Chapter Seventeen: Happy Endings.

Two Years Later.

How do you describe the happiest moments in life. Which ones are so special, that they are categorised in such a way? ‘The Happiest’.

For me, every single day was the happiest of my life.

My beautiful daughter. Marie was so intelligent. At two years old, she was already taking away so much. Sometimes, it barely made sense, but she continued to jabber. She was Daddy’s litte girl as my husband liked to point out. Marie loved helping me in the bakery, but the second her father was home she hardly left his side. Edward loved it. He always had the biggest grins on his face, and he absolutely loved it whenever she would bang at the piano.

We were married when Marie was five months old, and looked almost normal again. I wore a simple white dress, embellished slightly across the breasts and torso by lace and embroidery. For our honeymoon, we went back to England, visiting Edward’s parents with little Marie for a few weeks, before they took care of her while we flew to Paris for a few nights, so that I could actually get a look at it, unlike the last time I had been there.

Amazing. My life, was simply amazing. Now, two weeks after Marie’s second birthday I was seven months pregnant with our second child. Edward didn’t know, but I knew that we were having a boy this time around. I wanted to keep it a secret, to see how happy he’d be. Of course, I’d left the subtle hints here and there. The blue and green clothes, blankets, the border around the white room across from Marie’s.

And Alice. She and Jasper had had another child. Well, children, I suppose! They’d had twins just last year, two little girls named Amelia and Lacey. I teased Alice that Lacey was because of her passion for fashion, but she only shot me glares. Christopher was absolutely gorgeous. The cutest baby boy I’d ever seen. At least, until I saw what Edward’s son would look like. He was tiny, sure, but he was so smart! He was reading, and talking so fast it blew my mind. Of course, he couldn’t remember anything, like any kid, but it was still so sweet!

Rosalie and Emmett were married last year. An absolutely beautiful wedding. For me, it was over the top, but that’s always been how Rosalie was. They were trying to have a baby now, but I’m pretty sure Rosalie like all the activity she was getting anyway.

Today was an amazing summer day. Jasper was bringing me home after a catering event, and we were both hanging out of the windows, so to speak. My hair was blowing all around me as I squinted against the bright sun, holding onto my large belly underneath the flowing black dress. Jasper looked at me and smile. We’d both stuck pictures of our kids into the rearview mirror of the catering van, every time we saw them they cheered us up that little bit more.

He pulled into the driveway, next to Edward’s car and helped me out, like the gentleman he was. I was about ready to cry at how sweet he was, but he shooed me away. He could tell how emotional I was. I laughed as he peeled out of the driveway, sending me a sheepish look, and headed inside.

”Hello?” I called, placing my shawl wrap onto a counter. Tom Sawyer came rushing up to me and I held open my arms as he jumped into them. Where was everyone? I glanced around the house. They weren’t in the kitchen, or the living room. ”Edward?” I called. I walked down the hallway and checked all the rooms, but they still weren’t there.

I went onto the patio, and that’s when I saw them. They were sitting on the beach, Marie was running around, while Edward was building a sand castle, still wearing his work clothes, which just looked adorable. She was in a pretty little dummer dress, running away from the waves before she’d fall onto her bum and laugh. Every time she did, Edward would pull her into his lap to make sure she was alright.

I climbed down the spiral stairs onto the beach and made my way towards him. He mostly had his back to me, his legs sticking out in front of him. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his elbows, and Marie sat between his legs. She picked up sand in her hands before letting it drop, her brown curls blowing around with the wind. Edward was staring out at the water, smoothing down Marie’s hair from time to time. The sun was starting to set, casting everything in oranges and pinks.

The sight was beautiful.

”Hello,” I said softly. Edward immediately turned to face me, and the look on his face made my heart skip beats, speed up, my lips pulling into a smile.

”Mommy!” Marie exclaimed, jumping up and running over to me. I smiled and scooped her up, kissing her soft little cheeks as she clutched me around the neck.

”How have you been?!” I asked her excitedly, sitting down next to my husband in the sand.

”We made a castle!” she told me happily, running around to the other side and picking up shells, pressing them into the walls.

”It’s a pretty one,” I told her. ”Did Daddy help you?” She looked up and beamed, nodding furiously. I turned to Edward who was leaning towards me, staring at me. I smiled and he leaned in, giving me an absolutely breathtaking kiss.

”I missed you,” he murmured, making me smile. ”But, I think it’s bedtime for someone,” he said a little louder. Marie pouted but reached out her arms for Edward to scoop her up. He held one arm under her bottom and the other hand held onto her back. She rested her cheek on his shoulder and he held out a hand to help me up. I walked with one hand in his back pocket as we slowly moved towards the house.

”Who gets to take the bath tonight?” I ask, referring to Marie’s bedtime bath.

”Me,” he said simply. ”She’s Daddy’s girl, right baby?” he asked. She giggled and nodded. I frowned, sticking out my bottom lip to her.

”But, what if Mommy wants to get you ready for bed?” I ask. Marie pouts.

”No, Daddy tonight,” she whines. We both laugh.

”She likes me better,” he teases. I roll my eyes.

”Alright,” I say, then point to my large stomach. ”But this one’s mine.” Edward chuckles as he waits for me to start up the stairs before following.

While Edward and Marie take their bath and change into their pyjama’s and read their bedtime story, I take the opportunity to change into my own silky pyjama’s and grab a bowl of ice cream, sitting on our bed and turning on the television. I can hear them talking in the bathroom, and turn on the baby monitor when they go into Marie’s room. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine, and I’ll never admit it to him, but I love listening to Edward read bedtime stories over the monitor. When I’m with him, I just feel so full and happy in love. He’s the best guy in the world, I’m pretty sure. I’ve even caught him listening to me read bedtime stories.

When the story was over I heard some static and rustling and I knew that Edward was getting up, tucking her into bed. ”Say goodnight to Mommy,” I heard him say softly. Dang. Caught.

”Goodnight Mommy, I love you,” I heard her sleepy little voice say. And, I guess it was the hormones and just how happy I felt but I started to cry. I put my empty bowl on the bed side table and started sobbing, hot tears into my hands.

”Bella?” I heard from the doorway. I peeked through my fingers at Edward, shirt hanging open and looking quite confused. ”Are you okay?” I just started crying all over again. He hurried to my side, climbing onto the bed. ”Bella are you okay?!” he asked again, pulling my hands from my face and brushing my hair away.

”I’m just so happy!” I sobbed, turning my face into his chest. I felt him shaking, and when I looked up he was laughing full out, trying to be quiet but unable to stop it. ”Don’t laugh! You have no idea how happy you make me, and I’m so hormonal right now and I’m so in love with you and her, that I just can’t stand it…” Edward grinned and pulled my face up to him, planting a kiss on my lips.

”I love you Bella,” he whispered as we settled farther into the sheets. ”And I’ll love you forever.”

Chapter Sixteen: Janitor, Please.

I was waiting for it.

Any day now, and there’d be a call. We’re at the hospital. My water broke. You stupid git I’m going to kill you if you don’t start that car.

Any of it would be good news. In the first week of August I was more than ready for Bella to go into labour. More than ready for our baby to enter the world. More than ready to be a Father.

Father.
Whenever I think of the term I immediately think of my own father. Really, he is the only person I can imagine in the role. He did such a spectacular job as my own that I couldn’t see anyone else fit for the job, especially not myself. And, in a few days, or weeks, there would be a little person looking up to me. I would be their Dad.

The grin was spread wide across my face before I realised.

And, of course, once I did realise I also noticed that I was standing in the middle of the office, papers and a warm coffee in my hand while I stared off into space, daydreaming of the day I was hoping would come soon.

”Um, Mr. Cullen?” Tanya, my receptionist asked softly. ”Are you quite alright, sir?” I jumped and looked down at her, completely confused. Why was she in my fantasy of family life?

”Oh, yes, just fine,” I replied, smiling weakly. ”Just thinking, is all.” Tanya smirked at me.

”Don’t worry, sir,” she said. ”I’m sure it won’t be long until you’re on your way to the hospital and taking vacation.” I grinned. There was a good reason why I hired Tanya. Aside from the fact that Jessica was an idiot and completely incompetant, and that Tanya had been hired so that I could fire Jess, Tanya was a good worker, and proving to be a good friend.

”Hello, Edward,” Jessica cooed, leaning over her desk and lowering her eyelids at me. I wrinkled my nose and backed away slightly. Tanya rolled her eyes at me and turned back to her computer, adjacent to Ms. Stanley’s. When was I going to get the courage to fire the girl?

”Hello, Jessica,” I mumbled and walked into my office. I sat down and went hard into work, rescheduling a few meetings and taking calls from Jasper and Mr. Michaels. Emmett had just dropped off a few notes when Tanya buzzed into the room.

”Edward, there’s someone here to see you,” her voice came out bored through the speaker.

”Send them in,” I said, not taking my eye off the sheets I’d been given.

”I said she could, but Jessica is making it physically impossible. Which, probably isn’t a good idea as your guest is incredibly pregnant and sporting a rather lovely engagement ring.” My mood completely brightened and I practically launched myself across the room, flinging open the door and stepping out to the office.

”Listen you stupid plastic imbecile. I am getting married to the guy, and you are not,” Bella shoved her left hand up towards his face. ”I am very hormonal and very angry right now and it is definitely a good idea to let me go see Edward.” I grinned as I heard Jessica snap her gum and shift her weight, sticking one hip out as she rested her arms akimbo. Tanya snickered and shook her heard, clicking away at the computer.

”Look, ma’am,” Jessica began in that annoying voice. I know Bella saw me, but she apparantly was also interested in how to embarrass Jessica. ”You think you’re the first person to waltz in here and try and make a claim on this guy? I’ve been trying to get attention from him for months, and believe me, he is not going to be interested in your pregnant ass.” Woops. Shouldn’t have gone there.

I deftly moved my way around Jessica and smiled brilliantly at Bella as I wrapped my arms around her and bent down, kissing her senseless. As I pulled away I smiled widely at her and she returned the favour, her grin brightening the room. I pushed her bangs away from her eyes and kissed her chastely before turning to face my secretaries.

”Jessica, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Bella,” I said happily. Jessica’s smile fell and her face paled as I turned my back to her. ”I’m very pleased to see you,” I told Bella. ”Even if it was out of the blue.”

She smiled. ”I haven’t been here before, and I thought I should come before bringing in a baby some day.” We both laughed and her eyes scanned the room. She introduced herself to Tanya as Jessica attempted to look like she was working, sitting down and picking up the telephone.

Bella was looking adorable. She was wearing a blue summer dress that, I’m ashamed to say, drew my eyes to her chest, but floated out from her large belly. She was wearing a beige knit sweater, pushed up to her sleeves and a pair of flat shoes. She held onto my hand and leaned into my shoulder, her ring glittering on her finger.

”Do you want to go out to lunch with me?” she asked quietly, smiling brightly and looking up at me tiredly. ”If you’re not too busy… or if you had lunch, that’s alright. I can go home.”

”No!” I exclaimed. ”I’d love to go out with you. It’d be like that dating thing that we never did.” Bella laughed and stood onto the tips of her toes to kiss me. ”I’ll just run in my office and get my car keys, alright?” She nodded and held onto her belly. Tanya smiled at her and rolled towards her, looking like she was ready to start a conversation. Jessica grabbed a few papers and got out of her chair. I smiled, walking towards my door and quickly swiping the keys off my desk, pushing down the top to my laptop. As soon as I turned around I heard screams from each one of the women outside, and I grimaced, thinking about what Jessica had done.

”EDWARD!” Bella hollered. I quickly jogged to my door and stepped outside, but what I saw was what I least expected. The front of Bella’s dress was wet, and she was grabbing the bottom of her stomach, the fabric bunching in her hand while she braced herself on a desk. Tanya was standing up behind her, a hand to her mouth but smiling, while Jessica looked like she was on a rampage. It was then I noticed the water on the floor and all over Jessica’s shoes.

