kentucky derby pie

this is the recipe for the pie that Bella brings to the Cullen's house for lunch.  seriously...sin.  try it.  tell me what you think!!

Kentucky Derby Pie

Melt: 1 stick of butter
Beat: 3 whole eggs and add into butter
Add: 1 1/2 cups sugar
        1/3 cup all purpose flour
        1 cup chopped pecans
        1 cup milk chocolate chips
        1 tsp vanilla

When mixed thoroughly, pour into 2 frozen pie shells (or one regular refrigerated pie shell...or 1 deep dish frozen shell).  Bake 45 minutes @ 350 degree for the single pie shells or for 30 minutes if you divide it into two pie shells.  (clear as mud??)  when you take it out, let this pie set up.  Then serve it with vanilla ice cream and thank me later!

Chapter 3 (She Met Them)

Chapter 3 (She Met Them)

BPOV

I spent the rest of my day and, truth be told, most of Saturday in a lust filled haze.  It had been far too long since I had enjoyed the company of a man.  But I just didn’t have time for men and I damn sure wasn’t a slut.  One night stands weren’t my thing.  They make battery operated boyfriends for those needs.  Plus, I had been so burned by my last real boyfriend, that I just hadn’t seen the point in dating much for a while.  Sure, I had my fair share of set ups and first dates, but I never let it go past a second date.  I was living a sort of gypsy life for now, and I had no desire for any kind of long distance relationship.  But I found myself intrigued by Edward.  I wanted to know more like…wait.  Crap!  I don’t even know his last name.  I guess that would be a good place to start.  I supposed I could ask Esme about him, or maybe even Carmen.  I wonder if he has a job other than cutting grass?  Surely he must.  I mean, he looks like he’d be good at a lot of things…like kissing.  It would be nice to be really kissed.  Even a decent kiss had been too long ago, and by the looks of his lips, I had no doubt he could take care of that job for me.  I bet it would be wet, but not sloppy; slow, but not tortuous; sweet but a little dangerous.  Shit!  I have to quit thinking about this.   I don’t even know his damn last name for goodness sake!

Saturday afternoon I decided that I’d take a walk around the property.  All Esme had said was that it went all the way back to the creek.  I also knew that it was about fifteen acres in total.  I left out of the back door.  The sound of old hinges stretching and the slap of the wooden screen door was starting to become one of my favorite sounds; well that, and the crickets.  I thought that they would get on my nerves at first.  But as I lifted my window for the breeze to come in every night, I got used to their rhythmic songs.  I could make almost any sound remind me of music.  Music and my guitar had been my constant companions since I was ten years old.  I was never in one place long enough to keep close friends and, for the same reason, I didn’t have pets.  Hell, I didn’t always have a parent present, but I did always have music.  It’s what keeps me going.  It’s what moves me, but also what grounds me.  Right now however, it was the babbling sound of creek water that was moving me down the worn foot path by the tree line toward the back of the property.  It was easily ninety degrees today and I hoped I could at least dip my toes in the water.

About fifty yards from the creek, the path took a turn to the right between the trees.   I’m all for adventure, but snakes aren’t part of that for me.  So I decided I’d be smart and stay on the well worn path, even though I could already see the creek straight ahead from where I stood.  I looked up as I went past the trees and noticed a small blue house.  It had an open front porch and a set of weathered white rocking chairs.  They looked out of place in front of what looked like a newly renovated house, but they gave it a certain charm.  It was only then that I wondered if maybe I shouldn’t be there; that I might be trespassing.  Esme hadn’t said anything to me about a neighbor.  I was starting to see how hasty I might have been in my deal making, but something about if felt right.  I would be able to find out more about it tomorrow at lunch.

Finding the creek had only taken a few more minutes and it was worth the wandering.  I quickly slipped off my flip flops and gave the creek bank a good once over.   I stepped out onto the pebbled bottom of the creek and the dirt under my feet felt slimy.  It took me a minute to realize it must be clay.  It was a new experience for me to feel that slick “squishiness” between my toes.  But just like so many things about Cotton Creek, I was enjoying each new experience.

-x-X-x-

Sunday came and although I was instructed that I was a guest this time, and that I shouldn’t bring anything, I thought it would be a tragedy not to make use of my awesome new kitchen space.  Esme had said that the whole family would be there, so I decided to celebrate my newfound southerner status and make two Kentucky Derby Pies.  These pies were nothing short of sin in a buttery, crusty pie shell.  Imagine rich, gooey pecan pie with the addition of chocolate chips.  Have mercy.  Oh, and you have to top it with vanilla ice cream to cut the richness.  It’s that good.  There is probably another level of hell for that kind of sin.

I had two words for the house that I now called “The Cullen Estate”.  Old.  Money.  Well, that’s not entirely true.  The two words I was originally thinking were Holy…well you get it.  But, it’s Sunday and I’m trying my best not to be completely inappropriate.  This house was straight out of Gone With the Wind.  It was a white two story mansion, for lack of a better word, that seemed to sprawl from left to right for days.  The windows were trimmed simply with black shutters and it was surrounded by gorgeous landscaping.  There were pine trees, oak trees, crepe myrtles and azaleas in every color.  Hmm…I wonder if Edward takes care of her yard too?  Yeah, I better stop that train of thought before the ice cream melts.

Before the door bell could even finish ringing, the door was snatched open and I was hit with the force of an Esme hug.

“Bella!  I’m gonna beat you!  I told you not to bring anything,” Esme said, pulling me inside of the door.

“Well, I hate showing up empty handed.  My Gran always told me it was tacky,” I said, hoping I hadn’t over stepped.  She led me in to a chef’s dream kitchen, all cherry woods and stainless appliances. 

