Chapter 8 (She Went to the Lake)

Chapter 8 (She Went to the Lake)



Our three car caravan arrived at the lake house two short hours later. We were all excited to get there so that we could have a weekend that was both relaxing and fun. Edward got out of the truck and walked around to my side so that he could help me out. Sigh…such a gentleman. He leaned down and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. He was stupid gorgeous with his sunglasses, cocky grin and worn Alabama cap. I always knew he was a sin.


“You think you’re ready to meet the infamous Pops?”


“I don’t really have a choice do I? Besides, he can’t be as bad as you all make him out to be.”


“Nah, he’s really not, but you do need to know that he’s kind of hard of hearin’. A grenade went off right outside of his foxhole when he was in the war, and it made him partially deaf. So you’ll need to holler at him a little bit.”


“Oh…um…wow. That’s kind of insane. Was he hurt anywhere else?”


“Not sure. He doesn’t really talk about it. That’s all dad really ever told us. Come on. Just do what we do and you’ll be fine. Oh, I forgot to mention that he has a nickname for all of us. So there’s no laughin’ allowed or you’ll find your pretty little self on some of that friendship probation,” he warned me.


“I don’t make promises I can’t keep.” He chuckled at me, pulling me into his side and placing a kiss on top of my head.


We walked up to the front steps of the gorgeous house. In typical Cullen style, it was huge!


“You Cullen’s do everything big don’t you?” I asked, looking up at Edward. He looked down at me with his famous mischievous grin and winked.


“Wouldn’t you like to know?” he smirked. Yes actually, I really would. Perhaps another time, though...dang it.


“I hate you,” I said, giving him a fake scowl.


Just then the door swung open and revealed a man whom I could only assume was Pops. He looked to be around six feet tall and he had a head full of solid white hair that stuck up everywhere. His smile was crooked just like Edward’s and his eyes were bright blue like Emmett and Carlisle’s. Those beautiful Cullen genes surely do run strong. Oh, crap, I’m already thinking about Cullen genes and future little Cullen’s.


“Torch! ‘Bout time y’all got here. What took you so long?” he said, walking over to Edward and drawing him in for a big hug.


“We had to wait on Barney. He was out fightin’ the Yankees today. So I’d tread lightly around Sas’ for a little bit if I were you,” Edward told him.


“Ornery, huh?”


“As a two-headed bull,” Edward said, raising his eyebrows and nodding in confirmation.


“Welp, it ain’t the first time. Doubt it’ll be the last. I can still pick a switch if she acts like she needs it.”


“Hey Pops! You been fishin’ today?” Emmett asked, joining us in our greeting.


“Nope. I just dress like this to drive the women wild,” he deadpanned. Oh, that Pops is quick. I think I’m going to love him!


We all laughed. He stepped back and looked me up and down like he had just noticed that I was standing there for the first time.


“Well who do we have here? Torch, you’ve been holdin’ out on me I see,” he said, grinning at me.


“Sorry Pops. Garrett Cullen this is Isabella Swan. Bella this is my Pops.”


“Well turn around sugar and lemme get a good look at ya.”


I blushed about a million shades of red but humored him anyway. While my back was turned to Pops, I made sure to give Edward and Emmett my best stink eye since they were laughing at me and not even trying to hide it.


Pops gripped my shoulders and looked deeply into my eyes. It felt like he was trying to read my soul, his gaze was so intense. When he had found whatever it was that he was looking for, he grabbed my hand, kissed it and said, “Come with me, Sunflower. I’ll show you around while these rednecks do all of the work.”


With a glance over my shoulder to a gaping Edward and Emmett, I walked hand in hand with Pops towards the back of the house. He led me to the back deck that overlooked some of the most beautiful waterfront I had ever seen.


“This doesn’t look like any of the lakes I have ever been to. Why is the water so clear?” I asked Pops.