”LOOK WHAT SHE DID!” Jessica yelled, pointing to her feet. ”She completely RUINED my shoes, Mr. Cullen, she did this on purpose!” I didn’t think it was possible to reach this amount of anger, but I did. I stomped up to my Bella and my stupid Jessica.

”Her water broke, you idiot!” I yelled. ”That’s amniotic fluid, not water she threw at you, grow up!” And then I acted very immaturely and threw the papers in her hands in her face. ”You’re fired.” I hissed while her face scrunched up and she broke into sobs, stomping down the hallway.

”Yeah, can we get a janitor, please? Twelfth floor. And someone clear the way to the parking lot, please.” I looked up at Tanya on the phone, she was smiling widely, clearly amused by what had happened and happy for what was happening.

”Are you alright?” I asked Bella softly, holding onto her tightly.

”Yes, just get me to a hosptial please,” she begged as her fingers dug into my arm and she grimaced. The phone next to me had been ringing for some time, irritating me.

”Hello?!” I yelled impatiently.

”Edward!” Rosalie cooed. ”You’ll never believe it, I’m getting married! Emmett’s proposed!”

”Hah, I win, I’m having a baby!” I shot at her before hanging up. ”Tanya, when Miss Hale calls back can you please explain where we’re going? Thank you.” I held onto Bella as we quickly began moving towards the elevator.

”Congratulations!” Tanya yelled.

”Thanks!” we both called back. Bella was breathing the way we’d been taught, and would occasionally freeze when she was having a contraction, I was so excited, I couldn’t even speak. Everyone looked at us curiously while I hurried out to the car and pulled it up for Bella to climb in.

I’m pretty sure I drove faster than I ever have before in order to make it, and God must have been smiling down on me– someone must have been– as I did not encounter a single officer of the law. Alice and Jasper were waiting for us outside, miraculously enough, holding a wheelchair. Alice held her own belly and bobbed on her feet while Jasper smiled widely the entire time he was helping Bella from the car.

God, the rest is just a whirlwind. Before I knew it she’d changed into a hospital gown and moved to her own room, then moved out of her room and into the delivery room. I was excited, I was afraid. It wouldn’t been long, x amount of minutes before I was a real person’s father. A Dad. Everything was about to change. Now.

”Edward,”Bella gasped between a contraction. ”Please, just stay by my head, okay?” I grinned at her and wiped the hair from her sweaty forehead. I nodded and she grabbed onto my hand again as she held her breath and pushed. It went like that for a few minutes, making more and more progress as we went.

”Just one more, Bella,” the doctor told her, only her eyes visible from all the hospital material. Bella started to push, and it was at that moment that my wonderful friend Emmett decided to come inside, only to freeze straight in his tracks, his eyes wide. As you can imagine, he had a different view than I had.

”Oh…” he muttered, taking a huge breath a swallowing, before fainting right in front of me. I laughed, I couldn’t help it, and Bella stopped and laughed as well, both of our laughter mixing with a baby’s cry. I vaguely caught Jasper dragging Emmett from the room as Bella relaxed into the pillows and I followed the nurses who were cleaning up my child.

”Well you two,” Doctor O’Reilly called. ”I know you’ve been fighting about it, but I’m afraid Bella wins. You’ve got a little girl.” I froze. A girl. My little girl. Bella sighed behind me, and I felt my heart swell with such joy when they turned to place the bundle in my arms, a tiny pink cap placed on a little pink face.

My God.

I’m sure I looked like such an idiot. I was smiling wider than I ever had, my cheeks hurt. I rubbed my finger against her tiny cheeks, watching her mouth as she moved her lips around, the tiny motions so sweet for one so small. This was a little person that I would take care of. She’d be my little princess and I’d make sure to be her knight in shining armour. Sure, when it came to showing off your parent’s job, she may choose Bella’s. I , I would teach her how to play the piano, I’d teach her how to play baseball. I’d teach her how to use proper grammar, and she would be the apple of my eye, she’d brighten up my day. I had the two most beautiful girls in the world, all for myself.

Bella was smiling warmly at me with heavy lids, her hair still plastered over her pillow. I smiled brightly to her, unable to keep the infectious feeling from spreading all over my face. I sat down on the bed next to Bella and carefully passed her the tiny, sleeping baby. Immediately her eyes filled with tears as she looked down at her, pushing the blanket away to look at her face. Bella sniffled a few times, wiping the tears with the back of her hand, and then turned her head up to me. I was still smiling, even when I bent down to kiss her.

”God, I love you,” she told me before looking down at our child. ”What are we going to name her?”

”Marie,” I said without hesitation. I wouldn’t admit it, but I had been thinking of what I’d name a little girl. The idea of having a girl to spoil appealed to me. Marie was Bella’s middle name, the name of a grandmother she loved so much. She cried even more when I said it.

”Marie Esme,” she said finally. I grinned.

”That’s a funny name,” I teased. Bella rolled her eyes.

”So what, I like your Mom, and you picked out my grandmother’s name, which is amazing, and I love you, and I love her. She’s so beautiful. Can I marry you now?” Bella asked it so suddenly that it caught me off guard, but I still chuckled like an idiot and kissed her again.

”Yes, very soon, please,” I said. The nurse wrote Marie’s name on her birth certificate, and another took her to the nursery while they moved Bella to clean her up. I gave my wife another kiss before heading out to the waiting room where I only found Rosalie and Emmett waiting.

”Where are the other two?” I asked them drowsily. They smirked at me. Emmett had ice on his head.

”Alice just went into labour,” Rosalie informed me, which caused my jaw to drop and my eyes widen.

”She’s premature!” I exclaimed. Rosalie shrugged, but I could see the excitement in her eyes at becoming an aunt.

”The doctor’s have assured us she’ll be okay, it’s only a little over a month premature, anyway. I guess the baby is excited!” she chuckled. ”What’s the news, anyway? How’s our new Daddy?”

”I have a daughter,” I told them softly, smiling. ”Her name is Marie Esme Cullen, and she’s perfect.” They led me to where Alice and Jasper were, the sight making me uncomfortable as Alice had several contractions while I gave them the news, which they were ecstatic for, especially at the idea of throwing the wedding soon. It wasn’t long after I left that the Hale’s were moved to the delivery room.

Bella was asleep, when I got back. She was exhausted, I was sure. They had changed her into her favourite pyjama’s, the pink plaid pants and a shirt of mine that she had altered to fit. When I kissed her she woke up, and I passed on Alice’s news before demanding that she went back to sleep.

I went for a walk, passing the gift store filled with it’s pale pinks and blue’s, looking at the blue’s as if wondering why I’d wanted a son in the first place, my little girl was wonderful. I found myself walking towards Bella’s room, after I don’t know how much time had passed. It seemed like it had been forever since we’d gotten here, and that proved to be the point.

Inside the room, Bella was sleeping quietly, and to my delight Alice was fast asleep in the bed next to her. I smiled at my friend, she’d just been through all of this too. I noticed, that a tiny bed was next to Bella’s my gorgeous little daughter inside, and in an incubator was Alice’s little one, nurses busily looking over all the equipment hanging around him.

”This is amazing,” I heard someone whisper next to me, and I turned to find Jasper, his hair completely mussed and his face red from crying. He smiled at me and then motioned towards a nurse placing a small baby into the incubator, near my daughter. ”That’s my son,” he told me. I let out a breath. By far, this was the happiest day of my life. I turned to my friend and smiled, giving him a warm hug.

”Christopher Matthew Hale,” Jasper sighed, smiling through the glass.

”That’s by far the longest name ever,” I said to him jokingly. Jasper rolled his eyes at me but laughed. I knew that the two names were for his and Alice’s grandfather’s.

As I stood their with one of my best friend’s in this world, as we looked at our children, I felt new. I felt different, changed. I was ready for this. I was ready for it all. I was anxious, to hold that baby in my arms again, and to make sure that nothing ever did her wrong.

”Who knows,” Jasper said in a light tone. ”Maybe those two will end up together one day.” He pushed my shoulder lightly, and I lost my balance. I gave him a good glare, crossing my arms.

”Keep your son away from my daughter,” I muttered, but we both lost it and grinned.

[Nästa Kapitel]

Chapter Fifteen: Pink and Blue

At seven months pregnant it was getting a little hard to get around. My belly, much to Edward’s delight, was sticking out large and round in front of me everywhere I went. Alice and Rosalie had bought me so much maternity clothes, it was disgusting. Now, in the middle of June, it was sickeningly hot and I had to resort to light, poofy tanktops and flowing skirts, it was the only thing that could satisfy a pregnant me. I made sure the skirts had elastic waists too. Jeez.

Much to my delight, and Edward’s embarrassment, we had discovered that I had been already two months pregnant when I had found out myself. The doctor seemed to think it was a honeymoon baby. I, however, would not stop teasing Edward.

”Do you know what this means?” I asked him slyly as we left the doctors’ office. My parents had gone home the week before, and his were waiting to hear the news (they laughed, and rolled their eyes at their son, I’m sure thinking the same thing I was.)

”What does this mean,” he said in a near deadpan as he held open the car door for me. I waited for him to get back inside.

”This means that you impregnated me sometime in December,” I chuckled. Edward’s cheeks were getting redder everytime I spoke to him. ”That means that you must have been very happy to see me, since you only moved here in December.” Edward sighed and shook his head at me, but I could see him laughing. He had to find it at least a little funny. A small smile curled at his lips and I turned with a huge grin to look out the window.

Of course, Edward taught me a lesson when we’d gotten home that time. He’d basically jumped me in the driveway, and I made no move to stop him. Proving his point that I was probably more the nymphomaniac in our relationship.

Back to the present, I had finished sitting with Alice and Rosalie on the beach in front of my house, soaking up the beautiful summer day before we headed to our favourite department store to wait for Jasper to bring the other two boys from work.

”Look at how cute these clothes are!” Alice and Rosalie cooed, holding up 3 month old sleepers. I aww’d with them before turning around to things I was certain of the colours for: bibs, burping pads, receiving blankets, various bath toys, toys in general. I couldn’t get over how cute adult things made in miniature were, like socks. that had been by far my favourite thing to buy, socks. We had bought a couple of pretty neutral sleepers, some hats and Alice and Rosalie had been nonstop with the toys.

The baby shower had been only a week ago, and my friends had presented us with a gigantic crib, changing table, cute little dresser, and other decorative things for the baby’s room. I’d nearly burst into tears. Edward was mad there was more pink than blue.

”Hello, my lover,” he whispered goofily in my ear as he wrapped his arms around me, holding onto my stomach which kicked under his touch. He grinned madly when that happened, he was always so excited, knowing that there was a little person in me. I’d told him it was a bit creepy when he put it that way, and that he wouldn’t think that in a couple months. We finished loading some more things into the basket I was carrying, he promptly pulled it from my hands to carry himself.

Alice came running up to me, holding a package of socks, that were just so tiny and cute she couldn’t stop squealing. She, was five months pregnant, her stomach already beginning to show off beautifully. Rosalie was the only one off us who looked like she hadn’t stuck a balloon up her shirt, but I knew that Emmett had been carrying around an engagement ring for a while. Alice insisted that Jasper buy the socks, and a tiny pair of shoes for her to squeal over for her remaining four months.

Edward and I had been keepin the gender of our baby a secret, wanting to wait until he or she was born to find out. Alice and Jasper hadn’t fought about their baby’s gender (our reason for secrecy) and knew that they were having a little boy. Her baby shower was next month, the two had already started planning the decor for the room.

When Rosalie had started designing our baby’s room she asked what colour. While I blurted a pink, Edward shouted a blue.

”Since you two can’t decide what you want to have, and everyone hates those gender neutral colours, I’m afraid I’m going to have to surprise you.” I pouted and Edward chuckled at me. ”Shut it, Bella,” Rosalie shot back when I was about to protest. ”If you won’t let the doctor tell you what you’re going to have, then I’m sorry, I’m going to do what I want.” Afterwards, she shut Emmett and herself in the room for a week until it was finished.

And it was beautiful. The walls were white, with a curly, flowery mural spiraling up one wall. It wasn’t too feminine, it was truly a work of art. She left the curtains as white lace, and after the baby shower she had arranged everything perfectly. I was stunned when she had gone so far as to install beautiful mahogany laminate flooring, topped with a soft white rug. My mother had sent up her ancient rocking chair which was sitting in the corner with beautiful cushions tied to it.

We paid for our things and each went our separate ways with our significant others.

”Anymore stops for the day?” Edward asked me, loosening the tie around his neck. He then rolled his eyes and turned into the bookstore next door, knowing that it would be my first response.

”See, there’s a reason why I love you,” I murmured with a grin when he helped me out of the car, then planted a kiss on his lips.

I hobbled ahead of him as fast as I could while he turned off the car. It didn’t take long before I heard him behind me, laughing as he tried to catch up. He caught me around my waist and spun me around, kissing me (jfkdj;afsk AMAZING) in front of the door as I groped behind me for the handle. I could not get enough of him. His beautifully green eyes, his tousled hair, his… accent! Edward had been absolutely perfect to me since he’d gotten here, and seeing me carrying his child just made him even happier. Whenever I saw the brilliant smile across his face I couldn’t help but grin back.

I made my way towards my favourite section of the store– Fiction. Edward followed close behind, but his eyes wandered while mine had purpose, to get to those aisles. I stood there, my eyes raking over the titles and authors. the artwork of the covers to look for something of interest. I recognized the emblem of his publishing company and grinned to myself, picking up the book. I turned to the back, the acknowledgements. I let out a small laugh when I saw Emmett’s name. Edward walked up behind me and wrapped one arm around me before lifting the book out of my hands and reading it.

”Pick out that one,” he said, pointing to another book by his company while he replaced Emmett’s on the shelf. I turned to the acknowledgements and laughed again when I saw that the author had thanked him profusely for his work.

”You seem to have a way with the writer ladies,” I murmured. Edward smiled crookedly at me and kissed me lightly. While he looked over more book titles, I made my way down the shelves, glancing over them every now and then.

What really caught my eye, was that one corner of the store, painted in bright blues and yellows. I reached a shelf, the one at eye level and pulled out a thickly bound hardcover book. I smiled, glancing around at all the artwork displayed on the large covers. I felt arms wrap around me, hands splayed across the kicking in my stomach and a pair of lips at my ears.

”I knew it was only a matter of time before I found you here,” he murmured, kissing my cheek softly. ”I was wondering how long it would take you to discover this was here.” I laughed and turned to face him, holding onto the covers of the book I opened it. A giant castle popped up from the pages, the intricate designs of the folded papers made my eyes widen and I smiled.

”I was always really impressed with pop up books,” I said softly. Edward grinned at me over a pillar and moved my hands to close it. He leaned in and pressed his lips firmly to mine, holding the back of my neck to pull me closer. It was making my heart jump, the way he was kissing me, and how good it felt. My stomach was pressed against him, and as usual whenever he was around, the baby began to kick. As soon as he felt it Edward started to grin against my lips but kept the perfect rhythm. My knees grew weak and I clutched onto him for dear life. Just when it was becoming too much he slowed his pace and let me go, smiling beautifully at me as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

”You never cease to amaze me,” he mumbled. I cocked an eyebrow.

”With my fascination with children’s books?” I asked. He chuckled and shook his head.

”I just think you’re amazing all the time. You’re going to be a wonderful mother.” I blushed. The fact that Edward said that made it sound so much better than when anyone else said it. My mother, my father, Edward’s parents. They’d all told me the exact same things. But Edward, the Father of this child, was telling me that I would be wonderful, when I couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect to take on the role of a parent.

”I love you,” I told him, with all the feeling I had in me. Edward was staring into my eyes as I said it, and I smiled at him. The same expression mirrored on his face as his lips curled up and he pressed them to mine again.

We walked out of there with enough books to fill up the shelf I had been allowed in the baby’s room. I was so happy on the way home I couldn’t stop rubbing my large belly. Edward sang along with the radio, making my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

I suppose we’ll have to start stocking up on nappies and dummies soon,” he said as he helped out of the car. I stood up straight and looked at him with I’m sure the most confused expression on my face.

”I’m sorry… what did you say?” Edward looked up at me, the bags in his hands.

”Nappies and dummies, we’ll need to get some soon. It won’t be long now,” he turned up the walkway to our house where a postman was waiting with a large brown parcel at his feet.

”What in the world are nappies and dummies?” I hollered after him. Edward looked at me over his shoulder and then realisation dawned on his face.

”Oh, right you don’t call them that. Um… diapers and pacifiers, I suppose,” I rolled my eyes. Silly him and his being born across the ocean.

”I hate your language,” I told him as I signed the paper shoved in front of me by the post man. Edward passed me a lighter bag and picked up the box, opening the door with his elbow.

”It’s the same as yours, dear,” he said with a laugh. ”This is from your parents.”

I giggled and hobbled up to the cupboard as he opened it, revealing an enormous amount of packaging peanuts. Sawyer, being the idiot he is, jumped onto the counter and promptly into the box, lying down and looking up at us with sleepy eyes.

”Get out!” I yelled, poking his side. He twitched. Edward bent down and to my dismay the cat began purring, hopping onto his shoulders. I glared at them before digging through the packaging.

”Aww…” I cooed, holding up a pink sleeper. Edward grimaced and stuck his hand into the box, pulling out a blue sleeper, a puppy stitched into the breast. He grinned and held it in front of him. I rolled my eyes and poked my hand back in.

”You know, if we can’t decide on pink or blue we could always go for this,” I murmured and pulled out the pale purple sleeper. Edward coughed and turned away from me as I pulled out more yellows and greens. ”Purple is what pink and blue would make.”

”My son isn’t going to wear purple. Not even to bed,” he insisted.

”You don’t even know if you’ll have a son!” I argued. He picked up a letter that was sticking from the packaging and glared playfully at me.

”Your Mum says that we can use at least half of these clothes now, and the rest when we have our second child,because she knows we’ll have more.” He looked up at me from underneath his lashes and grinned mischeviously. I gulped. Too attractive, he was.

”I think she’d be right in that assumption,” I mumbled as Edward pushed down the flaps of the box and leaned in to me.
[Nästa Kapitel]

Chapter Fourteen: The In-laws

Ecstatic. That is the only word to explain exactly how I felt when I walked into the bathroom and saw that pregnancy test on the counter. Now, I knew I had everything I’d ever want. Since I had been planning on asking Bella to marry me, this added bonus was the icing on the cake, an appropriate analogy, for my wife’s profession.

Wife. Oops. Perhaps I was getting a little too far ahead of myself.

God, Bella was amazing. The greatest thing I have ever done for myself was picking up that bottle on the beach. And here I was, in America with a wonderful job and a beautiful fiancée, and a child of my own. That piano as well, was a wonderful gift. Definitely too expensive, but my fingers had been itching to play. Play something for her.

Alice was sure to be furious, after the stunt Bella pulled, and she wisely predicted the little pixie would be on her way over. Bella changed from her small pyjama’s (much to my dismay) into a flowing peasant shirt and a pair of brown cords. We began cooking a few things for our friends to eat once they arrived, and as soon as Bella finished the icing on her cookies, our doorbell rang. I gave her a bright grin and kissed her before heading towards the door.

Alice was front and center, with Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie right behind her. Alice glared at me and her eyes shot to my shoulder, where Bella was peeking over, smiling devilishly at her friends.

”EXPLAIN.” The only word to come from Alice’s mouth. She pushed her way inside, the others following behind her. Bella kept behind me, her arms wrapped strongly around my waist. She stuck her hand out in front of me, her ring glittering beautifully. Alice and Rosalie gasped loudly and grabbed for her, their eyes wide and mouths hanging open. They looked up at me and I smiled widely, my cheeks starting to hurt from the amount of happiness I was feeling.

”We’re getting married,” Bella sang, still invisible behind my back. ”And Edward’s a Daddy!” Now it was time for Jasper and Emmett’s mouths to drop, the girls screamed.

”YOU’RE REALLY PREGNANT!” Alice yelled. Bella came out, one arm wrapped around me and nodded at them. The two began screaming and laughing, jumping up and down, unsure whether or not to hug Bella. Finally, they decided to embrace all of us, Jasper and Emmett gave me a pat on the back and Bella a hug.

We threw cushions on the floor and covered the coffee table with food. We turned on a movie and talked about our plans, assigning Alice as the wedding planner and Rosalie as anything-to-do-with-the-baby… planner.

Halfway through the discussion, Tom Sawyer had settled himself in my lap and was now belly up, fast asleep. I leaned my head into Bella’s neck and breathed her in. Bella chuckled and kissed my jaw. ”Daddy’s boy,” she muttered, looking down at the cat. We sat in silence, watching the movie in the dark, moving only every now and then to reach for more food. My eye caught the mail I had left on the side table next to the sofa, and I noticed that one of them looked remarkably unlike a bill. I reached around Bella and picked it up, tilting it to read in the dark.

”It’s from your parents,” she said softly. I flicked it open and pulled out the letter, reading it over quickly, the only thing registering, was the date, and the fact that they should be arriving here tomorrow. Bella, apparently was following along very closely.

”OH my God,” she exclaimed suddenly, jumping up and frightening the cat. Everyone, myself included, looked at her curiously as she ran down the hallway towards the bedroom and then ran back out again, looking frantic.

”Bella?” I asked quietly. She breathed in and out heavily, closing in on hyperventilating.

”You all have to leave, now.” she exclaimed, picking up cushions from underneath our friends and ushering them towards the door. ”I have to start cleaning, I have to fix up the house, I have to bake something goo- OHH my God…” she was definitely freaking out.

”Bella,” I soothed, picking up the cat and stilling her movements, rubbing my hand up and down her arm. ”It’s just my parents, you needn’t worry about anything.” She shot me a glare, her nostrils flaring.

”Edward. Your parents have never been to America. They sent that letter weeks ago, knowing that we would get it just in time for when they arrived, and you’re telling me not to freak out.” I smiled and nodded. ”I already made one bad first impression on them! If they’re coming here, while I’m pregnant and we’re getting married, our house is going to look good. Now, stop looking so cute, and go clean up the bathroom.” she pointed an angry finger at the hallway and I waved sadly to our friends as they left, smirking at me and the furious Bella. The cat hopped onto my shoulder as I helped Bella pick up the dishes and bring them into the kitchen. On my way back to the living room to clean up the floor, there was a knock at the door.

Bella looked at me curiously, over the kitchen island while I went to the front door. The bell was rung and I heard soft laughter on the other side of the wood. With a bright smile I pulled open the door and revealed a happy older couple, and then a terrified gasp from Bella.

”Oh, look, a cat!” the woman said, holding out her arms as Sawyer, the traitor jumped onto her.

”OH MY GOD!” Bella yelled and I turned just in time to see her duck behind the counter.

”Who might you be then?” the man asked.

”Edward Cullen,” I replied quietly. The two looked at each other and smiled happily.

”We’re Charlie and Renée, Bella’s parents.”
I found Bella shaking and near tears behind the counter, and after many consoling words and small kisses on her cheeks, nose, forehead, lips, she finally came out with me.

”Hello Mother, Father,” she said to them solemnly, glancing around at the small messes in the house. We certainly weren’t expecting them to come, and with my parent’s on their way, Bella was making herself too stressed. ”How are you,” she croaked. Her parents laughed and sat down on the sofa, smiling at us.

”So this is the famous Edward,” her Mother spoke. Charlie looked at me curiously. Clearly, he hadn’t heard of me yet. ”He’s Bella’s boyfriend, dear,” Renée explained. ”Come all the way from England.” I smiled at him, and he nodded, almost in approval, shaking my hand.

”What do you do for a living, son?” Bella was sitting next to me, her heart probably racing a mile a minute. We chatted for a while, what life was like back home. Bella continued to stare between the three of us, until finally Charlie asked how we met.

”Yes, dear. I haven’t really heard that one myself,” her mother quipped. Bella blushed and her first smile of the evening spread across her beautiful face. I smiled and stared into those gorgeous eyes as she looked into mine before turning to her parents.

”I threw a letter in a bottle out to sea,” she said simply. ”And he found it, and wrote back to me.” Renée gasped and smiled, Charlie’s eyebrows rose.

”That’s–”

”Terribly romantic!” her Mother cut in. Bella giggled and nodded. Charlie coughed and eyed me carefully.

”He’s been so wonderful to me,” Bella said, relaxing slightly into my arms, wrapping her hand around my chest. Renée jumped suddenly, grabbing Bella’s arm and yanking her closer. Oh, dear.

”Bella what is this on your finger,” she said quickly and harshly, her eyes bright and wide. Bella smirked, blushed a pretty pink.

”My engagement ring,” she said with a smile. Charlie’s eyes bugged out of his head and Renée squealed, grabbing Bella from me and hugging her warmly.

”Edward, may I have a word?” Charlie said, standing up stiffly, looking at me with a hard expression. I nodded and stood up, following him out onto the deck. He leaned on the railing, staring out towards the ocean and sighing heavily. I was, however, quite surprised to see the smile on his face.

”What exactly are your intentions with my daughter?” he asked, a smirk clear on his face, even in this limited lighting.

”To make her the happiest woman alive, sir,” I said seriously. Charlie nodded and clapped a hand on my shoulder.

”I don’t want you two rushing into things. Are you sure you’re both ready for this?” he asked seriously, looking concerned.

”I love you daughter very much, Mr. Swan. I’ve never in my life felt like this about anyone, and we’ve been friends for a long time. I honestly can’t picture myself with anyone but her, she’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and I’ll spend the rest of my life making her happy, giving her anything she wants.” Charlie smiled warmly at me, patted me lightly.

”I can believe you,” he said softly. ”You better make her happy. Bella is my only child, and all I want for her is what’s right for her. I’m fairly certain you’re it, boy.” I grinned to myself as we walked back inside to where Bella and her Mother were talking animatedly. I noticed something in Renée’s hand. Something small, white, and a little bit purple. Oh, gosh.

”Charlie, you’re going to be a Grandpa!” she exclaimed. Bella laughed at her Father’s expression, and I was thankful to see a smile spread across his face. I walked over to my love and pulled her tightly into my arms. Bella laughed into my chest as her parent’s embraced each other, and I smiled myself, swaying slightly, almost dancing with her.

We showed them to a guest room and Bella brought them more blankets. For now, they were too awake to even think about going to sleep. But, we were tired after a day’s worth of too much news and happiness. I carried Bella into our bedroom and helped her change into her pyjama’s, kissing her face all over while I changed into my own.

I held onto her tighter than I ever had before, a gigantic smile on my face as I waited to fall asleep. Of course, I also found it quite funny that while Bella was sound asleep and I wasn’t, Charlie peeked in to check on us. My darling wife also took that opportunity to sigh out my name in her sleep, and her Father hastily closed the door, shaking his head, but laughing.
The next day I had woken up, making a gigantic breakfast with every food imaginable for my lovely Bella, bringing it into her in bed and waking her up with a simple kiss. When I went back out into the living room, Charlie and Renée were waiting, so I offered them the breakfast I had made for them as well. Sawyer jumped onto my shoulder while I filled his bowl with food and then left to head for the airport.

In the car I turned on a CD that Bella had made me, of the favourite songs she found in my music collection. I smiled, when I glanced in the rear-view mirror to see the picture of her I had stuck up there a few weeks ago, and started back into the city, passing the usually exits and heading straight to the airport.

Since it was so early in the morning, I wasn’t bothered by swarms of people and all of their chatter. The last thing I needed was a headache, so I stopped in to the small Starbucks and picked up a coffee, skimming over the letter in my hand to find the parents’ gate.

Luck was on my side, the plane was there, and I was waiting for only a couple minutes before they walked through, hand in hand, smiling warmly at me. Mum laughed as I swept her into a hug, and Dad patted my back happily while I led them out to the car.

”How have things been, dear?” They asked from the backseat, staring out the windows at the scenery passing us by.

”Very well, actually. The people I’m working with are fantastic. Bella’s parent’s are down too, now. You’ll get to meet them, which is great.” Esme let out a tiny squeal from excitement. ”You can see Rosalie and Emmett again, and meet our friends, Alice and Jasper too.” I pulled up our street, heading straight to the end. I saw my darling Bella coming outside the front door and a smile spread across my face to see here there. She was wearing one of my sweaters, and a pair of red cords that Alice had bought her.

”We have a couple of surprises for you, as well,” I told them. Dad helped Mum out of the car and I locked the door quickly, my eyes fixed on the beautifully woman who had her arms wrapped around her chest.

”My God,” I heard Dad say behind me. ”She’s pregnant.” I froze, stumbled, but caught myself before I could fall.

”What?” I asked frightened. ”How did you know!” Mum’s hands flew to her mouth and she ran past us, heading towards Bella. Dad merely smirked at me.

”I’m a Doctor, Edward. Do you think I can’t tell these things?” He stepped forward and held me tightly. ”And, I didn’t know. But, you just confirmed that for me, didn’t you?” I grinned. Stupid old man…

”CARLISLE!” Mum screamed from the steps. ”THEY’RE GETTING MARRIED!” Dad looked at me, eyes wide, and I couldn’t help the goofy grin on my face.

”Congratulations, Edward,” he said warmly, walking with me up the stairs and pulling Bella in a hug. As soon as I could I took her back and held onto her, kissing her forehead as she smiled at my parents. We brought them inside and introduced them to our parents, the four of them sat down immediately and started going over the news we’d given them, I laughed, whenever one of them got overly excited. Charlie and Dad would occasionally break into their own hushed conversations. I’m also fairly certain I caught Dad reassuring Charlie that I was fit to be a son-in-law.

After a few long kisses in the privacy of the kitchen, Bella started into work on a birthday cake ordered for a little girl’s tenth. I went into my office off the side of the dining room and began working on a couple of manuscripts I’d taken home. After an hour’s work, I noticed the ‘adults’ had gone out, and I couldn’t hear Bella’s singing from the kitchen anymore. There was a message on the machine from Alice and Jasper, but no note from Bella. Her car was still in the driveway, and the cat was fast asleep in the window sill.

I headed towards our bedroom, to check and see if she’d taken a nap, but stopped when I saw her at the end of the hallway. She was staring into one of our spare bedrooms, my university sweater looking much too big on her, the sleeves hanging past her hands. Her hair was messily hanging from a pony tail, and she hardly moved, resting her weight on one hip. I slowly moved next to her and wrapped my arms around her, kissing the soft skin of her neck before looking over her shoulder at the almost empty room.

”I think this would be a nice room,” she said softly. ”For our baby.” I grinned. ”It’s far enough away so that when she grows up we won’t have to move, her. We’ll still be close by. And, it has a view of the sunset. I always thought that was nice to go to sleep to…” I kissed her cheek and she smiled, turning her head to meet my lips.

”We’ll have to make it blue, though,” I murmured. She scrunched up her face.

”Blue? Why would you want to paint a girls’ room blue?” I bit my lip to hold back some of the wide smile.

”Because every young boy should have a blue room, don’t you think? We could do green of course, but I don’t think it’s the same as blue…” Bella rolled her eyes at me, but wrapped her arms and legs around me as I picked her up.

”Excuse me, good sir,” she said, adopting that silly accent of mine. ”I must apologize, but we are having a young lady in this house.” She kissed me strongly and I pivoted, facing us towards another spare room across the hallway.

”We could always have two,” I murmured softly, turning my eyes slowly from the room’s plain windows to her eyes. She blushed a light pink, and I felt heat in my own cheeks. She giggled and kissed me again.

”That’s fine with me.”

[Nästa Kapitel]

Chapter Thirteen: Surpriiise

Staring at this shelf was proving to be one of the defining moments of my entire life. I never thought, that the third aisle of the Wal-Mart pharmacy would make such a difference to me. I sighed again, drawing more stares from the people who had been studying pads and tampons the entire time I was here. They were probably wondering how much longer I’d be, standing here in bed shorts and a heavy sweater, staring glumly at the happily coloured boxes in front of me.

I took in a deep breath and pulled down the pregnancy test that looked the most accurate. I smiled at the woman as I passed, making my way to the desk to pay.

”Edward Cullen,” I told the lady and she bustled back to pick up the prescription for Edward’s flu. Poor kid. At first I thought I’d passed on my sickness to him. Then, I realised that everything I had been feeling was definitely something different. The lady smiled at me when I passed her the box, but I had a migraine so my eyes were drooping.

”Congratulations,” she said. ”To you and your husband. If it’s positive.” My mouth curled lightly, but fell back.

”He’s not my husband,” I said glumly, staring at the bright green price lit up in the bulky plastic debit machine. ”Not yet, at least.” The woman smiled again, befrore passing me my receipt and bag. I gave a small wave to her and made my way through the store, running back out to the car to keep the cold wind from my legs.

Today was Valentine’s day. My first one with an actual valentine. I had purchased Edward’s gift weeks ago, and today while he was at work it had come in. Something extremely special from me to him. I rubbed my bare legs as I pulled into the grocery store, and quickly made my way through, filling up the cart easily and trying to ignore the stares my strange outfit was drawing.

I managed to get everything inside in two trips, which was when the taunting began.

That stupid Wal-Mart bag was teasing me, enticing me, begging me to open it and take out the pregnancy test.

I couldn’t do it. Not yet.

Instead, I unpacked every thing I had bought and put it away. Edward would be home from work in an hour, so I started on supper. I pulled off my sweater, now parading around the kitchen in my pyjama’s which consisted of a grey tank top and grey and lime green shorts.

It was after everything was placed into the oven, ready to cook that I found myself with idle time on my hands. There was the bag again, sitting on the counter, calling out to me. I stood there silently, Tom Sawyer gurgling somewhere in the distance, my leg was shaking.

I jumped towards it, throwing the bag immediately into the garbage but keeping that stupid pregnancy test in my hand.

I went to the bathroom.

And, when I came out, Sawyer was sitting in front of the door, looking at me happily. He did not know that this particular trip to the toilet was one of the most important in my life.

”Hey fluffy-butt,” I mumbled, kneeling down and scooping him into my arms. He immediately flopped across me, purring violently and kneading my shoulderblade. I curled my fingers through his fur and stroked his belly. ”I guess this means you’re not the baby of the family anymore.”

I think it was then that I realised that this was Edward’s child inside me. This man, who I loved more than anything in the entire planet, who I got so ecstatic over seeing each day, who excited me, just from the thought of him. I loved him so much, and this was our baby I was having. This was a combination, a little tiny person that we me and him, all in one.

I started to get so happy, and I knew exactly the gift I wanted to give him. So, I left the pregnancy test, with the little pink plus sign out on the bathroom counter. Sawyer was curled around my neck as I boiled the kettle and made a mug of black chai spice tea, picking up a knife and a pear as I folded myself into Edward’s favourite arm chair, sitting next to the baby grand piano I had moved in today as a valentine’s gift for him. He was getting two today, if he was as happy about this as I was.

I flicked on the television to a movie, taking me a moment to realise that it was Sweet November, and to my delight it was just started. I pulled the afghan that always managed to smell like my ‘husband’ off the back of the chair, wrapping it around the cat and myself. Tom Sawyer remained curled into a ball in my lap while I ate.

About ten minutes into the movie I heard a noise at the front door.

”BELLA!” Edward’s deep voice bellowed. I grinned. He tended to yell at me like a dork.

”WHAT,” was my response.

”I LOVE YOU!” He jogged past me, down the hallway to the our bedroom

”I LOVE YOU MORE!” I yelled. Edward chuckled.

”I LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY!” That just made me burst into a fit of giggles. I pushed the afghan away, and Sawyer looked up at me sleepily.

”What have you been doing today?” Edward asked through the door.

”Not a lot. I am currently eating a Chinese Pear…” Edward let out a low whistle.

”Did you get it in China?!” he asked excitedly. I rolled my eyes.

”Of course!” Heavy on the sarcasm. Edward laughed. ”I also made tea, your favourite.”

”Shut up!” he chuckled, a bit more clearly. ”I’ve got to use the bathroom, I’ll be right out.” A wicked grin crossed my face. I stood up, the cat plopping to the floor and running down the hallway as I casually strolled towards the bathroom. I leaned against the wall next to the door.

”I left some of my things on the counter,” I told him. ”You can just throw them out, I don’t need them anymore.” It was quiet for a moment. I pushed the door open and looked inside. Edward was holding the test, his eyes wide and jaw wide open. I smiled, he looked so cute. Slowly he looked up at me as if looking for confirmation. I bit my lip waiting for his reaction.

His lips curled into a silly grin. ”Really?!” He asked goofily. I smiled and nodded, leaning against the doorjamb. Edward through out the test and crouched down to the cabinet, pulling out the box of condoms and began furiously reading the back. ”But how did this happen?!” he exclaimed.

”Perhaps we were a bit too vigorous?” I asked smoothly. His eyes shot up to me and he threw the box back into the cupboard, standing up quickly and leaning into me, kissing me deeply.

”Happy Valentine’s day,” I murmured against his lips. Edward smiled brightly, completely lighting up his eyes before he pulled me against him and kissed me roughly, taking in deep, shaky breaths.

”We’re having a baby!” he said quietly, but oh-so-happily. I grinned, and giggled, jumping up into his arms and wrapping my legs around his waist. ”This totally kicks the pants out of my gift,” he said with a frown.

”Good,” was my response. ”You still have one more present from me though!” Edward’s face paled, as if I could possibly birth the baby right here or something. I grinned at him and kissed his soft lips, clutching onto his hand and leading him to the living room he had passed so quickly moments earlier.

”Sweet Jesus…” he mumbled, before slapping his hand over his mouth. ”Bella!” he exclaimed. ”When did you buy this?!” He looked giddy, like a small child as he skipped over to the bench and sat down, lifting the cover off the keys of his piano and immediately pounded on chords. I giggled loudly.

”I think you continue to forgot, dear, that we are both very well-to-do people. This was quite the expense, but it was nothing, really, in comparison to how much I love you.” Edward looked at me over his shoulder, grinning madly. He held out his hand and sat me down next to him before throwing himself into a happy song. I was so involved, leaning into his shoulder that he took me by surprise when he wrapped his arms tightly around me and kissed my neck and cheeks furiously before reaching my lips.

”I am so freakishly happy that you’re pregnant,” he mumbled, his eyes drowsy but still gorgeous. I grinned, pressing my lips against his.

”Just do me a favour and don’t gain any sympathy weight. That would piss me off more than any hormones.” Edward chuckled and kissed me again, before I decided to be silly. ”So where’s my gift?” I asked excitedly. He sighed and pouted, clearly thinking his gift inadequate now.

”Well,” he said with a heavy sigh, reaching into his pocket. ”I bought it last week during work with Emmett.” He held out a tiny velvet box which made me gasp. Please tell me he wasn’t going to do what I think he was. He shrugged, so nonchalantly and opened it up, revealing a white gold diamond ring, with two emeralds on each side.

”I was just going to ask you to marry me,” he murmured, his eyes filled with so much love as he gently slid the ring onto my finger and I stared at him with my mouth wide open. He smiled at me and cocked his head to the side, waiting for an answer. I squealed and threw myself at him, kissing him furiously. When we broke apart Edward was laughing.

”Is that a yes?” he teased. I grinned and laughed myself before nodding and kissing him once again.

Edward carried me into the bedroom and kissed me silly while he stroked my stomach, which was more tickling that being sweet. I pulled away from him and sat up, picking up the phone and calling Alice while Edward kneeled behind me, kissing my shoulder up to my neck and down again.

”I’M GETTING MARRIED!”I yelled into the phone before she could say hello. This, was followed by much squealing from the both of us while Edward chuckled behind me. ”That’s not all I have to tell you,” I taunted.

”Bella, you better tell me right now or so help me God I will jump through this phone and karate chop you ninja style!” Jasper was in the background, laughing his head off.

”Now, now, Alice! That wouldn’t be good for the baby!” And I promptly hung up. The phone rang so many times in the next few hours, but we ignored it. Instead, we danced around the kitchen, kissing and cooking, but mostly making out instead of cooking. The timer on the oven went off as the doorbell rang– Alice.

”Could you pass me the oven mitts, Mr. Cullen?” I asked, wiping crumbs from my hands in my blue flowered skirt. Edward grinned and pushed them onto me, his fingers running over my ring as he kissed me sweetly.

”Anything for you, Mrs. Cullen.”

[Nästa Kapitel]

Chapter Twelve: Claustrophobia

It took me a moment to completely wake up. I started, breathing in deeply and shifting slightly in bed, feeling Bella’s warmth in my arms, against my chest. I wrapped myself around her, kissing her neck lightly and holding onto her hand. I smiled to myself as I reveled in the feel of her soft shoulder against my chest. I brushed her hair from her cheek and kissed it softly, watching her eyes as they slowly fluttered open. She closed her mouth which had hung open. I grinned to myself as she smiled and turned into me.

”Good morning,” she said softly, sighing into my chest.

”Good morning, love,” I murmured, stroking her arm.

Every morning like this was simply amazing. Waking up to her beautiful face and voice, her sweet kisses. It was too much, too good to be true, yet here I was.

Emmett and I had called Mr. Hann the day after we’d arrived, to let him know to cancel our hotel reservations, and that we’d already found a place to live. He’d expected as much, since the fuss we’d had when the girls were last here.

Bella rolled over on top of me, wiggling her arms underneath my back to wrap them firmly around me. She kissed my cheek sweetly, and just when I was about to lean up for more, she pushed me down by the chest and tumbled out of the bed, quickly scurrying from the room. I let out a loud whining sound before slipping out myself and pulling on a sweater to go with my boxers.

Bella was already sat on the couch, a blanket wrapped firmly around her shoulders and the ps2 loading in front of her. There was a garbage bucket and several boxes of tissues in front of her as she stared intently at the television. She sniffled occasionally as I approached, watching to see what game would load.

”I’m going to make us some breakfast, alright?” I said, kissing her hair and stepping into the kitchen.

”No eggs, please,” Bella called from the couch.

”They still making you sick?” I asked. She made some sort of noise, but was quickly immersed in the game. Bella had been sick for the past few days. I’d wanted to stay home and take care of her but she wouldn’t have it.

A few moments later I was sitting next to her, placing two plates of toast smeared in strawberry jame in front of us. Bella reached down and shoved one into her mouth, sniffing violently against her runny nose, eyes still fixed on the screen. I chuckled and watched until it was time to get ready.

I changed into a pair of black jeans and a white dress shirt, pulling on my black blazer as I left. I heard the toilet flush and waited in the hallway for Bella to come outside. The door opened and she stood there, frowning, her hair a mess all around her head.

”I hate being sick,” she mumbled before blowing her nose. I smiled sympathetically at her and helf my arms open. Bella stuck out her bottom lip and held onto me tightly. I rubbed her back as best as I could while maneuvering us to the living room.

I laid Bella on the couch, pulling the afghan securely on top of her. She pulled the game controller under the covers with her, to keep herself warm while she played. I got her everything she would need so that she wouldn’t have to move, then set the phone in front of her before I kissed her forehead and headed out to work.

I loved being here, working in America. It felt so different from back home, probably because I was so restricted to the few places I knew in the city — the country! Exclude the fact that I’m with Bella, and I’d still really like it here. I felt so important, being from the original Michaels & Hann. Emmett and I had our own offices, complete with secretaries. Unfortuneately, I wasn’t having such great luck with mine.

”Good morning, Mr. Cullen,” Jessica cooed, sticking her chest out a little further I grimaced but nodded, heading into my office. I started into work immediately, sorting through papers and attending meetings most of the morning. It didn’t take long before I had to start tugging at my shirt collar, undoing several of the buttons. It was nearly impossible not to get claustrophobia, being cooped up in my office all day. But, honestly, the real cause was that Bella wasn’t around.

When Emmett and I were walking back to my office before heading out for lunch we heard her.

”Oh, Edward!” She called in a low tone. ”There’s a call for you on line two.” She was sitting on her desk, crossing and uncrossing her legs furiously.

”I’m about to head out, Jessica, can you take a message?”

”She said her name was Bella, or something,” she scoffed, rolling her eyes. ”She said it was important, so I thought I’d mention it.” I didn’t need any other explanation. I ran inside, slamming the door shut behind me. I launched myself behind my desk and picked up the line.

”Are you okay?!” I very nearly yelled. I heard her musical laughter on the other end.

”I’m fine, I just wanted to tell you I missed you.” My lips curled into the widest smile of the day. This woman was simply unbelievable. I couldn’t believe my good fortune at finding her.

”I miss you so much,” I murmured back to her. ”I actually think i might try and get off a bit earlier.” We spoke for a few more moments, before I excused myself, Emmett still waiting outside. He rolled his eyes at me, once he saw the goofy grin plastered all over my face. I jabbed him in the shoulder and he chuckled, running down the stairs while I took the elevator.

I was waiting for maybe a minute when he came barrelling down the stairs, panting heavily.

”You know,” I said. ”There’s a reason they have elevators that go to places like the sixth floor.” Emmett waved his hand at me, still gasping in air.

”Yeah, but now I’ll be a spry old man and you’ll be a fat geezer in a wheelchair.” This man, seriously, he must be insane.

”I’ll take the stairs when we go to the second floor,”I sighed, walking away without him. We walked down the street where there was a large strip mall. I picked up a paper bucket full of chinese food, fried rice, lo mein, and some vegetables that I managed to get them to mush into one box for me. I was walking down the sidewalk, looking for wherever Emmett went, shoveling food into my mouth when I saw it.

I stood there, staring at the displays of reds and golds in the window, having a sort of epiphany as I looked over each piece. I finished my lunch and threw it into a garbage bin next to a bench where seated, was an old woman, who was watching me with a grin. I smiled to her before I went back to the window and stared at the showcase once more.

”She must be a lucky girl,” the woman croaked. ”If you’re thinking this much about it.” I turned to her and grinned, my eyes flickering back to the store.

”She definitely is,” I murmured. I heard Emmett calling my name from down by the New York Fries. Rather than wait for him and head back to the office like I usually would, I waved to the old woman and stepped into the store, the bell on the door jingling as I entered. I heard Emmett from the street, yelling in surprise at where he saw me walk into.

[Nästa Kapitel]

Chapter Eleven: Overreaction

Alice pulled the bread from the oven. Jasper hung up from another cake order. Rosalie finished furiously beating a bowl of batter. By hand.

She was just as furious and as upset as me.

I sighed, and leaned onto the counter, the cookie dough sinking into my elbows, as I was leaning on it, the cookie cutters in my hands imprinting their shape into my skin because of how strongly I held them. I stared ahead at the door to my deck and the waves that rolled by aimlessly in the darkness. It got dark at four, that was hours ago.

”Bella, you’re going to have to throw half of that out if you don’t get your dirty elbows out of it,” Alice scolded, smacking my head as I walked by. She and Jasper had been back from their honeymoon for a week now. Since they’d returned we’d been working non stop to get everything ready for all of the late Christmas parties.

”Your elbows are the most temperature sensitive part of your body, Al,” I said cockily, standing upright an forcing off parts of the dough into the garbage. ”That’s why you use them to test the bathwater for babies. Look, a pieceful use of information for you when you knock her up, Jazz.” The man blushed and Rose laughed loudly, finally pleased that the depressed-girls-in-amazing-relationships finally got one up on sickeningly-sweet-married-couple. I rolled out my dough again and finally attacked it furiously with my various festive cutters– trees, snowmen, snowflakes, angels. Circles that I’d decorate into ornaments once I broke out the icing, sugar, and sprinkles. This, was going to be the batch of Christmas cookies to take all batches of Christmas cookies. I could feel it.

Okay. So, perhaps I was letting my fury at not being able to be with Edward leak into the work environment. Rosalie was doing it too. She took that spatula to the bowl like she was hacking away at whatever fellow decided to put America and England so far apart. It was a thought that had been tempting for me as well.

”I think you two need to stop moping about these ‘chaps’ and find some more locally accesible guys,” Alice asked simply.

”NO!” Rosalie and I yelled at the same time, jumping towards Alice. She cringed and held onto the countertop for dear life. When she realised we weren’t going to hurt her she continued with the hors d’oeuvre’s she was making.

”Alice, you don’t understand what it is about these guys that makes them so much better than anyone in America– no offense, Jazz,” Rose added, patting his shoulder.

”None taken,” he said with a smile and a shrug, doodling out a sketch for a cake.

”But Emmett… he’s interested in the same things as me,” Rose began, a dreamy look in her eye. ”He see’s the real me, not just my looks, but the girl who likes getting greasy under the hood of an old wreck, taking things and tweaking them until they’re better. He gets excited when he’s near me, when he learns something new about me, and he’s such a nice guy. And he’s so gorgeous. That accent? Phew! But even that is just a bonus to how wonderfully funny and… amazing he is!” Alice and I were watching her with a smile.

”And the sex!” Rose exclaimed, pushing the bundt cake into the oven. ”I haven’t had that in a month and it’s absolutely maddening, because he’s the best I’ve ever had. I’m willing to wait for whatever to see him again, because no one will ever meet up to him in my eyes.” I think there was a look of horror on my face. Alice and Jasper snickered.

”We don’t have that problem, do we dear?” Jasper asked, snaking his arm around her chest and kissing the top of her head. I gagged. The phone rang.

”Bella, you at least should go out and find someone new, I can imagine it’s been a lot longer for you in terms of any sexual relationships.” Alice sniggered. I shot her a glare and picked up the phone.

”I don’t want anyone else but Edward, Al. He’s it. I know it. The things he does to me, just by looking at me, it makes my body feel so different and complete. And he’s so charming, and funny, and sweet, and smart, and strong and caring and… beautiful! But… I know, that I don’t need — want!– anyone else but him. He is absolutely perfect for me, and I won’t find anyone else who can compare, so don’t even think about making me try.” The three of them watched me with awe. I looked down at my hand, to find the phone there. I looked at it, confused for a moment, before I remembered that it picked up on it’s own once it was picked up from the bed.

”Oh! Hello?” I asked, slamming it to my ear.

”You love me,” a nasaly voice called out, followed by a chuckle. I found myself smiling and blushing, cradling the phone between my elbow and ear, picking up my cookies and placing them on a tray.

”I do,” I told him. ”Very, very much so.” Edward sighed happily.

”You know,” he began cheerfully. I heard a deep voice mumble something in the background. ”Katie was telling me about this movie she saw. It was about this English fellow who moved to America to be with some girl he’d fallen in love with while she was on vacation!” I laughed and cut out more cookies, Rose watching me for any indication that Emmett was mentioned.

”Oh really?” I said happiy. ”Sounds like a good movie!”

”Rather confusing, actually,” he said seriously. I heard a familiar voice say ‘left,’ in the background.

”That Emmett?”I asked, watching Rose’s eyes light up.

”Yeah, he’s moving some furniture,” Edward explaining. ”Anyway. When he gets to America she decides she doesn’t like him anymore, so he’s left there, all alone, with no one. Except for some university class he teaches. In America, that is.”

”If you moved here just to be with me I would not let you get away,” I murmured.

”Good,” Edward said in a deeper tone. ”In anycase, this guy meets a really amazing girl on the internet! Of all places,” I rolled my eyes. He was picking out everything he could related to us. ”And she’s a really wonderful girl, but it’s actually her mother doing it. And, eventually, he falls in love with the girls’ mother, and the girl falls in love with her best guy friend.”

”If you moved here just to be with me I wouldn’t give you time to meet anyone else,” I whispered passionately. I could hear the smile in his voice as he whispered; ”Good.”

”And, lucky you I have no guy friends except Jasper and he’s married.” Edward laughed happily.

”God, I miss you so much, Bella,” he murmured over Emmett saying something else behind him. ”I love you so much, you know that right?” I nodded, though he couldn’t see, tears forming in my eyes.

”I know,” I breathed. ”I love you too. I want to see you again. So badly.”

”I know, love. I’m working on it, believe me. We won’t be apart for so long.” It was what he told me many times before. We were trying to find away to actually be together for a longer time, but it was proving to be difficult. I sniffed and wiped the tears from my cheeks.

”I have to get back to work,” I mumbled, looking at all of my friends gathered around the food. ”I love you, Edward,” I told him.

”I know, Bella. I love you too,” he said. I hung up the phone, staring at the bright green screen as it faded away, and I couldn’t stop the tears that were flowing from my eyes. I sobbed heavily, sniffing loudly as Alice and Rose (crying herself) ran up to me to hold me. Jasper moved behind me and rubbed my back.

”I miss him so much!” I exclaimed. ”I just want to see him again so badly, is that too much to ask? I love him. I love him, I love him, I love him. I want to marry him and have kids with him, and I want to pack everything up and go to him, right now.” I sobbed, tears streaking furiously down my cheeks. Alice and Jasper were smiling at me amusedly and Rosalie pulled away to smile weakly at me, tears in her eyes as well.

”I love you too,” a velvety smooth, oh-so-familiar voice said. I froze. Rosalie screamed and ran past me. Alice and Jasper were laughing happily. I turned and was in complete shock of what stood before me.

Holding Tom Sawyer tenderly in his arms and scratching his ears softly was my one true love; Edward Cullen. I screamed. Edward grinned at me beautifully and set the cat on the floor while I ran to him and jumped into his arms, holding myself tightly against his neck. He held onto me so tightly, his breath was warm on my shoulder. My legs were wrapped around his waist an I leaned back, studying the gorgeous smile and the twinkle in his emerald eyes. I pressed myself to him in a very needed and very happy kiss. We smiled against each others’ lips and I pulled away from him, to see the smile on his face.

My heart was soaring. I was ecstatic, squealing as I hugged him tightly after he’d set me down on my feet. Behind him I saw Rose and Emmett in similar positions, just pulling away from one another. Alice and Jasper were laughing loudly behind us and I turned to look at them.

Jasper stood behind Alice and cleared his throat with a deep ‘Ahem!’ Alice turned, screamed and jumped onto him, kissing him sillily. We all laughed and I leaned into Edward’s chest, feeling perfectly at home, and perfectly whole. I wiped the tears away from my cheeks.

”Why are you here?!” Rose and I exclaimed at once. The guys laughed heartily. Edward placed a gently kiss on my cheeks.

”We live here,” he said simply. My eyes probably bulged. My mouth did drop open, Rosalie squealed again.

”What do you mean!?” I hollered. Alice and Jasper shook hands with the guys before picking up their jackets and leaving. Emmett and Rose slipped outside soon after to head back to Rose’s house.

”I mean,” Edward began slowly, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as I showed him around the house. ”That I have moved to your town, as it is required of me by my job. They opened the office here, Emmett and I are permanent residents now.” I shot my head towards him, my eyes wide. Was he serious? Because that would be just so cruel to say that to me.

”Edward, are you joking?” he grinned widely and shook his head. I started jumping and squealing, making the cat rush out of the room. Edward laughed happily at me before he grabbed my arms and pushed me against the wall, pressing into me fiercly before taking my lips in his own. I was so shocked that I moaned into him, running my hands through his hair. Edward’s body was touching me in every place imaginable and he groaned when I opened our mouths and met his tongue with my own, tasting what I had missed for so long.

It set us both over the edge.

I didn’t bother with the buttons on his shirt, I pushed it over his head as he untied the apron from my back. I jumped up and wrapped my legs around him as he hurriedly moved into my bedroom. My peasant skirt pulled off easily and I started working on his belt while he admire me in nought but underpants and a t-shirt. I left the belt in his pants as I unzipped them and roughly pulled them down to his knees. He chuckled and stood up again to kick them off. I sat up and pulled off the shirt myself. Edward froze, staring at me in a daze. I grinned and but my lip, standing up and holding firmly onto his shoulders. I leaned forward and barely let my lips brush against his.

Edward let out a shuddering breath and pushed me into the mattress, kissing me furiously. My heart was beating wildly as his hands ran up my sides and I smiled. This was exactly where I wanted to be, the happiest I could be.

[Nästa Kapitel]

Chapter Ten: Transatlanticism

A month. A whole, excrutiatingly painful month without the love of my life. Pure torture.

Waking up every morning without her made me frown and almost burst into tears, not hearing her moving in the kitch or falling over things in the living room made my shoulders sag. The flat was so depressingly quiet and empty — cold, without her here.

The result of my gloomy morning was me, walking into work every single day looking like someone had just run over my puppy. Or, sent my ‘wife’ across the ocean. I’d spent the whole day at my desk, going over files and notes, scheduling meetings with various writers. Whenever I couldn’t find anything to preoccupy myself with, I put my head in my hands and cried.

Dry sobbed, at least. Emmett would walk by and notice me and sit down for a mope as well. We were distraught, unable to keep living. Despite how melodramatic it seemed, Katie found it quite humorous.

”Would you two quit acting like a couple of girls and get some work done?” she asked furiously, though there was a smile evident on her face.

”Shut up Katie,” Emmett mumbled, crouching down next to my chair, his head barely peeking over my desk at her. ”We’re heartbroken here, can’t you tell? Leave us to be pathetic please.” With nothing else to say to his sister he proceeded to sift through the papers in my garbage can.

”I miss Bella,” I drew out in a croaky, strained voice. Katie’s eyebrows rose and she stifled her laughter.

”Edward, my dear. I realise you miss Bella, but why don’t you do something about it, instead of sitting around here making my job difficult?” Katie put her hands akimbo and looked at me expectantly. My head, resting in my hand my my cheek drag up to my eye and my mouth hung open. I looked at her lazily.

”But I have no more vacation time for a long time,” I mumbled. Emmett held up a piece of paper and looked at it curiously before tossing it on the floor.

”I wasn’t talking about vacation time, Ed,” Katie said exaspertedly. She rolled her eyes up to the ceiling and muttered something I couldn’t hear. ”Listen. When Mr. Hann calls for meetings today, take one,” she stressed. ”You too, Em.” She walked away without another word, glaring at us and clutching the files in her hands tightly. Emmett made a noise.

”Why did you have an appointment for an EKG?” he asked curiously, looking at the doctors’ letter I’d thrown in there earlier. I sighed.

”My chest has been feeling funny since Bella left, so my doctor sent me to the hospital to get it checked up. I’ll get the results back soon, I suppose…” Emmett stood up and kicked the garbage bin back in place.

”Maybe I should go for one too… my chest has been weird for about a month now…”

”Sort of like, an aching, right from the middle?” I asked, rubbing the spot lightly.

Emmett nodded and mimiced my motions. ”Yeah. It eases up a couple times. When I’m on the phone to Rose or something. Other than that it hurts all the time.” I nodded. We apparantly had the same affliction.

”Well, when I get my results I’ll tell you what to watch out for,” I said with a sad smile and he headed down the hall. ”Weird palpatations, too,” I mumbled, picking up the files on my desk.

Mr. Hann stepped out of his office just as I was opening the filing cabinet, pushing around the folders to find the perfect spot. ”Edward,” he said happily as he stepped up, his coffee mug refilled and steaming. ”We’re having a staff meeting in twenty, spread the word for me, would you? Just this floor though. The editors are what I’m after, but get along anyone who’s up here.” He smiled happily at me, his eyes bright. It was infectious, I grinned back, adopting his good mood. He wobbled for a moment and mumbled, then went back to his office.

I poured my own cup of coffee and told those left in the lunch room about the meetings, telling them to spread it on before I went and found Katie and Emmett.

It wasn’t long, before everyone was sitting in the conference room, Emmett and I on the right hand side of Mr. Hann as he stood to address the full table.

”Ladies and gentlemen! The production on our America office has been completed!” There were cheers and applause, I clapped, but to be polite. He flicked on a slide, lighting up the wall behind him with a picture of the building alond with statistics, the address, population around there, square footage, everything. What caught my attention was the address, and as I turned to look at Emmett, I was sure by the expression on his face that he caught it too. Katie was standing in the back with a smug grin on her face. I glared.

”My partner, Mr. Michaels is well equipped with some very good workers, but I thought that to start him out properly, a few english representatives were in order. So, I’ll be having some meetings with you, interviews, if you will,” Mr. Hann explained. He caught my eye for a moment and I grinned. ”I’ll admit, there is some preference as to who the job would go to, if they be willing to take it, and a raise is in order. Your trip will be paid, your lodging paid until you can find your own place, and the expenses for moving you things will also be handled by us. So, no worries, you will be compensated. First class flights. Nice hotels. You know. All that jazz.” We stood there, shocked. There were a few murmurs here and there, but for the most part, silence.

Mr. Hann looked at us all expectantly, waiting for anyone to ask any questions. ”I’ll be in my office, waiting for you. And you really should make a point of seeing me, I hope to have you flying out by the end of this week!” He finished with a flourish of his hand and turned around, heading towards the door into his office. I stood there, mouth agape as Katie and everyone else left through the main door.

”Emmett,” I gasped. ”Do you realise what this means?” I turned to him and he looked ecstatic.

”Edward, I haven’t had sex in a month and that could be resolved in one week!” I grimaced, and felt my face heat up. I didn’t want to let him know how long I’d been without sex.

”Besides that, Em. We could get back to the girls, like– permanently! We could be living right down the street from them!” I exclaimed, jumping out of my chair. Emmett stood up with a wicked grin on his face.

”Do you think you’re ready for that kind of commitment, mate?” he asked. I froze. Bella was everything I’d ever ask for. I knew she was it. This pain I was feeling from our separation was too strong. My body didn’t feel right without her next to it at night, I felt so empty, like I was cut in half. And by God, whenever I saw her on that screen or heard her voice on the phone, my blood started pumping faster than I could keep up with. I’d often excused myself from conversations with her to take cold showers. I needed her near me, so badly.

”Of course I am, Emmett, are you insane?” I said. He laughed with me, but I adopted a serious face and placed my hands on his shoulders. ”But are you ready to chase one girl 20,000 leagues across the sea, or whatever, even if it means a complete change in job location, not to mention– country, no! Continent?” I rose an eyebrow at him, daring him to answer. He swallowed heavily and thought for a moment.

”I most certainly am,” he said seriously. ”Rosalie is all I’ve ever wanted.” I grinned, feeling it reach my eyes for the first time in weeks. With Emmett close by my side we stepped up to Mr. Hann’s door and tapped lightly on it, before opening it up to peek inside.

”Mr. Hann?” I asked softly. ”You’re not to busy, are you? Might we have a word?”
Four days.

Four days was all it took for me to pack up all of my valuables and necessities, and things that could possibly be used in two different continents, and packed it into the truck the company sent over. I drove over to Emmett’s house, following behind the moving van. Emmett was waiting in the driveway with his few boxes packed up in front of him. I pulled in next to Katie’s car. Emmett passed his things up to the workers and sent them on their way before climbing into the car with Katie and myself.

We drove in silence on the way to the airport. Katie concentrated on the traffic around us and on not getting into an accident, after nearly witnessing one. She was going to sell our cars and my flat while we were gone, and send over the money as soon as she could. I’d called my mother the night before. She was pleased with my ‘promotion’ of sorts, and she said she was hoping to hear from Bella and I soon. Katie struck up a conversation with Emmett about Rose. I stared out the window, absently rubbing the spot on my chest where it used to hurt, but now it was feeling a bit more at ease. We both hugged and kissed Katie goodbye and she wished us luck on getting our girls.

I was ecstatic, on the plane. I did not want to sleep. I did not want to eat the meal they offered me. I wanted to watch the movie they were showing to get my mind off of Bella for two seconds.

I ate the meal. I put on the headphones from my iPod, to a playlist labelled ”Lullaby”. I took a blanket and pillow offered to me. I shut the window and curled onto my side, letting my full stomach lead me into sleep.

I woke up when we were landing. Emmett was snoring softly next to me. A baby cried from somewhere behind the curtain. I nudged him awake and he awoke with a grunt. We both tried to wipe the sleep from our eyes, but had no problem when the plane started skidding to a halt. That jolted us awake.

Someone screamed behind us, surprised by the impact. Emmett and I laughed, passing back the pillows and blankets. I unbuckled myself and hurriedly took our things out of the overhead compartment.

We were the first off the plane.

Out front a car sent by the company was waiting for us. I grinned widely, grabbing the keys while Emmett politely asked for directions. He came back, after listening to the old lady a couple of times, still not understanding where to go. I snickered and pulled out my new phone, dialing a number I was sure to become accustomed with.
[Nästa Kapitel]

Chapter Nine: Impulse Buy

Waking up I felt so warm. I was wrapped in a cocoon of heat and a sweet smell filled my nose. I opened my eyes, burning against the light I could see over the mass in front of me. When I focused I remembered exactly where I was, and I couldn’t help but grin. My face was securely tucked into Edward’s chest and his strong arms were wrapped around me securely. I let out an audible, satisfied sigh as I settled myself in closer, wrapping my leg around his. I felt him stir then, so I closed my eyes to look asleep. Edward stretched and grunted, shakng out of the sleep. He looked down at me and I felt his lips against my head curling into a smile. He wrapped his arms tighter around me and rubbed my back soothingly. I let out a tiny moan from how well his hands felt against me. He stopped, and leaned back to look at me.

I opened one eye and saw him staring at me, an amused expression painted over his face. I closed my eyes and nuzzled his chest, causing him to laugh lightly at me. ”Morning,” he murmured.

”Morning,” I said in a bright, muffled voice. ”I was up before you. I bet my fake sleep fooled you.” Without arguing he simply ‘Mhm-ed’ me and then put his hand under my chin, lifting it up to his face and giving me the softest, sweetest kisses imaginable.

I knew there was a good reason to come to England.

I would have been perfectly content staying there for the rest of the day, if Esme hadn’t opened his door in an attempt to frighten us awake. We were already awake, so all that did was frighten us apart. We jumped so much that is caused Edward to fall of the bed, only his arm and a leg managing to stay up. Me, being firmly attached to him, attempted to straighten up, but fell anyway due to some sort of momentum… inertia physics thing, I suppose. In any case, I fell right on top of Edward. Esme let out a tiny squeal before falling into loud laughter and then Carlisle must have peeked in too because we heard him laughing as well. The door clicked shut and I let out an exasperated sigh the same moment that Edward let out a pained groan.

”Are you all right?” I asked concernedly, ignoring the fact that I was pressed up against him in all the proper places. Okay… clearly I wasn’t ignoring it. Edward groaned and even sobbed a bit, staring up at the ceiling pitifully.

”I think I’ve broken my bum,” he murmured. I bit my lip to keep from laughing as I straightened up on top of him and leaned closer to his face.

”I like that bum,” I murmured. ”It better not be damaged.” Edward turned to me, meeting my eye with a strange twinkle in his own. His mouth was twisted into the most adorable grin I’d ever seen. I smiled and then leaned forward to kiss him again.

”Thanks so much for having us, Mum,” Edward said as we packed the car up with our bag and the various baked goods Esme and I had prepared this morning.

”It was lovely meeting you,” I said, taking a step towards them. Esme smiled lovingly and gave me a warm hug, Carlisle joined in on it, and with a laugh Edward did too. We were all one big hugging mass in the walkway until I couldn’t breathe anymore.

”You’re a wonderful girl, Bella,” Esme said with a bright smile. ”I’m so glad Edward found you.” Carlisle wrapped his arm around his wife, rubbing her shoulder gently.

”I’m glad he did too,” I murmured to them, turning to see Edward walk up behind me. He happily wrapped his arm around my waist and led me to the car. He shouted out the window that he loved his parents and then expertly pulled away from the side of the road, following it through the town and back out to the highway.

This time, he didn’t fidget so much with the CD.

Rosalie and Emmett were waiting for us outside of Edward’s flat when we arrived. She grinned at me and ran up to hug me, whispering in my ear that she knew it was bound to happen. Edward and Emmett were talking in hushed tones as he unlocked the door.

”So, what happened?” Rose asked with a wide smile. I blushed and hung up my jacket, my eyes wandering to Edward, pulling on his sweater while he walked into the living room.

”We were making out in front of his parents’ house when they came home and caught us,” I mumbled, smiling at her. Rosalie’s eyes bugged out of her head and she fought to stifle back her laughter. I giggled and felt my cheeks turn pink but I tried to keep my reactions in check. A quick glance in passing showed me that Edward was watching me with a happy grin plastered over his lips.

The next week with three out of five of my very favourite people was pure bliss. It was romantic and humorous, and it was the healthiest, happiest time of my life. I truly had never felt as good as when I was with Edward and it was just the ways he’d look at me, or smile to me, or the deep meaning in the little things he said.

Rosalie was head over heels, as was Emmett. He sat by me one day as Rose and Edward were buying some tickets and he whispered that he was madly in love for her, and asked for my permission. I was ecstatic for them. I threw my arms around him and squealed loudly, drawing a few curious stares. Emmett merely gave me his booming laugh and wrapped his arms around me. Edward and Rose came back with confused expressions on their faces and Edward gave me a little pout, stating that he was afraid I might like Emmett better than him.

I simply giggled and jumped up, placing my hands on his neck to draw him to me for a kiss. That day we took a cruise down The River Thames. They bundled me up tightly against the autumn cold and we watched the gorgeous scenery for hours.

My favourite parts were when Edward would sneak up behind me to wrap his arms around me and plant kissed on my neck, whispering silly things in my ears.

Rosalie never spent another night at Edward’s, and I never spent a single one in the guest room.

I went with him into work again, the day before I had to leave to wish Katie well and give her a huge hug. I stood with her while Edward went to speak with his boss.

”How was your stay in England?” Katie asked me. I blushed furiously.

”I got more than I could ever ask for,” I mumbled. She giggled and grabbed my arms, pulling me farther into the lunch room where she poured a cup of tea for herself and another for me. I took the warm mug and held it with both hands, letting the heat seep through my skin.

”So, how is your husband?” Katie asked, cocking one eyebrow with a develish grin. I smiled and laughed quietly, taking a sip of the soothing drink.

”He is absolutely amazing. He has been nothing but a gentleman and I think I like him way too much for the time allotted to us. It is completely unfair that I have to go home tomorrow and leave him here. I do not want to go.” I said quickly. Katie laughed and moved to sit next to me against the counter.

”I know what you mean. Emmett’s really torn up about Rosalie going, she’s a wonderful girl.” Katie watched my face with a light smile. ”I wish you could stay, I know we’d be great friends if Edward didn’t get to hogg you.” I chuckled with her again.

”I know what you mean. I really don’t want to have to go, but I need to.” We both made sad faces which was when… Mike? as I remember it, decided to come in.

”Why hello there, ladies,” he said with a stupid grin on his face, attempting to make his eyes hooded and sexy. I gagged a little and turned before I could make Katie and myself burst into giggles. I took a sip innocently. Mike stood in front of us with his hands in his pockets, looking too confident.

”Michael,” Katie said in a down to business tone. ”How may we help you?” Mike shrugged, attempting a nonchalance that was impossible for his to pull off. I snorted lightly and turned away for a second time.

”I was just wondering if you ladies are free tonight,” he said, sounding like a complete sleaze. I looked at him angrily. For all he knew, I was married to his coworker. That was precisely when Edward walked in with the cutest expression on his face, searching for me. I downed my cup and placed it on the counter before stepping towards him with a smile and reaching up to plant a kiss on his lips.

”I’m sorry Mike, but I’ll be with my husband tonight,” Edward smirked and wrapped his arms around me, watching me from over me. Katie smiled at him, almost looking sad about it.

”I’ll be with my family tonight, and will not be available any night that you are,” she said sharply before turning to walk with us outside. I giggled at leaving a stunned idiot in the lunchroom and Edward rubbed my shoulder while chuckling happily. Katie pushed Edward away and flung her arms around me.

”I’ll miss you, girl I’ve hardly known!” she said dramatically. That just caused me to break out into more hysterics and after a few more goodbyes Edward and I were heading down the elevator.

We met up with Rose and Emmett and spent the rest of the day doing as many touristy things that we could cram in to less than twenty four hours. we stayed up late and slept in until lunchtime. I dragged myself out of bed and moved to the kitchen, preparing a breakfast for Edward and I. I picked up the tray and moved carefully to the bedroom, placing it carefully on the floor while I climbed into bed and on top of Edward. I laid myself on top of him and pressed gentle kisses onto his shoulder, collar, neck, cheek and finally met the smile on his lips as they pushed carefully against my own.

”I like waking up like this…” Edward murmured. I giggled and rolled off of him. He whimpered sadly while I leaned over to pick up the tray, scooting closer to him and placing it on both of our laps. Edward kissed me sweetly before we both set in, finishing on record time to fit in some well deserved cuddling.

We spent most of the day in bed together talking, and I had a small epiphany of great proportions. Small, in the sense that it only took a moment, because I sort of knew all along. Great, in the sense that it was because I realised I was in love with him. This amazing man, that was just lying here, with one arm wrapped around me in his warm bed, chatting about simple things. It was enough to make me consider giving up everything at home to stay here. But, there was Alice and Jasper, and the annoying what if’s. What if: he didn’t love me, didn’t want me here, was waiting for me to leave, was afraid of commitment, had really scrawny legs. I pushed myself closer against him, relieved to find the last what if not a factor. Edward looked at me curiously and I simplt grinned at him, pressing my lips against his.

We dragged ourselves out of bed when Emmett and Rose came over. I got up and showered, packed my bags and set a batch of cookies in for the boys. Rose was giving me the saddest expression I’d ever seen.

”I’m in love, Bella,” she murmured into my shoulder while I rubbed her back. ”I don’t want to leave that. He’s just so perfect… Thank you for bringing me with you.”

”Oh, Morose Moose,” I mumbled, causing Rose to burst into a fit of giggles. ”Don’t make me so depressed.”

”Why moose?” she asked, trying to lighten up the situation. ”Why not something more delicate, like Morose Mouse.” I rolled my eyes.

”Mice are infected vermin whose only purposes are to feed owls and test perfume,” I said sarcastically. Rosalie scoffed.

”Moose are just gigantic horny things!” she exclaimed. Edward and Emmett looked over at us curiously. I rose an eyebrow, as if there was need for argument.

Rosalie blushed furiously, crossing her arms with with a ‘hmph’. ”Shut up Bella, don’t even say a thing.”

We rode to the airport in silence. Rosalie and Emmett were whispering in the back, but Edward and I just looked like someone had run over our cat. I looked at him for the fiftieth time and wrapped my hand around his. He glanced at me and smiled, rubbing my hand with his thumb. The airport was empty, practically. It was so eerily quiet, I felt terrified to get onto that plane.

It wasn’t long at all before they called the boarding for our flight. Edward turned to me with a pained expression on his face while Rose and Emmett told each other how much they loved each other. My heart was swelling as he leaned forward, cupping my face in one hand. He kissed me sweetly, our lips moving gently together. I wanted to cry. He felt so good, and so right. I’d never felt this way before. Aaron Greene in junior year held nothing to this. I wrapped my arms tightly around Edward and moved as closely as I could to him.

When we broke apart I knew I had to tell him, before I regretted it, before I was gone with no idea when I’d see him again, although I was sure I would. ”Edward?” I murmured softly to his lips.

”Yes?” he asked quietly. I rose my eyes to his, watching my from underneath his lashes.

”I love you,” I whispered, biting my lip to wait for a response. I felt his breath stop and a smile curl his mouth before he pulled me tighter and kissing me fervently. I smiled widely and wrapped my arms around his neck, enjoying this all too much. My flight was called again, just as we began to slow down. Edward groaned sadly and I moved away, taking his hands in mine.

”I love you so much, Bella,” he murmured, kissing me gently again. I spent a few more moments pressed against him kissing him, Rosalie hadn’t even stopped with Emmett. When they called the last boarding we all broke apart.

”I love you Edward,” I said, backing away slightly. He nodded and smiled, passing me my bags and squeezing my hand as he kissed me for the last time before I walked through the gate and onto the plane.

Rose and I cried most of the trip home. And, although we were so happy to see Alice and Jazz again, we missed our English boys the most. As Rosalie was stepping out of the car to head to her apartment I looked up to her and sadly said; ”Pip pip, cheery-o?” She began sobbing and rushed up the stairs. Alice dropped me off, thanking me for her dress and whispering that she’d come see me tomorrow.

I collapsed in bed, too tired to feel like an insomiac, and dreamt about Edward.

Riiing… Riiing… Riiin–

”Hello?” I murmured groggily into my phone. I glanced at the clock underneath my hair. 10 am. A happy chuckle sounded through the receiver.

”Good morning, Sleeping Beauty,” Edward called. I immediately relaxed and smiled. It was a natural reaction to his voice.

”Hi,” I said. ”I miss you so much. Rose and I pretty much cried the entire way home.”

”I know what you mean,” he murmured. ”Emmett and I haven’t been the nicest of guys all day.” I sighed.

”Are you at work?” I asked. Edward made a sound.

”Unfortunately. Mike’s been wondering how my wife’s been. Katie misses you too.”

”Aw, tell her I miss her more.” Edward chuckled.

”I just wanted to make sure you got home okay,” he said. ”I actually have to get back to work, but now you’re up, and you’re home. That makes me a lot less worried.” I smiled. He’s so sweet.

”Thank you,” I told him. ”I’ll talk to you later, I’m sure.” Edward chuckled. ”I love you,” I added.

”I love you too,” he said, and I could hear every ounce of it in his voice.

Shortly after hanging up, Alice bounced into the room, landing next to me on the bed. The impact made me fly upwards, nearly falling off. I was scrambling back onto the mattress while she giggled at me.

”Brighten up, Bella,” Alice said, flinging down my bed sheets. ”I know you’re madly in love with your english muffin, but we’ve got an engagement party to feed tonight! We need to go shopping for foodstuffs, pronto.” I screwed up my face at her, but she merely pushed it away and skipped to my closet, pulling out an outfit for me to wear.

”It’s gotten pretty cold,” she murmured, passing me a pair of black jeans and a long blue sweater. I pulled them on while her back was turned and took the accessories passed to me. I was permitted, thankfully, to just wear my Converse sneakers outside.

Alice and I bundled up against the cold before heading out to the catering van, our favourite piece of frighteningly logo-ed metal to drive around town.

”We’ll need to pick up Rose and Jasper on the way back home,” she said as I pulled into a parking spot in front of the grocery store. ”They’re gone out to pick out some things for the wedding.” I squealed with her as she hopped into my cart and I pushed her around the store.

We were given many rude stares, Alice being buried in food in my cart and all, but I was having too much fun with my best friend to care, it thankfull got my mind off how empty I felt without Edward there, his strong, beautifully accented voice saying sweet or funny things near me.

I was quiet while we went through the cash register, thinking about England and it’s magnificent boys. Alice immediately snapped my attention back when I had to pay as she scurried out to the car with the bags. I let my mind drift to a conversation Edward and I had had about pets, and how it would be a good idea for me to get something to keep me company before I was with Edward again. We even discussed names. I thought about it more and more as I passed through the automatic doors and decided that spending a ridiculous amount of money on pet supplies was exactly what I needed. That, and a little critter to keep me company at night.

”Kittens!” A small girls’ voice called from outside the stores’ door. I froze where I was and turned to her. And young girl was sitting down next to a cardboard box. Written across it were the sloppy words ”Free Kittens!” and I felt myself grinning. I threw myelf to the ground in front of the box, taking the girl by surprise, I’m sure, as I gazed down at the cutest, fluffiest kittens I’d ever seen.

”They’re Norwegian Forest cats!” she said proudly. ”Do you want to take one home?”

”I most definitely do!” I said in awe, sticking my hand down towards them. There was one little guy who came rushing towards me, mewing and rubbing his head in my hand. The added perks, were how adorable he was. He had white arms, legs, belly and nose, the rest of him was covered in a sort of black and brown tabby. He was gorgeous.

”He’s so sweet,” I murmured, picking him up and cradling him in my arms. The girl smiled.

”He’s the runt,” she exclaimed happily. ”But he’s very friendly and playful.” I giggled as the kitten reached up to play with my hair.

”How much do you want for him?” I asked her.

”We don’t want anything!” an older voice said. I looked up to see what I supposed to be the girls mother and I stood up, still holding the little furball.

”Are you sure? Norwegian Forests are really beautiful cats, I’m sure if we were in Norway I’d have to pay you some sort of large sum!” The woman chuckled.

”This litter was a complete accident between two of our cats. We just want the kittens to go to a good home.” I smiled, tears welling up in my eyes as I hugged them, careful not to squish my new friend.

”Thank you so much,” I said. ”This means a lot to me, I’ll take really good care of him, I promise!” The little girl giggled and scratched the kitten goodbye.

”What are you going to name him?” she asked. I smiled and winked as I pressed a twenty dollar bill into her hands.

”I think I’ll call him Tom Sawyer,” I said. ”That would be a nice name, right?” she nodded, her eyes bright.

”Bye Sawyer!” she called as I walked away. I giggled myself and let out a tiny squeal as I hurried to the van. Alice was sitting in the drivers’ seat, looking irritated because she had to wait for me.

”We have to go to Petcetera!” I exclaimed, hopping into the front seat. Alice looked like I’d just grown a siamese twin out of the side of my head.

”What are you talking about?!” she exclaimed. I grinned and let Tom Sawyer walk around on my lap, mewing adorable. Alice squealed and picked him up, stroking and kissing him.

”What is this!?” she nearly yelled. I grinned.

”Just an impulse buy.”

We picked up Rose an hour after we’d bought catfood, dishes, litter, an insane amount of toys and a large scratching post that looked like a house with a giant pole sticking out of the top of it. At home I pushed a blanket into the house part and Tom Sawyer immediately crawled inside, curling up and falling asleep. Alice, Rose and I lay down on the floor in front of him, just watching him sleep.

”He’s so cute…” Alice murmured.

”I’m surprised you didn’t call him Edward,” Rosalie mumbled. We all laughed. Jasper came through the door at that moment, looking at us completely confused before we motioned him over and he aww-ed at Sawyer. I sighed happily and jumped up, turning on my computer to start a video call with Edward.

”Hi,” I said happily once I connected with him. ”I have news– we’re parents!’ Edward’s face was laughable, he had no idea what was going on. I brought the webcam on the laptop down directly in front of the kitten who looked up for a moment, stretched and then curled back up again. There was a collective aww from my friends, and one from Edward.

”He’s absolutely great, Bella!” Edward exclaimed. ”What did you name him?”

”Tom Sawyer,” I said happily. ”Sawyer for short.” Edward smiled at me.

”It’s a perfect name,” he murmured. My heart beat erratically at finally seeing him again, but we both had to go, work to do.

Jasper stood up with a sigh, clapping his hands together and walking with me out to the kitchen to get started on the food. It wasn’t long after that the girls followed and we started busily into work.

I’d missed this, being with my friends. We started our production line to prepare the hors d’oeuvres, passing various steps down the line to one another. We’d finished our quota when I heard a sad meow and turned to see Sawyer standing at my feet, looking up at me with wide eyes. Without another movement he jumped, latching himself onto my leg and proceeded to climb up my pants. He started to slow once he reached my hip and I was afraid he was going to fall, so I reached out and grabbed him, lifting him higher up. His funny tiny purr filling my ears as he happily settled into my arms, waiting for something to eat.

All of my friends were watching with these expressions on their faces that made me start to shake with laughter. Alice glared at me but filled Sawyers’ dish with food anyway and we went back to work, working right up until the party was about to start.

I watched them race off in their van, but instead of moping around the house in my lonliness, I turned on a conversation with Edward and flickd a feather around for Sawyer, feeling complete and content in that moment.

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