“Is your Gran from around here?” she quipped.

“Not that I’m aware of, but I’ll have to check.  She was always big on good manners,” I laughed.

“Bella, you should know, flattery will get you everywhere.  Come on in the kitchen.  We were just getting’ in from church.  The others are getting the grandkids changed out of their church clothes.  Now…what is this friendship offering you brought?  Because the second thing you should know about folks from the south is that if you can’t flatter ‘em, feed ‘em!”

“In light of my newfound southern roots, I brought Kentucky Derby pie and ice cream.”  Suddenly I froze as I felt two huge bear like arms wrap around my waist and lift me up and swing me in a circle.

“We haven’t even met, but I’m pretty sure you’re part of the family now and that I love you,” said the loud and boisterous voice that was spinning me around.

“Emmett!  Put her down!  You could at least introduce yourself, you big oaf!  Hey, sorry about him.  I’m Rosalie.  You must be Bella?”

Rosalie was gorgeous.  She had wavy blonde hair that touched just past her shoulders and eyes that were nearly aqua; not blue and not green.  Her skin was lightly golden and flawless and I was pretty sure I hated her a little bit because of it.

“Yes, I’m Bella.  It’s nice to meet you, Rosalie.”  I reached out to shake her hand.  She just laughed it off and reached around my neck for a hug. 

“You may as well know that we aren’t much on hand shakin’ around here.  Best learn to be a hugger.”

“Hugs…got it.”

“The big guy is my husband Emmett.”  Just then she was wrapped around the waist by a little person with a shock of curly blonde hair.  “Ah, there you are.  This little man is mini-Emmett, minus the hair.  Also known as Riley.  Riley, this is the new nurse working with Papa.  Her name is Bella.  Can you tell Miss Bella hi?”

He looked up with is bright blue eyes and gave me the cutest snaggle-toothed grin.  “Hey Miss Bella!  I’m Riley Cullen and I’m six and I just lost my first tooth last week and you know what?  The Tooth Fairy brought me two dollars for it!”

Wow!  That was a mouthful!  “Well hello Riley.  Two dollars for one tooth?  That sounds pretty good.”

“Yes ma’am.  I’m trying to get the others loose because there’s a new Mario game for my Wii that I want to get.  See  ya!” he said, running off before I had the chance to respond.  What a cutie! 

Emmett came walking back in the kitchen with the most precious little girl I had ever seen on his shoulders.

“Hey!  Sorry about earlier.  All I heard was pie and ice cream and I just couldn’t help myself!”  I laughed at his excitement.  He looked like a kid himself.

“No problem.  Rosalie was telling me how I should learn to be a hugger.”

“Daddy down!”

“Oh, sorry princess,” he said, handing her over to Rosalie.  “Bella, this angel girl is Ally.  She’s our baby.”  Ally put her little head on Rosalie’s shoulder and peeked through her precious dark ringlet curls.  She batted her bright blue eyes and gave me a small smile.  I just gave her a little wave with my index finger.  Angel is right!

About that time two more kids came charging through the kitchen with someone yelling behind them.

“You better slow it down or you won’t have legs to walk with for much longer!”  I assumed the voice belonged to the petite dark haired woman strolling in behind them.

“Oh!  Hey, I didn’t realize our guest of honor was here.  I’m so sorry you had to hear that.  They can obviously out run me, but at least they can’t out run my mouth.  Listen to me.  I’m so rude!  I’m Alice Whitlock.  I’m Carlisle and Esme’s niece, but I grew up so close to the boys, I was more like their sister.”

Holy cow!  These folks can talk!  I just looked at her with my eyebrows raised, wondering if she was actually finished.  Once I had a second to fully process everything she said, it hit me.

“Wait…guest of honor?”

“Well sure!  You’re Bella, right?”

“Uh…yes, but why…”

“We’ve been waiting for you.  You are going to be a perfect fit, I just know it!  And I know we are gonna be great friends!  I’m so glad you are finally here!” she squealed and nearly tackled me with a hug of her own.

“Cool it, Sassy.  You’re gonna scare her and then you’ll have dad to answer to.”  Alice pulled away from me and stuck out her tongue at the voice that made a chill run up my spine.  No.  Absolutely not.  NO WAY!!  I turned around to see none other than my luscious, lickable lawn boy leaning in the kitchen door way.  SO NOT FAIR!!  He stood there with his arms crossed over his chest and his legs crossed at the ankles and his grin all lopsided and his hair all…everywhere.  He was wearing a pale blue dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and flat front khaki pants.  He was sin on a Sunday.  But why was he here?

“Oh shut it, Edward!  You know I get a feeling about things and they happen.”

“Aahh, yes.  Hey, I know…why don’t you open up a fortune teller table at the back of your shop?  It could work. You wouldn’t charge me, right?”

“Hateful!  And rude.  You could at least introduce yourself to our guest.”

Thankfully, the kitchen started filling up.  Emmett bumped Edward out of the doorway and I realized I was still staring.

“Oh hey baby boy!  Have you met Bella?” Esme asked while giving him a hug and kissing his cheek.

“Actually, I met her Friday,” he said, turning and walking around the counter to me.  “Isn’t that right, Bella?” he said, reaching out his hand to me.  Dang it!  Why hasn’t he adopted this ‘no hand shaking-please hug me’ rule?

“Uh, yes, that’s right,” I stuttered, looking into those green eyes while giving him my hand.  He pulled on my hand making me take a step closer to him.  He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “Although, as beautiful as you look today, I think I prefer Friday mornin’s outfit.”  He kissed my scarlet cheek, rubbed his thumb across my knuckles and then stepped away.  I nearly stumbled thanks to the feeling of his breath on my ear and that blasted grin.  God, I know this is your day and all, and as such, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t let Satan himself roam so freely.  Amen.  I tried my best to recover. 

I just smiled and said, “It’s good to see you again, Edward.  Minus your power tools.”

At that time, Carlisle joined us, bringing with him the grandchildren.

“Hey Bella!  I’m so glad you could make it.”  He leaned in and gave me a hug.  Man, they are a touchy-feely bunch.  I mean, even my boss?  “Please don’t let my family scare you off.  Son, be nice to Bella.  I really need her at the clinic,” he said, cutting his eyes at Edward.  “Come on, it’s time to eat!”

Wait.  Hold the phone.  SON?!  Tell me that is a term of endearment and not an actual relational term.  If so I am so screwed!

“Dad, I swear.  I didn’t know she was home.  I did as you asked and worked around the schedule you gave me.”

Lord have mercy.  His actual son.  I am screwed.  He winked at me as he walked to the dining room table.

“Maybe I should have been a little more forthcoming.  I’m Edward Cullen,” he said with that stupid, sexy smirk.

“Yes, I gathered,” I said giving him a tight lipped smile.  “We can talk about that later.”

-x-X-x-

Esme had a fantastic table.  It was obviously custom made and was so big it had two leaves in the center.  She said she always wanted a full table and that she took the Field of Dreams approach.  “If you build it, they will come.”  Carlisle said as good as she cooks they would come from two counties over.  I loved watching them interact.  Their eyes were always full of something more than love.  It was complete pride and adoration.  We took our places at the table with Esme and Carlisle heading both ends.  Emmett and Rosalie were on one side with me, while Jasper and Alice were on the opposite side with Edward, who was coincidentally across from me.  I’d be fine as long as I didn’t look directly into those green eyes of his. 

After the blessing was asked by Emmett, we began to fill our plates with the massive feast.

“Where are Uncle James and Aunt Caroline, Sassy?” Edward asked Alice.

“They went to the lake house this weekend to check on Pops.  They’ll be back tonight.”

“Why does he call you Sassy?” I asked Alice, confused and still trying to avoid his eyes so that I didn’t melt into my chair.

“Well, like I said earlier, we grew up so closely, that we were more like brothers and sister than cousins.  My mom and Carlisle are brother and sister.  She watched the boys a lot when we were younger and Emmett used to call me “sissy”.  But…”

“Being that she was an only child, she tended to be a little spoiled.  So when Edward came along, she had someone she could boss around,” Emmett said, interrupting Alice with a wink.

“And you’ve heard her talk in her run on sentences and you have already been given advice by her.  She has just always been so opinionated, we started calling her Sassy, and it stuck.”  He laughed.  She punched him in the shoulder, but you could tell she didn’t mean it.  I couldn’t imagine what it was like to have that kind of relationship.  These Cullens were a breath of fresh air and I found myself wanting to huff every one of them. 

Lunch was a loud, heart-warming affair.  There was never a lull in conversation.  I was glad that questions directed to me were kept pretty basic for now.  I could only deal with so much attention.
“So Bella, how did you end up in Cotton Creek?  Carlisle said he doesn’t really get travel nurses our way; that they usually go for the larger hospitals in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile,” Rosalie asked me.

Oh great.  How do you tell your boss over Sunday lunch that you wound up here because you got drunk and played darts?  Easy.  You don’t.  You lie like crazy and pray they buy it!  During my inner musings, I noticed all eyes were now on me.  Especially a pair of green ones.  Awesome.

“Well, I had never worked in this area of the country and I had just spent a bitter winter in New England and the one before that in Denver.  That wasn’t something I really wanted to repeat so quickly, so I thought I’d give the south a try.  Plus, I’ve been from one big city to the next over the last three years and it was just time for a change I guess.”

Everyone nodded and seemed to accept that, except maybe for Alice.  She slightly narrowed her eyes a bit and studied me with a smile.  Why do I get the feeling she is going to get the whole truth out of me, so help her God?  Wanting to get back out of the spotlight, I decided to try to find out about everyone else instead.

“How about you, Rosalie?  What do you do?” I directed back to her.

“I own the day care center across from the hospital.  You know, Mama Bear’s Day School?  We don’t have enough room at the hospital for a day care center, so we bought the building across the street.  We open early enough that hospital employees can drop their kids off and still make it to work in time.   We also give employee discounts.  There was such a need that we thought that it would be a good business.  It’s worked out great!  We even have a waiting list.”  Emmett looked at her with so much pride that I thought he was going to burst.

“Oh, yeah!  I know the place.  That sounds great, what you are able to do for the hospital employees.  I’ve worked in a lot of hospitals that offered the in-house day care programs and it was a fantastic option for their employees.  What’s it like being with all of those kids all day?”

“We have kids ranging in age from two months to twelve years, so it’s never boring.  I love it!  But our whole family is pretty kid oriented.  Emmett teaches and coaches football at the high school.”

“Damn straight!!  County champs for the last three years runnin’!”  Then he started to do some kind of dog cheer.

“Emmett, not at the table, son,“ Esme said rolling her eyes.

“You’ll have to excuse my brother.  He lacks both a filter and a volume button,“ Edward grinned, looking directly at me through his lashes.

“Nobody asked you, Music Man.  You’re just jealous because I get quality male bonding time, plus a side line show of the cheerleaders,” Emmett said.  Then I heard a smack to the back of Emmett’s head.  “Ow!  Dang it Rosie, could you quit doing that?”  She just smirked and kept on eating.

Edward looked at me and mouthed “See what I mean?” over his tea glass.  I was curious if making me read his lips was part of his evil plan to “disintegrate Bella’s panties “ or if he just really didn’t know that it made me unable to breathe.  I also wondered if it was good manners to reach across the table and lick him.  Probably not.

Shaking my head a little, I asked “What about you, Alice?  Edward mentioned a store?”

“Yeah!  I own a kids’ consignment boutique down on the square called Belles and Beaus.  I opened it after Brandon and Mary Beth were born.  Those were the two wild ones you saw running through earlier.  Kids clothes are expensive, especially the cute ones and it’s worse when you are buying for two at a time.  My friends and I were driving to Birmingham to find consignment stores and the big sales all the time and it came to be a hassle.  It seemed like a need in our area, so we decided to take a risk closer to home.  At first it was my friends and I doing consignment sales together from my house.  Then it grew into what it is now.  I’m a shopaholic anyway, so this helps me scratch the itch a little bit,” she giggled.

This Cullen Clan and their completely selfless way of life just baffled me.  They see needs of other people and meet them just because it seems like a good thing to do.  Even I had already been the beneficiary of their benevolence.  I don’t think I have even been around such generosity and love and I found myself feeling a little overwhelmed.

Lunch continued much the same way until we were all so stuffed with food and conversation that we practically rolled from the table afterward.  For now, pie would have to wait.
I offered to help the women clean up afterwards, but Esme would hear nothing of it, effectively shooing me out of the kitchen.  The dads had gone to put the kids down for afternoon naps and Carlisle had retired to his office to catch up on paperwork.  I tried not to wonder where Edward was.  That thought process could be dangerous.  But I still found myself wanting to know more about him. 

I wandered out to the back porch.  It stretched most of the length of the house.  There were rocking chairs, gliders and of course a swing at the end.  I had grown to love the one at the other house so much that I was naturally drawn to rest there.  I sat down low in the swing so I could rest my head and throw my hair over the back so that it wouldn’t stick to my neck in the heat of the unrelenting Alabama summer.  I gave myself a little push, and closed my eyes, indulging in the feeling of the breeze that the ceiling fans were circulating.  The warmth of it combined with my full belly and the rhythm of the swing had me nearly asleep in minutes.  That is until I felt the sway of the swing stutter and the weight of it shift.  I didn’t even have to open my eyes to know who it was. 

Edward.

The air had changed around me the moment he sat down and I couldn’t help the smile that pulled at the side of my mouth.  I bit my lip trying to hide it.

“Good day for a nap,” he said lazily.

I turned my head to the side and spared him a glance out of one eye and said “I don’t usually sleep with someone I just met.”

He chuckled and put one arm across the back of the swing.  “Yeah, you just give them a peep show instead?”

I blushed to my toes, I’m sure, at the memory of my barely there pjs.  “Watch it, Cullen.”

“Oh, I tried to watch it.  You just didn’t stay long enough to finish the show.”

I giggled and kicked at his foot.  Gah, he smelled good.

“Yeah, yeah.  What I don’t understand is why you didn’t just tell me your last name was Cullen?” 

I looked over at him and he had changed his position so that he had one knee bent up on the swing so that he was facing me.  Good night he is beautiful.  Being this close to him and actually trying to have a conversation was borderline torture.

“Honestly?  I already knew who you were.  My mom and dad had let me know they were renting out Nana’s place and asked me to be sure it was ready.  I just didn’t want you to feel weird that I was “the boss’ son”.  You’re new here.  I just assumed it would already be a little uncomfortable to have a man you didn’t know working around the house.  I don’t know…I was just trying to be polite.  Stay out of your way…whatever.”

“Edward, that makes absolutely no sense!”  I laughed.  He didn’t realize that I knew he was full of it.  He was trying to be cute by not telling me.  Like he needed to try.  I decided to change the subject.

“So what’s with your nickname?  Music man?”

“Oh, that?  It’s not as interesting as it may sound.” 

It was then that I started to feel a tingling in my scalp.  I slid my eyes over to the arm Edward had along the back of the swing and realized he was twirling the ends of a small lock of my hair around and around his fingers.  The strange thing is that he didn’t seem to realize he was doing it, but I sure did.  That small motion was sweet, but almost seemed intimate.  I would have never stopped him, it felt that good.

He was looking out over the back yard while he started to explain.  “First of all, I’m the music and band teacher at the high school.  So there’s that,” he said with a shrug.  “But the nickname came from the kids at church.  Around here, most churches have people like “the gum man”.  He’s the little old man who always has gum and gives it to all the kids after Sunday school,” he said, now looking over with a crooked grin.  “We also have the “memory verse man”.  He gives the kids candy after saying their memory verses every week.”  He let out a huge laugh after that.  “Even Emmett still tries to memorize some so that he can get those atomic fire balls.”  He shook his head a little at the thought.  “And that leaves me.  I’m the main song leader and in charge of the song services at church.  So that’s why I’m “the music man.”  The tips of his ears turned a little red.  I was thinking I needed to go back to church.  I had never wanted to kiss someone so much for just plain cuteness.

He’s obviously gorgeous, with his clothes on or half off.  He loves kids, has a little ink that I swear I’m going to find out more about.  He’s helpful, loves his family, and Lord help me, he’s “the Music Man.”  I had no idea how I was going to make it out of here alive…or at least with dry panties.
I was doing my best not to move because I didn’t want him to stop playing with my hair, but it was then that Esme brought us both a bowl with pie and ice cream.  I waited with bated breath to see what he thought, not knowing why I cared.  He closed his eyes, and I nearly jumped on him watching that jaw chewing slowly.  He just shook his head for a few minutes and looked over at me.  After he swallowed he said “Good thing it’s Sunday because that was a religious experience.”
I just giggled and tucked into my own bowl, enjoying the laughter and casual conversation that the rest of the afternoon brought.

Later as I was saying my goodbyes and trading numbers with Alice and Rosalie, I remembered my morning walk and thought I’d ask the girls about the house I saw.

“Hey, I was walking down to the creek this morning and I saw this blue house on the path, just past the tree line.  I was afraid I was trespassing and I didn’t want to be rude.  Esme never mentioned it, so I just wanted to be sure…do you know who lives there?”

Alice and Rosalie turned to look at each other raising knowing eyebrows.  Alice just giggled and I thought she said something like “figures”, but I couldn’t be sure.  Rosalie looked at me and said “Oh girl, you are SO in trouble.  That’s Edward’s house.”

What the…?  Like I said…so screwed.

Chapter 2 (She Met Him)

Chapter 2 (She Met Him)

The next couple of days were a blur.  I don’t know how many hours I wasted going from one rental property to another, just trying to find something so that I would have a roof over my head for the next 6 months.  I somehow didn’t think I could handle staying at the Extended Stay Hotel much longer.  It seemed like I had run into a brick wall with my options.  They either only offered a one year minimum lease, or the only way I would be caught in the places that offered a monthly lease was if I WAS dead!

Enter the man with a plan.

“Hey ,Bella!  How was your weekend?”  Dr. Cullen asked.  Ugh!  Wrong question.

“It could have been much better.  How was yours?  Weren’t you on call?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

“I was and I have definitely had worse weekends.  However, something tells me that you have me beat?  Was there no luck finding a place to rent?” he asked me with a concerned look.

“Nothing!  Absolutely nothing!  Anything good requires a one year lease, so I already know I’d have to break it and be out hundreds of dollars in the process.  It’s looking like I’m going to have to start looking in the next city, and that’s going to be at least a 30 minute drive both ways.”  I grumbled.

“Hmmm…maybe not.  Give me a minute and I’ll make a call.  I can’t make any promises, but I at least know someone who may be able to give you more options.”

“Dr. Cullen I would owe you a lifetime of servitude!  Well, at least 6 months worth.  You have NO idea how much I appreciate this.  I was seriously stuck.  Thank you!”

“Alright, I’ll let you know what I find out later today.” Carlisle said giving me a squeeze to the shoulder as he passed.

The rest of the day was pretty basic.  They got me set up in the system with all of my security codes and work badges and showed me what their typical day was like.  I would be glad to get this orientation out of the way.  It was really just a formality, but I went along with it because I know it’s hospital policy.  To be honest  I was ready for my real work.  That’s what I love; the one on one time with my patients.  I see them on such a regular basis and get to know them so well, I feel as if they are sort of an extended family.  My patients and a few friends along the way are the only reason I ever hate to leave when my assignments are over.

Just as I finished entering my last nurse’s note of the day, Dr. Cullen walked in with a woman who was no less than stunning.  She was a few inches taller than me, but where I was fairly athletic, she was thin and delicate.  Her goldenrod hair was wavy and rested right at her collar bones.  The only reason I knew precisely what that color was, was because of too many hours spent coloring while being shipped back and forth between my parents.  Her most striking feature, though, were her eyes.  They carried the same softness and kindness that Carlisle’s did, but they were a fierce green, like emeralds.

“Oh, Bella, there you are!  Just the lady I’m looking for.  Bella, I’d like you to meet my wife, Esme.  Esme Cullen, this is Bella Swan.  She is the infamous travel nurse I told you about.” Carlisle said introducing us.

“Well, it certainly is a pleasure to finally meet you, Bella!  We have been waiting for you,” she said, surprising me by hugging me with a force I didn’t realize could come from her.  Those delicate features definitely betrayed her strength, that’s for sure.

“Oh, the pleasure is mine, Mrs. Cullen.”

“Bella, Esme is a real estate agent and I thought perhaps she could help you with your housing issue,” he said as he put his arm around her shoulders. 

“Mrs. Cullen, you have no idea how grateful  I’d be if you could help me.”  If this woman could get me out of the hotel, I swear I’d give her a grandkid at this point.  Ok, maybe just a pint of blood.  Or I could just bake her a pie.

Esme narrowed her eyes, almost like she was reading my mind or like she had a devious plan.  “I don’t know if you would be interested, but I know of a house just on the other side of town.  It’s pretty private and may be a little further out than you were hoping, but I happen to know it’s been well taken care of and the owner would let you do a 6 month lease.  Utilities and water are included in the price of the rent.  Are you interested in giving it a look?” she asked while quirking her perfectly manicured eyebrow at Carlisle.  Hmmm…odd.

“Absolutely.  I was just finishing up here.  Do you have time to go now?  I could follow you?” 

“Sure I can.  Sweetheart,” she said turning to Carlisle, “why don’t you pick up supper on the way home?  I’ll be there in about 45 minutes.”  She said as she gave him a sweet peck on the cheek.

“Sure thing.  Hope it works out for you, Bella.  See you at home, Love.”  He smiled at Esme, giving her a quick hug and turning to leave.

“Ok.  I have a feeling that this will be a perfect fit for you.  Follow me out and we’ll be there in about 15 minutes.” Esme said as I gathered the rest of my things.

“Thank you so much, Mrs. Cullen!  I can’t wait to see it after the weekend I had.  If you know anyone in need of a good crack den let me know.  I can point them in the right direction.” I laughed.

Esme laughed along with me.  “Nonsense, and please call me Esme.  Mrs. Cullen was my mother in law and she was mean as a snake!  Hateful woman…bless her heart.”  She grinned and winked. 

She put her arm around my shoulders and led me out to our cars.  I’d never asked Carlisle if they had children, but I assumed they did.  Everything about Esme Cullen screamed motherhood and love.  She was already making me feel welcomed and loved.  I knew that was something I’d definitely need in order to make it here.

-x-X-x-

I followed Esme to the opposite side of town.   We pulled into a gravel drive that led to a two story, yellow, 1950’s era farmhouse.  I got out of my truck and stared at her in disbelief.

“Esme, there is no way that this is in my price range.  You’re sure this is for rent?  I mean, it’s fantastic, but surely not…” I said with wide eyes and shaking my head.

“Well sweets,” she drawled while leading me to the front porch.  “I just happen to know the owners and they would rather see it rented out to a nice, responsible girl like you than to just have it sitting here empty.”  I stood back to take it all in.  There were two full stories, 3 bed rooms, 2 bathrooms, and lots of windows.  It had full front and back lawns and the best thing about it was the wrap-around porch complete with a swing.  Surely I had died.  Nothing this good or lucky had ever happened to me while I was living.

“Like I said, utilities and water are included.  Oh, and you don’t have to worry about the yard work.  Somebody already takes care of that on a regular basis.  How ‘bout we go inside and let you have a look around?” she asked, unlocking the front door.

As soon as I saw that porch swing I was sold, but I thought I may as well look at where I’d be sleeping as a courtesy.  She opened the door and my jaw dropped a little more.  This wasn’t just a house.  This was a home.  I stepped into the living room that had walls the color of mocha.  The room was accented with chocolate browns, creams and crimson reds.  It opened up to the kitchen that had apparently been completely remodeled.  Again, I had apparently died.  There was counter space for days and every single appliance was top of the line.  The counters were  smooth, seamless granite and I just wanted to crawl on top of them and make granite angels, if there were such a thing. 

“Well, this is just the start.  What do you think so far?” Esme asked with a knowing look.

“Holy Shit!” I gasped, and then slapped my hand over my mouth, clearly embarrassed by swearing in front of my boss’ delicate wife.  “Oh my gosh!   I’m so sorry, Esme!”  She just laughed and waved her hand dismissively.

“You’ll learn quickly that we aren’t too worried about some language every now and then.   After all, a well placed cuss word does tend to make some conversations better.  Also, I’m not the prude people think that I am,” she said with a wink.  I’ll say it now.  I love her.

“Esme, this is just beyond…I just can’t…” I rambled, clearly lost for words.  “I don’t even care about the rest.  Just tell me who to make the check out to!”

“Oh…well, that’s the easy part,” she smirked.  “You can just make that check payable to Esme Cullen,” she laughed.  I’m fairly certain she was laughing at both my mouth opening and closing like a guppy, and my eyes bugging out of my head. 

“This belongs to you?”

“Yes ma’am.  It was my mother’s place and she left this house and the land to me.  The property goes all the way back to the creek but, like I said, don’t be nervous about the yard.  I have someone who takes care of that for me.  All I ask is that you take care of the house like it’s yours.”

I stuck my hand out and said, “You have a deal!”  She ignored my hand and gave me another bone crushing hug.  I had never sealed a deal like that before, but I’m really starting to like all of these new cultural experiences.

-x-X-x-

The next morning I checked out of the hotel and headed into work with my truck loaded down once again.  Tonight I’d start making myself at home in this little town, even if it wasn’t permanent.  After another easy day of orientation and a few patients, I headed “home”.  I got my boxes unloaded, saving my pride and joy for last…my guitar.  Oh baby, how I’ve missed you.  I sat on the front porch swing watching the late summer sun setting while strumming to my heart’s content.  I could see the occasional flicker of lightening bugs through the long, wispy strands of the weeping willows that ran down the side yard.  So far, everything about Alabama was warm…the weather, the people, their welcome and now this house.  Yes indeed, I think I’ll like it here after all.

The rest of my week was pretty uneventful, and truth be told, that’s usually how I liked things.  I’m a pretty laid back girl and I figure changing my living environment every six months is enough excitement.  During my orientation period (which ended this week, thank the Lord!) I wasn’t working regular shift hours.  I had been there from 8-5 like every other business.  I was thankful to have this weekend off before starting my regular shifts.  However, as I was getting to leave Thursday night, I overheard the day shift manager Lauren say that one of the night nurses had called out sick.  I told her that if it was ok with her and Bree, the night shift’s charge nurse, I’d be glad to split a shift and stay until 11 pm if it helped out.  Tomorrow was my last official day of orientation and I had already been taking on my regular load of patients.   Taking this shift would also let me meet a few of the other nurses and patients.  Better to be on the good side of gossip by being a team player, right?

“Bella, you have a call on line two” I heard paged overhead.  Who on earth would be calling me at work?  I hadn’t even had a chance to call Renee yet.

“This is Bella,“ I answered.

“Oh, Bella sweetie, I’m so glad I caught you.  This is Esme Cullen.  Do you have a second?” she asked sweetly.

“Hi, Esme.  Sure I have a few minutes.  What can I do for you?”

“Well, I know you are still new around here and Carlisle told me you weren’t working this weekend, so I was wondering if you’d join us for lunch at our house on Sunday?  I usually have the kids and grandkids over every other Sunday.  Please tell me you’ll come?”

“Um…will it be weird, being at my boss’ house for a family thing?  I mean, I don’t want to intrude or anything,” I worried.

“Don’t be silly.  Around here, you’ll only be a guest once.  The next time you come, you’re family.  You kind of already are since you’re living in mom’s house.  I make a ton of food.  Don’t make me ask you twice, now.  The second time it’ll be in person and I can be pretty persuasive,” she laughed.

“Ok.  That actually sounds great.  Can I bring anything?”

“Not this time.  But I’ll take you up on that offer next time,” she assured me.

“Ok.  I’ll get the information from Dr. Cullen and see you Sunday, then?”

“Alright, sweets.  See you then.  Bye!”

Have mercy…I have just agreed to lunch at my new boss’ house.  That ought to be AWESOME for the rumor mill.  I can just hear itnow.  “Bella’s bangin’ the boss.”  Super.  I’d have to worry about it later.  Something tells me not to say no to Esme. 

By the time I got home at nearly midnight, all I had energy for was to strip down and crawl into bed.  Thank goodness I didn’t have to go in until lunch tomorrow.  Oh, sweet sleep how I love you!  I raised my window a bit to let in the warm cross breeze and I could swear, as my eyes started to close, that I could hear a guitar lulling me to sleep.

-x-X-x-

No.  NO!  For the love of all that is holy…I reached out for what I thought was the buzzing of my alarm clock to shut it off.  Wait.  Not the alarm clock.  It’s 7:30 in the morning.  What in the hell is that God awful noise and who do I need to kill to make it stop?  I rolled over to look out of the window to try to see where it was coming from but I couldn’t see anything.  Unfortunately it was getting louder and louder and completely cutting off some much needed REM cycles.  Oh, this will NOT do!  I got out of bed and stumbled down the stairs bleary eyed and still half asleep.  I walked out on the porch with the screen door slapping shut behind me.  Walking around to the side porch, I spotted someone with his back toward me using what I could only assume was a weed eater.  Ah, yes…Esme’s yard man.

  Oh, and all man he seemed to be.

 He had on a pair of really worn jeans slung low enough that I could see the dimples right above his ass, which seemed to be in fine form as those jeans hugged him just right.  It didn’t help that there was a hole in the back pocket giving me a peek of what I assumed were navy boxer briefs.  And Lord help me his back…every muscle was well defined and they flexed and twitched with every back and forth movement that he made with that blasted power tool.  Jeez, is it always this hot in Alabama this time of morning?  Ok…must quit ogling the lawn boy…man…whatever.  I’m sure it’s all shades of inappropriate.  Plus, I really needed to get his attention because I was desperate for that last bit of sleep.

 I cupped my hands around my mouth and yelled “Excuse me?!”

Nothing.

I cleared my throat and tried again with a little more push behind it.

“Hey!”

Nothing.

As he got closer to the porch railing I noticed that he had ear buds in his ears. Hmm …might have noticed that earlier if I hadn’t been staring at his back and ass.  I reached over the railing and tapped him on his equally impressive shoulder.  Shit!  Can weed eaters electrocute you?  Because I know I felt a jolt of something.  He jumped a little and yelped, which made me giggle.  Too cute!

“Oh, shit woman!  You scared me!” he said while taking the buds out of his ears.  This was another one of those moments where I was sure I had died, because no one living on this earth was this good looking.  His hair was the color of a penny…not the shiny new ones, but the ones that had a few years wear on them.  It was some sort of bronze… a mix of brown and red and in the golden glow of what I now deemed a glorious morning, a little blonde at the tips.  His eyes were a sea green and they had laugh lines around the corners.  They were lined with the longest, most amazing dark lashes that I had ever seen on a guy.  Totally jealous.  His nose was straight and it led right down to the most beautiful pair of lips.  At the moment however, it looked as though those lickable lips were smirking at me.  They were drawn up on the side into the most deliciously crooked grin.  I snapped my eyes back up to his to realize I had been quiet for too long and had obviously been caught in my obscene perusal.  All I knew was that I’d have to keep eye contact because if I looked down any further today, I’d be screwed.

“Oh…uh…yeah.  Sorry.  I was a little scared myself being woken up by a weed eater so early in the morning.  Is this when you usually do this?”  I noticed during my questioning he had been doing a little looking of his own.  I was twirling my hair in one of my typical nervous habits as he took me in.

“No ma’am.  Sorry.  I thought you’d already be at work and I was trying to beat the heat that comes by mid-mornin’.  I didn’t realize you were still here.  I came up from the back down at the shed,” he said nodding his head to the back of the property.  My eyes glazed over a little when I noticed how his biceps and deltoids flexed with the movement of his body as he held that weed eater.  Crap!  Focus, Bella!  I had to shake the lusty fog from my head a little bit.  He had already worked up a bit of a sweat and I had noticed that a drop had run down his sideburn to his neck and over his collarbone.  Gah!  How much can I take in one morning?

“Normally I am, but I had a 15 hour day yesterday and don’t have to go in until later today.  Oh, I’m Bella, by the way,” I said sticking out my hand.  “I just rented this place from the Cullens.”  He raised his eyebrow and quirked that hot little mischievous grin at me as he wiped his hand on his jeans before taking my hand.

“Nice to meet you, Bella.  I’m Edward.  Listen, I’m sorry for waking you up,” he said while still slowly shaking my hand.  “I can leave and come back later if you’d like.” 

I had caught his scent when he leaned in to take my hand and he smelled like fresh cut grass, sunshine and sin.  I smiled and looked down at our hands and slowly released his.  “Well, um…I guess there’s no need.  I’m already awake.”  And truth be told, I surely didn’t mind being woken up this way…minus the annoying power tools.

“Well, if you’re sure.  It shouldn’t be much longer.  I got the bulk of it done during the week.”

“Yeah…no…I mean, it’s fine.  I’ll just let you get back to it.  It was nice to meet you, Edward.”

“You too, Miss Bella.  Maybe I’ll see you again soon?” he asked raising both eyebrows.

“Maybe so,” I answered coyly as I bit my bottom lip and took a step back towards the door.

He chuckled “Alright then.”  As he turned to walk toward the other side of the house, I noticed a flash of black on his deltoid.  Oh, Lord.  All that fine and ink too.  Yep.  Surely I’m dead.

It wasn’t until I walked back into the house that I noticed what I was wearing to greet my luscious lawn boy.  My pjs… my nearly non-existent pjs.  There wasn’t much to them, just my tank top that didn’t quite meet the hem of the top of my blue boy shorts panties that I was wearing.  Fantastic.  Well, maybe he enjoyed the show.  I know I did.  Hmm…I wonder how long it is until the lawn needs moving again?  And now I need a shower…a cold one.  I used to think I heard Dueling Banjos.  Now I was sure it was more like Marvin Gaye.  I could use some Sexual Healin’.

-EPOV-

Have. Mercy.  Well, first of all, I’m going to have to talk with my dad.  He just said Bella was “pretty.”  I had never known him to lie to me, but I guess there is a first time for everything.  Bella was NOT pretty.  Oh hell no.  She was gorgeous.  Even, no…especially in her just-woke-up rumpledness.  All bed head and pillow lines on her face with slightly swollen pink lips.  I had a good mind to tell her to go on back to bed and I’d be there directly, but I figured that might be a tad forward.  Although she obviously didn’t know who I was, I had at least been told about her.  Dad had actually called me before calling Mama about renting out Nana’s house.  I was kind of surprised since it wasn’t something we had done before, but I knew my dad really hoped Bella would extend her contract.  She apparently had worked in enough big cities and hospitals and had enough knowledge that she would be a real asset to him in getting the new Dialysis center up and going.  Then, of course, came the call from mom after showing Bella the house.  She went on and on for days about how cute and sweet and smart Bella was.  She was a good five minutes into her Bella diatribe when I had to interrupt her just to find out if I needed to be getting any work done around the house.  But hey, it’s to be expected with a slightly meddling mother of a very single son.  I still love her, though.  She’s always been my best girl.

Bella had scared the shit out of me.   Dad assured me she was working days so I wasn’t expecting her to be there.  I had been trying to be respectful and not bother her this week while she was getting moved in.  Plus, working in the mornings kept me from surely having a heat stroke.  August in Alabama was never kind.  Hell, we could drink the air better than we could breathe it, it was so damned humid.  I had thought the weed eater had shorted and shocked me until I realized she had touched my shoulder.  What the hell was that?  When I turned around and saw her, I’m not sure if I was more shocked that she was there, or by what I saw.  I knew she caught me checking her out while she was talking to me, but damn!  She was standing there in a tank top and panties and that’s it.  I can’t help if I noticed her obvious lack of bra.  I AM a man.  A man who hasn’t been with a woman in so long I ought to be ashamed to admit it.  I’m really not, though.  My mama didn’t raise no man whore.  Bella was backlit by the morning sun.  I wasn’t sure if she had been sent by God or the devil.  All I knew was that she was the sweetest sin I had ever seen.  And that was a sin I could repent for on Sunday, right?  Her clothes clung to every curve she was proudly showing.  Although, truth be told, I was certain she didn’t realize the show she was giving since I wasn’t the only one busy ogling this morning.  She had eyes that reminded me of the colors of the fall leaves; all browns and golds.  Her hair had been in a low pony tail and I noticed the red highlights mixed in with the dark chocolate brown as she twirled it.  Hmmm…was she nervous?   And why was I thinking like a girl?  Maybe I need to go hang out with Emmett.  I may as well turn on the Cullen charm and use my good manners.  Esme would be so proud.  She finally introduced herself to me as Bella and held out her hand for me to shake.  I wondered if she’d mind too much if I took it and pulled her over the porch railing.  Damn it, I needed to get a grip. 

I told her I was Edward and just left it at that.  She didn’t need to know just yet that my last name was Cullen or that I was actually her neighbor on the back side of the property past the willow trees.  A little mystery never hurt anyone, right?  I mean, I didn’t know how she’d feel about a guy she didn’t know living so close, even though it was my family’s property.  She’s not from around here, so she may not be very trusting.  Of course, when she finds out the truth, she might not like my “man of mystery” routine very well.  Oh well, I guess we’ll find out sooner rather than later.  Mama had let me know that Bella would be joining us for lunch at their house on Sunday.

When she let go of my hand, I missed the contact, which seemed a little odd.  She was all soft and warm and smelled like vanilla and sleep and girl…and that was a delicious combination.  I can only think of one other thing she could smell like that would make her completely irresistible, but perhaps another time…if I played my cards right.  Jeez, my pants were already getting tight and that was an introduction I didn’t need to make just yet.  She told me I could keep working after I asked if I should come back later.  I couldn’t help myself by basically asking if I’d see her again soon.  And if she wasn’t already the picture of perfection, she damn sure was when she bit that bottom lip and told me “Maybe so,” as she stepped back towards the door.  Oh, angel girl…you should NOT have said that.  I DO so love a challenge.  Which, come to think of it, is probably why I didn’t have any interest in the local girls.  They were no different now than they were in high school and they certainly didn’t present a challenge if you know what I mean.

“Alright then,” I said as I turned to walk in the opposite direction.  I caught a glance at what I thought must be a tattoo sticking out of the top of her panties right inside the curve of her hip bone.  Now that I was going to have to see up close and personal.  I needed to cool off a bit after that little meeting.  Maybe it’s not too early for a swim in the creek.

Bella.  She was beautiful.  Smart.  Maybe a little bad in a good way.  Already adored by my parents.  I had a feeling that I was already getting myself in to trouble with her.  Yeah, she just thinks she’ll only be here for six months.  Not if I get to have a say in it.