“Well, Sunflower, this lake is a private one that is spring fed, hence the name Spring Lake. We don’t allow water craft that have motors that are powered by gas. Only the ones that can use what they call a trolling motor or one that is battery operated. So there are no fast ski boats or jet skis. Here, you can canoe, use paddle boats, sail, or we have a pontoon boat that has a trolling motor so that we can all get out in the deeper water to swim. Anyway, that’s what helps to keep the water so clear. It also makes it a safer, quieter and more family friendly place because you don’t have all of those high powered sport boats and such zippin’ through all of the time.”


“I just can’t get over it. I mean, the water looks like the beaches in the Gulf. It’s absolutely stunning,” I said, turning to him and smiling. “Thank you so much for allowing me to come and stay with your family.”


“You are most welcome, Sunflower. Now, let’s go inside so you can see the rest.”


“Are you going to tell me the meaning behind ‘Sunflower’?”


“Maybe later if you’re real sweet,” he said, giving me a wink and pulling me towards the back door. I think he may be just as charming as Edward. Lord help me if I’m ever stuck in an argument between the two of them.


I could hear the squeals of all of the kids from above me as we stepped into the living area from the deck. The ceiling was open to the second level of the house. There was a cat walk upstairs that stretched the entire span of the living area. When I looked, up I could see the children running back and forth, from one side of the cat walk to the other, between the rooms.


“Upstairs is where all of the guest rooms are. There is a set of Jack and Jill style bedrooms that share a bathroom on either side of the hall up here on the left. On the other side of the cat walk is a bonus room that we turned into one big kids’ bedroom. We renovated it a few years ago to have its own bathroom as well. They love coming here because we have bunk beds in there,” he laughed, shaking his head at the kids and their rowdiness. “My room is over here on the far side off of the kitchen. I know Emmett secretly wishes he could stay there when he’s here, but there is no way in hell I’m giving up my bed just so that he can be closer to the fridge for his midnight snacks.”


He pulled me towards the staircase and instead of leading me upstairs like I thought he would, we went downstairs.


“This here is the basement that we turned into an entertainment room. But the way I see it, if there is water outside, I’m not really sure why anyone would need a whole room inside just for entertainment. But they didn’t ask me. In the back there is one last small bedroom and a bathroom. If I’m not mistaken, that’s where you’ll be. Ol’ Torch is either on the couch or with the kiddos,” he chuckled.


I didn’t really even know what to say. There was just so much to take in. There were windows all along the back side of the house so that you could see the lake from almost any room you were in.


“This is beautiful Mr. Cul…”


“Don’t you dare, young lady. You’ll call me Pops just like everyone else,” he said, wagging his finger at me.


“Yes,sir.”


He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and said, “Now…let’s get back upstairs. Surely they’re done unloading everything and we can get supper goin’.”


As we were walking upstairs to the kitchen I stopped him and asked, “Why does everybody get a nickname?”


“Well, it’s like this…giving them a nickname and then calling them by that instead of their real name is just a way I can tease them a little bit every time I see them for something stupid they did in their childhood,” he said, grinning at me. I love him. Wicked old man.


“But what about me? Sunflower doesn’t sound like a name you’d use to tease me with and you didn’t know me when I was little.”


“Sometimes it can just be about who you are. Besides…I like you. Now come on. I’m so hungry I’m startin’ to think my belly button’s gonna eat my backbone.”


“Will you at least tell me why you call Edward Torch?”


“More will be revealed, Sunflower.”


Cutest man ever.


-x-X-x-


Supper was a laid back affair, although a loud one. Carlisle and Esme, as well as James and Caroline had all arrived, which only served to excite the kids even more. According to Rosalie, her kids stayed with Alice’s parents as much as they did with Emmett’s. They were loved and claimed by everyone, and it was another instance in which I just couldn’t imagine being surrounded by so much love and adoration.


I had walked out onto the deck where the fire pit had been lit. It was getting chilly outside, especially since we were located on the water. The late summer breeze blew against my face and all I could do was wrap my arms around myself to try to absorb it.


Suddenly, the breeze wasn’t so cold when two much larger and stronger arms wrapped themselves around me.


“Whatcha doin’ out here all by your lonesome?” Edward asked, placing his chin on my shoulder.


There was always this feeling that came over me when Edward was around, especially if he was touching me. It’s not that it was love, because I didn’t think I could say that just yet; but it’s not that it wasn’t either. It was something else. Some sort of peace. Some sort of belonging…


“Just soaking it all in, I guess. Where have you been?” I asked, turning my head so that I could look at him.


“I was summoned by Princess Ally. I apparently pour the best cup of tea and my ‘cwown’ is ‘pitty’.”


“What the…? How did I miss that? I would have killed to see you in a pretty crown,” I laughed.


“The weekend is long baby girl. I’m sure you’ll see it soon enough. Aren’t you cold out here?”


“A little,” I said turning in his arms. “Warm me up?”


“Hell to the yeah,” he laughed softly. I merely rolled my eyes.


He unzipped his hoodie so that I could wrap my arms around his waist, allowing it to block out some of the wind. He leaned down towards me and brushed his lips against mine. No matter how urgent our kisses became, that first, small kiss was always the sweetest, like he was asking my permission.


His kiss started soft, lips only, moving in time with each other, getting reacquainted. Then he sucked my bottom lip into his mouth, letting me draw it back out slowly before he nipped it at the very last second. With that, I was on fire. He had one hand in the middle of my back like he couldn’t hold me close enough to him and the other was in my hair like he was going to try to prevent me from going anywhere. As if.


I turned my head a little so that our kiss could be deeper, more. I pushed my tongue into his mouth and was rewarded with a soft groan. We hadn’t had a kiss like this all day and it was past due. He moved his hands, grabbing me at the backs of my thighs, and lifted me up onto the railing on the deck. He moved my legs wider so that he could stand between them. I kept my hands inside of his jacket, but slowly placed them under his t-shirt, feeling every last defined muscle, until I hooked my arms up under his and cupped my hands over his shoulders. This time it was definitely me not wanting him to go anywhere. He kissed me until I was dizzy with need for oxygen. I had to pull away or I wasn’t going to be able to stop…and there were still children around…somewhere.


“Where the hell did that come from? Not that I’m complaining,” I panted.


“I just missed you I guess,” he said, trying to sound all nonchalant.


“Oh, well, why don’t you miss me some more then?” I asked him and bit my lip. He didn’t realize I was on to him about the lip biting. It really was a habit, but not so much this time.


He growled at me. “Sexy little Jezebel. As much as I’d love to miss you some more, I can hear everyone coming down the steps. I think I heard something about s’mores before the kids go to bed.”


“Another time then,” I said, leaning in to give him one last peck. He helped me down off of the railing as everyone was walking out with the supplies.


We all sat around the fire in a circle, toasting the marshmallows for the kids before they smooshed them into the chocolate. They were a gooey mess and the cutest things I had ever seen. Small conversations were being held all around the circle. Rose was sitting beside me with Ally in her lap. I could tell she was getting tired as it was already past her regular bedtime. Ally had her little curly head resting between my shoulder and Rose’s and she was twirling my hair around and around. She did almost as good of a job as Edward did when he twirled my hair. There was so much sweetness here, in this place and around all of these people, that I just didn’t know where I was going to put it all.


“Sunflower told me earlier that she wants to know the backgrounds of all of your nicknames,” Pops said, looking around at everyone. They all groaned.


“Come on…it can’t be that bad. Emmett, I haven’t even heard yours. You go first. You’re the best sport of all of them anyway,” I said, trying to butter him up.


“That’s alright Little Bell. I’m not ashamed of mine. I just chalk it up to being a boy.”


“Yeah, a stupid boy,” Esme piped up. That made me laugh.


“OK, so…at our old house, we had a basketball goal off of one side of the driveway. One day, Edward and I were just shootin’ the basketball around and I got the idea to try to shoot the ball while riding my skateboard. Edward didn’t think I could make it and well, I’m not one to back down from a challenge. None of us are. So I took my board and the basketball down to the end of the driveway. I pushed off several times, trying to build up some speed. When I got to the goal, I realized that I had been payin’ so much attention to my feet that I hadn’t thought about the amount of coordination it was gonna to take to look up, find the rim and shoot the damn ball. So when I did shoot it, I got off balance and fell off of the back of the skateboard. It popped up and hit me in the mouth and chipped my front tooth.”


Everyone else was snickering from obviously having heard this story many times before. I was flat out crying I was laughing so hard.


“Anyway, mom and dad took me to the dentist to have the chip repaired. Only a little while later, I chipped it again in a bike wreck because my mouth hit the handle bars. I was already really into sports at that point, so they decided to leave it alone until I was at least finished with high school ball. And that’s how I got the nickname of ‘Chip’.” He jutted out his chin, looking rather proud of his moniker.


My stomach hurt I was laughing so hard at just the mental picture of Emmett trying to shoot a basketball from his skateboard.


Rosalie leaned over to me and whispered into my ear, “Emmett and Edward are the only ones who have much of a story. I personally think he gives us these names just to torment us.”


“I think you may be right.”


“He calls me Mama Bear…said it was because I was ferociously protective.”


“I can see that about you. Wait…it that how you got the name of your day care center?”


“Yep. But it took him years to give me a nickname,” she said, raising her eyebrow at me.


Alice’s voice broke me away from the thoughts that Rosalie’s revelation had going through my head.


“Pops was actually the first one to call me Sassy. Actually he called me ‘sassy britches’ but Edward couldn’t really say britches all that well and it sounded like he was calling me ‘sassy bitches’. They had to shorten that one up pretty quickly.”


“Hey, even back then I would call ‘em how I’d see ‘em,” Edward laughed.


Alice narrowed her eyes at him. “I’ll remember that tomorrow when we are in the water. I’d watch my back if I were you, Torch.”


“Promises promises…”


“Children…” Esme said, breaking up their sibling like banter. Gah this was all so new to me. I don’t even think I know how to bicker with anyone like a sibling would.


“Alright, I’m next because it’s not that exciting. Pops calls me Barney because I’m the sheriff. You know, like Barney Fife? Andy Griffith?” Jasper asked.


“Yeah, but, Andy was the sheriff and Barney was the deputy. Why doesn’t he call you Andy?”


Jasper rolled his eyes and looked over at Pops, who was sitting there with a huge grin on his face.


“He gave me this nickname after I became the sheriff. He said that to him, my dad would always be the real sheriff, and that I was just his idiot sidekick.”


I sat there for a moment, taking in that information. Then I pressed my lips together tightly, trying not to laugh at him. It was then that I let out a very unladylike snort instead. I covered my mouth and nose once everyone else started laughing. I wasn’t sure if they were laughing because of me or if they were just laughing at Jasper, too.


“Oh my gosh, Jasper! I’m so sorry!”


“Aww, it ain’t no big deal. I’m used to the old man by now. I’ve been around him since I was five.”


“That’s right, but Barney wasn’t always your nickname now was it?” Carlisle asked, while trying to stifle a laugh of his own.


“Now look, we ain’t getting’ into all of that. Some things are better left unsaid. Plus, there are still little ears out here with us.”


“Nice save Jazz,” Edward said, scooting over behind me so that I was sitting between his legs. “Don’t worry baby girl…I’ll tell you all about it later,” he whispered into my ear. He kissed my temple and then Ally’s. Lord help me. I can feel my ovaries swelling a little bit every time he does something sweet like that with her.


“Eddard, I go bed,” a very sleepy Ally said, turning to look at her uncle.


“Ok. Give me just one minute princess, and then I’ll go help you get ready for bed. Now…for the meaning behind Torch. Hmmm…let’s see…well, I was a bit of a late bloomer. My hair wasn’t always this color. Until I was thirteen or fourteen it was bright like copper. Seriously, you could hold a new penny to my hair and it was the same color. The longer it was, the brighter it was. Like fire. And it still stuck up everywhere. So that’s the first reason he called me Torch.”


“That’s not so bad.”


“Well, this is the stupid boy tricks part. Now keep in mind that I was usually under the influence…the influence of Emmett and Alice. As Emmett already said, none of us can back down from a dare. You’ve lived in Cotton Creek for a few weeks now, so you know there isn’t much to do there for entertainment.”


“Wait wait wait…I want to make it known that I had nothing to do with this particular story. I’m not that nasty,” Alice interjected.


Edward rolled his eyes. “Anyway, Emmett…daredmetolightafart.”


“I’m sorry. What was that?”


Edward huffed. “He dared me to try to light a fart.”


“Can you actually do that? And ewww, by the way.”


“Yes, you actually can. But let me just go on the record as saying that if you’re gonna try that at home, you need to be sure that your legs are fully covered.” I furrowed my eyebrows at him in confusion. “Let’s just say I had a few singed hairs once it actually lit.”


“Oh, Edward! That’s just…” I couldn’t even finish my sentence I was laughing so hard. “Good Lord, you people are insane! I truly am scared for your children.”


Edward leaned forward, wrapping his arms around me and spoke softly against my ear. “If we are lucky, their mother’s genes will override the Cullen stupidity.” What? What does that mean?


“Come find me later. I’m going to help Rose with Ally.” He gave me a kiss behind my ear and walked inside the house behind Rose.


As I looked around the circle, I sat back and watched as the rest of the family laughed and shared more childhood stories. Pops even told us a few from when Carlisle and Caroline were little. I could feel the love radiating from each one of them and it started to become more than I could handle in that moment. I decided to take a walk down to the dock so that I could be alone for a little bit. I needed some time to think while they continued on with their family time together.


I sat down at the end of the dock staring out at the water as the moonlight danced over it. The crickets and tree frogs had long ago begun their chorus, welcoming in the Alabama night. I felt like my insides were at war. My head was telling me to slow things down with Edward. It’s not that we were moving too quickly physically, despite how much my body burned for him, it was that I knew that my heart was ready to jump head first into the pool that was Edward and just drown in him. I mean why wouldn’t I? He was smart, talented, charmingly sweet, devilishly sexy, and just altogether beautiful inside and out. He was good. He was absolutely everything I could ever want, but was he enough to make me give up the only life I had ever known and stay? If I was being honest, I already knew that answer, but would he ever ask me to stay? I had spent years perfecting the art of not getting too close to anyone, and here I was, in love with his entire family already. They are loud and crazy and fun and they seemed like they loved me back just as much. How is that even possible?


I was so lost in my thoughts that I jumped a little when I heard footsteps approach me from behind.


“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Do you mind if I sit?”


“That’s ok. I just wasn’t expecting anyone. Sure, have a seat.”


“You know, this is the second time you’ve run off by yourself tonight. You wanna talk about it?”


“Won’t this be weird? I mean, you’re my boss,” I said, looking over at Carlisle.


“Bella, let’s just get something straight. I’m only your superior when we are at work and makin’ medical decisions together. The rest of the time, I’d like to just be your friend. I’m sure it would probably feel a little confusing for you to call me Dr. Cullen at work and Carlisle everywhere else, so why don’t we just go ahead and blur the lines between the two. You can call me Doc. How’s that sound?”


“Doc…” I said, thinking it over. “I think that works for me. Thanks.”


“No problem. Now…you ok? You seemed a little lost in thought.”


I took a minute to gather my thoughts before answering him. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings because this was about him and his family who had been nothing but gracious towards me since the minute that I pulled into this town.


I sighed. “Ok…it’s like this. I have never had much of a family life. I’m an only child born to only children. My parents divorced when I was young. My mom moved around a lot, following her own path, not really ever being concerned much about mine. When I got to spend time with my dad, we didn’t really talk or spend much time together. Well, not until I was almost through with college anyway. I think I’m just feeling overwhelmed here. Even in all of the big cities and hospitals that I have been to in the last three years, I have never experienced anything like this, like you guys. I’m not saying it in a bad way…I mean…shit this is coming out all wrong. You have been so generous and so welcoming. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m not sure how to handle it. I’ve never felt whatever it is that I’m feeling. I’ve never been a part of anything so big and so immediately, if at all.”


I let out a huge breath and looked back at the water, hoping it would calm me. I had never had any kind of relationship with any of the doctors that I had worked with; I saw them on shift, followed their orders and that was it. It was a little unnerving to share what was in my heart with Carlisle, but as always, these Cullen’s had the ability to make my tongue extremely loose.


“First of all, you said that just right. I didn’t take any offense. Secondly, I know we can be a bit overwhelming. We aren’t the kind of people to shy away from a hug or even a kiss. It’s just who we are and how we show affection. It’s not for everyone, but we don’t apologize for it either. If you don’t mind, could I offer you a little advice, as your friend, not your boss, as you keep calling me?”


“Sure,” I giggled.


“There are some things in life that you just shouldn’t question. Not everything needs to be analyzed. Some things are just right, and when they are, you feel it; you know it. You feel it from your eyelashes to your toenails. That feelin’ can be so all-encompassing that it scares the shit right out of you. But you can’t let fear make your decisions for you. If you do, certain opportunities may pass you by. Certain people may pass you by. Some opportunities don’t present themselves a second time. I don’t know about you, but I’d sure hate to live my life with regret, all because I was a little afraid. Do you understand what I’m tryin’ to say?”


A lone tear escaped from my eyes as my heart clenched in my chest. He knew. He was telling me to jump.


“I do. Thanks Doc. Um…would it be highly inappropriate if I gave you a hug?”


“Not at all,” he laughed. “In fact, I’d be a little offended if you didn’t.”


Standing up, he reached for my hand and pulled me up along with him. He hugged me hard and I squeezed him just as tightly in return. It made me miss my dad in a big way, but this hug showed me that Carlisle would be there for me in the same way if I would just let him.


“I’m going to go find Edward. Thanks again for the talk.”


“Sure thing. Goodnight Bella.”


“Night, Doc.”


-x-X-x-


I walked upstairs towards the kids’ room, but didn’t find anyone there. I turned to walk in the direction of the other guest rooms when I heard him. It was faint, but I’d know that voice anywhere. The door to Emmett and Rosalie’s room was slightly ajar. Quietly, I peeked inside and saw the sweetest thing I had ever laid eyes on…EVER. Edward was lying on his side facing a nearly asleep Ally. His eyes were closed and he was singing to her while he rubbed circles on her back. The precious angel lying next to him had the thumb of one hand in her mouth and the other hand in Edward’s hair, barely scratching since she was almost asleep.


I could hear the rest of the family starting to trickle into the house down below. I didn’t want Ally to wake up again, so I pulled the door closed and backed away quietly.


“Hard decision ain’t it?”


“Oh sh…Rosalie you scared the crap out of me! What decision are you talking about?”


“I know that look. It was the same one I had the first time I saw Emmett holdin’ Riley. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to cuddle him or ride him. Of course some of that could have been a mix of the epidural and endorphins…”


“Rose!”


“What? It’s alright. It’s so sweet it’s heartbreaking, not to mention ovary busting.”


“You’re insane, do you know that?” I asked, crossing the hall to hug her. Oh my Lord. I’m turning into one of them. I’m giving out hugs left and right tonight.


“Maybe. You know Emmett and I have the typical mama’s boy and daddy’s girl. But to tell you the truth, Ally has always been an Edward’s girl. When she was a baby she had really bad acid reflux, so she was pretty fussy. When we couldn’t calm her down, Edward could. He’d play his guitar for her or sing to her. It irritated me to death back then because I would be exhausted from having tried everything and all he would have to do was show up it seemed. She was about eight months old when she started scratching his head. He would be holdin’ her up on his shoulder and she would snake her little hand behind his neck. He’s just as spoiled as she is, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”


All of the hesitant thoughts that I had while sitting on the dock suddenly seemed silly and stupid. Whatever this man was willing to give me, I would gladly take it. For once I planned on being entirely selfish.


I smiled at Rose and told her goodnight.


I went downstairs and got ready for bed, not bothering to wait on Edward. Knowing him he’ll probably come and find me at some point. That thought made me giggle. I was so thankful for this man and for his family that had taken me in and made me one of their own. I made up my mind that I would learn how to love them all in the way that they deserved to be if they would let me.

Chapter 7 (She Fit Right In)

Chapter 7 (She Fit Right In)



EPOV


I had my nose buried in her hair. It reminded me of the first time I saw her when she was all warm and rumpled and vanilla sugar smelling. I really wanted to pull her hair aside, stick my nose into the crook of her neck where her scent would be the strongest and just…sniff her. I was certain something was wrong with me. I’ve never had a problem with addiction, but this is getting out of control. I pressed my lips to her shoulder, not exactly kissing, but just leaving them there, like I was tattooing myself into her skin. I continued across her entire back and down her arm. I slid my fingers between hers; bringing her hand back to cup my neck like she did the night we were dancing. Wait…was that really just the night before last? I put my hand on her hip, turning her more towards me while I continued to kiss her neck. All of our kisses the night before were passionate, but we were able to be adults and keep things within the first base line. But now, if I was lucky, my plan was to at least slide into third. I was getting anxious in my wanting for her. I could tell she wanted me too. The thing with us is that it didn’t feel like it was only a physical attraction…at all. I had spent the entire day showing her who I was and where I came from and I just felt like she got it. She got it and she felt it and she liked it. I just wanted her to be a part of it, and not for just right now.


Our kisses were becoming much more heated. Gentle pressure turned into open mouths which yielded to tangling tongues and nipping lips. I ran my fingers along the hem of her t-shirt, barely under it, just teasing. Back and forth. One hipbone to the other. Her skin was soft like silk and I wondered if it would feel the same way on my mouth. I moved so that I was positioned half way over her, my leg between hers. I kissed down her neck to her collar bones and she groaned in pleasure. Knowing that I could make her feel this way already was only adding fire to my morning time business, if you know what I mean.


“Edward…”


I stared down into those dark chocolate irises of hers, losing myself.


“Hmm…”


Have mercy. She felt so damn good. I have no idea how I’m going to keep myself from rounding third and sliding on into home.


“What are you doing in my bed?”


Wait. What?


She giggled. “I said what are you doing in my bed?”


Aw hell. I must have said that out loud. I cracked one eye open and looked at my morning time angel girl. Her hair was everywhere and her nose was a little pink from being outside for so long yesterday. She was biting her lip and she was gorgeous. Although real Bella was awesome to wake up to, I would LOVE to get back to dream Bella. She was letting me love all over her.


I snuggled into her chest since she had rolled onto her side and had her head propped up in her hand facing me, waiting on an answer.


“Shhh…Edward’s sleeping. Leave a message,” I slurred sleepily.


She pulled my hair trying to get me to look up at her because like me, she tends to act like an eight year old sometimes.


“Owww-wa.” That’s right…two syllables. “Just ‘cause you like it rough doesn’t mean I do. Are you always this mean in the mornings?” I mumbled.


“You didn’t answer my question. And you better think of something because this is becoming a bit of a habit for you. