, as I always did, so I was still starting my work day at seven and working until seven because Leah and I were the only ones who ever stayed until the last child left. On top of that twelve hour day, I was dealing with private matters such as parent complaints, payments and dealing with children who bit or hit other kids.
Edward's schedule wasn't much better. He was working all sorts of hours, making up to those doctors who had filled in for him during our ordeal. Sometimes he would work early mornings, other times it was late nights, but no matter how hectic things got for us, we still came together as often as possible for an hour or two to reconnect.
On top of our work schedules, we still needed to find a new house. Since Edward didn't have nearly as much free time as I did, Alexis and I took it upon ourselves to find the perfect home. There were certain things that Edward and I were looking for-privacy, space, a backyard with room to play, a big kitchen and the perfect bathroom.
I've had a thing for bathrooms since our trip to the Salish Lodge.
Edward and I both thought it'd be best if we moved away from the city. Rosalie suggested we start our search in Bellevue and even offered to help look. We made a day out of it.
"I wish you could come." I pouted as Edward and I stood in the kitchen, drinking coffee.
"I do too, love, but I know that you are going to find the perfect home for us," he said with a chaste kiss.
"I hope so. I'm really not looking forward to doing this," I huffed. "I figured we'd have plenty of time and that we wouldn't be rushed. I have this weekend and next to find us something; even then I have a feeling we'll be staying with your parents."
"No, that isn't an option." Edward put his cup down and sat his hands on my hips. "You'll find one today, and next week we'll be able to move in even if I have to offer more than the asking price. Send me pictures of your favorites then it'll almost be as if I am there with you."
"Alright, baby, I will." I slid my arms around his waist, pulling his body closer to mine.
"Hello, hello!" Rosalie yelled walking in the door.
"We're in the kitchen, Rose!" I exclaimed, rubbing my hands over his back, enjoying the embrace.
"Hey, you two," she greeted, joining us. "Oh, sorry, don't mean to interrupt."
"You're fine, Rose, this is what we do." Edward smiled crookedly.
"Are you ready to go, Bella? Where's Lexi?"
"She's upstairs playing, and yes, I'm ready to go." I pouted again, pulling back slightly.
"I ear Auntie Rose!" Alexis ran down the stairs saying.
"Hey, my little girl. How are you?" she asked, crouching down to Alexis' level.
"How da baby?" she asked, rubbing Rosalie's belly.
Rosalie was almost fours months along. She had told the family about the pregnancy and both Aiden and Ethan were excited about the prospect of a baby sister. The sex of the baby wasn't known yet, but Rosalie hoped it would be a girl.
"The little bean is doing good. Are you ready to go look at new houses?"
Alexis nodded her head.
"Well, then let's go." Rose grabbed Alexis' hand and took her out to the car.
"Bye, love, enjoy your day." He smiled, lowering his lips to mine.
"Mm, you too. Go cure some sick kids," I ordered, smacking his ass.
"Hey, now, only I'm allowed to do that," he countered.
"Yeah, no." I grinned, walking away from him.
"Love you." He smirked.
"Love you, too."
I jumped in the front seat of Rosalie's car and we headed out to Bellevue, where the realtor was waiting.
The first one was a beautiful brick, two-story house with spectacular views of Lake Washington and the Olympic mountains. There was also a gate at the end of the cobblestone-like driveway, which already gave the place one point.
"Welcome ladies," Maggie greeted us as we stepped out of the car, slamming the doors shut.
"It's gorgeous, Maggie," I complimented. "It reminds me of a French chateau."
"It does, doesn't it, Bella? And the inside is even better. Let me show you."
We followed Maggie inside and I was blown away.
"There are hardwood floors throughout the home. Before we head upstairs, let's take a look around down here. I know there are certain criteria you have, Bella, and let me tell you, this fulfills them all," she continued as we walked into the kitchen.
The kitchen was massive with white cabinets, marble counter tops, two chandeliers lighting the room, and a huge island in the middle with plenty of drawers and cabinet space. It appeared as if it had never been cooked in, as if a family never laughed or played around in there.
"Rose, I think this is a bit much. I feel like I would need to hire a chef," I whispered.
She nodded her head and snorted.
"Follow me to the office slash library."
Each room was more magnificent than the one before. I could picture certain furniture in that house, but after the full tour was finished, I knew that house was not for us. The European style floor plan was a bit too much for our style; the place even had an elevator and a butler's pantry.
"I know this is not the one, Maggie," I stated.
"Okay then, we'll keep looking, no big deal. I didn't expect you to fall in love with the first one."
We looked at house after house, each one having something that we wanted, but none of them offered the entire package; none of them screamed home when we walked in the door. That's what I wanted, that's what I was looking for. Was I being a little too picky? Sure, maybe. But whichever one we chose would be where we would make a life together, where we would have kids and raise them, and most likely be where we'd spend the rest of our lives.
"Rose, I'm not sure we'll ever find the right one," I complained.
"Just have hope, Bella. Maybe this will be the right one." She smiled, pulling into the driveway. "Plus, it kind of has to be since it's the last one."
"Well, the landscaping is very pretty," I complimented.
"See, that's a start."
"Okay, Bella, this is the last one on my list. I'm thinking I saved the best for last," Maggie said, opening the door for us. "I know the double doors are glass, but you can put up curtains for privacy, but I'm not sure that will really be needed since it's just you and three other houses on this private cul-de-sac."
We were greeted with vaulted ceilings with a chandelier hanging down and a long tiled walkway. One way led to the living room, the other to the stairs. Maggie led us to the living room where there was a fireplace. In the corner, near a window, there sat a baby grand, where you could look out at the garden. It was beautiful with enough light filtering through. Next, we toured the family room which was painted a red color and had plenty of windows; there was also a brick styled fireplace and built in bookshelves and cabinets. That room was open to the kitchen and casual dining area. The kitchen was perfect- plenty of counter space, hardwood floors, a wide island where I could put bar stools, dark wood cabinets with brand new appliances. I was finally in love with a kitchen.
Before heading upstairs, Maggie showed us the wrap-around deck where would could have barbecue parties with the entire family and the den, which the current family had turned into an office.
The second story was just as incredible. The master bedroom was bigger than Edward's current one, plus this had a two-way fireplace. I sighed walking into the bathroom seeing the amazing bath tub.
There was a media room that I knew the guys would love and a basement that we could turn into a playroom. Besides being sold myself, Alexis was also sold when she saw the room that would be hers- the walls already came painted with grass on the sides and a huge tree at the end, very much like the Secret Garden. There was a little girl swinging off one of the branches; it reminded her of our weekend in Forks.
"What do you think, Bella?" Maggie inquired as we checked out the sprawling backyard.
I looked down at Alexis, who stared at me with pleading eyes.
"I think this is the one. I love it, as does Lex. Now we just need to sell her father on the place, since he's the one buying it, but I don't think it'll be too hard to twist his arm. When is the family looking to sell?"
"As soon as they can. I'm told they are in the process of moving so the sooner the better."
"Great, please put an offer in for us."
"No problem."
Later that night, I told Edward about all the houses we visited and attempted to sell him on the one Alexis and I both loved.
"Did you find one you liked?" he asked as we sat together in the bathtub, my back to his chest.
"Yes, it took quite a few hours and my feet now ache, but we found one," I beamed.
"Your feet hurt?" he inquired as his hands ran along my back, lathering soap against my skin.
"Yes, but that is not the point," I laughed.
"Does this house have a big tub?"
"It sure does; it even has a two-sided fireplace so we could sit together, relaxing," I started, sprinkling my fingertips over his thighs. "Romancing while the fire burns both inside and next to us."
He dropped the sponge in the water, making a small splash. His hands skimmed over my shoulders and down my arms until he reached my fingers. Locking them together, he guided them to my breasts where he started to trace slow circles with our hands linked. My nipples instantly perked up under our soft touch and I began to ache for more.
Oh God, what the simple touch of his hands do to me.
The electricity that surged whenever we were close shot throughout my body. His mouth attached itself to my skin, peppering kisses back and forth between my neck and shoulder. I slid our hands down to where I needed to feel him most; I ran his hand up and down those lips, making me shiver. He groaned feeling just how ready I was for him, even through the water. Once we got a rhythm going, I let go of his hand and let him work on his own. I leaned back into his body, raising my arms to tangle my fingers in his wet locks.
I felt him slide one finger in then another and another making my back arch and my head fall back against his shoulder. As they pumped in and out in a fluid motion, my breathing picked up as did the speed of my heart. I felt myself panting and my hips meeting his hand on their own accord with each move. I mumbled Edward's name under my breath.
I could feel the coils in the pit of my stomach tighten each time his fingers curled, hitting my g-spot.
"Ungh, Edward, I'm close."
His rhythm got faster and I could feel my release coming. His thumb found my bud and he pressed roughly, moving quickly and sending me over the edge. My muscles tightened around him and I came undone under his touch. I turned my head searching for his lips; my hand gliding down to the side of his face, turning it until I was met with what I wanted. I pressed my lips to his, kissing him with a hunger and a need as his fingers let me ride out my orgasm.
"What was that for? Not that I'm complaining," I asked, slightly pulling back.
"Well, I figured after the day you had, you deserved a bit of a release." He smiled crookedly.
"That was great. Now let me reciprocate," I suggested, starting to move.
"No, you just relax in my arms and tell me more about this house you want," he replied, tightening his arms around my chest squeezing my breasts up and together. He moaned at the sight before him. "Yes, stay like this."
"You kill me sometimes, Edward Cullen, but I love you for it," I said, wiggling to get out of his grasp.
"I love you, too, but you better stop moving or I won't be hearing about this house."
I giggled, but continued explaining.
"This house is perfect for us, it just screams home. The kitchen is the perfect size for us as a family and for entertaining guests, as is the massive deck. The master bedroom is bigger than yours and there are five bedrooms, which means plenty of room for more children. And plenty of rooms to christen as we practice," I said, shaking my ass against his newly formed erection. "There's also a place to put a baby grand."
"A baby grand? Really?" he asked, excited.
"Yes, baby. It would sit right next to a window that looks out at the front yard."
"You really wouldn't mind having a piano in the house? A place where I could go when I needed to de-stress?" he questioned, his brows furrowed.
"Edward, I love hearing you play and I love watching you play even more. That piano would be more for my benefit than yours," I explained as his hold on me loosened enough for me to move my hand to his hard cock.
I grabbed ahold of it tightly, enticing a low guttural growl to erupt from his chest.
"Bella," he warned through gritted teeth.
"Edward," I breathed, stroking him. "Let me wash you at least?"
I looked over at him with pleading eyes; he sighed as his resolve fell. I smiled, biting my bottom lip as I moved to the other side of the tub. I grabbed the sponge and squeezed some soap on it as Edward settled between my legs. He grabbed onto my calves and threw my legs over his; I locked my ankles together, holding him in my grasp.
"Now you can't leave," I said evilly.
I dragged the sudsy sponge from his chest, down to his abs, and back up again in circular motions as we continued to talk about the house. I told him about the room that Alexis fell in love with, the office that also could be a library for me and my idea of converting the basement into a playroom. As we continued to talk, I felt him relax even more into my body. I ran the sponge back down, but instead of going back up, I moved further south to his standing cock. I gently rubbed it up and down; it moved so slickly, much easier than my hand.
"Fuck, yes, baby."
I watched his toes curl over the edge of the tub as I stroked the underside of his shaft, just below his head. With my free hand, I snaked it around his side, down his stomach and to his balls. I gently tickled them and cupped them in the palm of my hand. He growled again and before I knew it, I was no longer sitting behind Edward and my hands weren't stroking his cock or grazing his balls. They were now sitting on top of his shoulders as I straddled his lap and his hard length was teasing my entrance.
"What do you say we take this to warmer temperatures?" He smirked.
I nodded my head, tilting my head forward to kiss him, quickly. I assumed that he was taken us to our bed, but I was wrong.
With one arm wrapped around my waist and the other sitting on the edge of the tub, he lifted us up and moved us to the shower. I whined as the freezing cold water hit my face, but it quickly warmed up. Under the streams of the water, Edward began to pump into me at his own pace.
"I'm not...sure...I can...hold off...very long, Bella," he grunted in between thrusts.
Knowing that what he said was true, I pulled back, leaning my upper back and head against the tile as the water sprayed down directly on the place where we were connected. I gripped his shoulders harder seeing as I was putting more strain on him. His grip tightened in a painful, but erotic-filled way as the pulses hit us. My back slid up and down against the tile; between that movement, his thrusting and the pleasurable rhythm of the water I could feel my thighs begin to quiver.
"I'm getting close, Edward. Yes...yes..fuck..yes, baby," I chanted, looking at his face and the water trickling down.
"Touch yourself, Bella," he growled.
My hand left its post on his shoulder and moved to my clit, pinching it roughly before rubbing it. My walls tightened around Edward as he got harder with each buck of his hips. I squeezed his waist and screamed his name as my body shook from our explosions coming at the same time; Edward grunted and bit down on my collar bone muffling his sounds.
His movements slowed, but continued as we rode out the ecstasy together. He lifted his head and shuffled forward slightly so that our chests were touching again. I moved my arms to wind around his neck, kissing his mouth with passion; both of us breathing heavily through our noses.
When we pulled apart, Edward turned the water off and carried me out. I dropped my legs and stumbled a little bit before he held me steady, offering his sexy smirk. I smiled back blissfully, as he grabbed a towel and started to dry me off. He paid special attention to the area just below my waist, kissing my pubic bone before coming back up to wrap the towel around my body. He tucked it tightly so that it wouldn't fall. I left him in the bathroom as he dried himself off.
I threw on one of Edward's old college shirts and a pair of panties then slipped in between the cool, crisp sheets. I snuggled into the pillow trying to get warm as he threw on a pair of boxers and an undershirt before joining me.
He pulled me in close to his body as my teeth chattered and my lips trembled. I ran my feet up and down his legs trying to create some heat.
"So, I'm sold on this house," he mentioned, kissing the tip of my nose.
"Really?" I asked, beaming.
"Yes, really. I guess I should be happy you're not a realtor," he commented.
"Why?" I inquired, brows furrowed.
"Because you used sex to sell me on that house. How would I know you wouldn't be doing that with your clients?"
"Edward Anthony Cullen!" I gasped, offended by his accusation. "The sex would be reserved for my favorite clients," I teased with a wink.
"Clients? Uh-no, I would be your only client," he murmured, nuzzling into my neck.
"Mm, we're getting a new home," I squealed.
"Our first home together. Maybe we can go check it out in the morning before I go into work," he suggested.
"I'd like that, Edward. Good night."
"'Night, my love."
Within the next two weeks, we closed on the house, packed up all of our things and moved in. The great thing about moving was you got to go through all of your stuff and get rid of what you no longer wanted or needed. During the process of deciding what to donate, Edward thought it'd be best if we bought a lot of new furniture since most of it came from his time in Chicago. I fought with him on the idea since he'd paid for the house, and I didn't think it was necessary, but then he sweet talked me into it. He told me his money was my money even though we weren't married, and that this move was all about starting fresh and new together which included furniture.
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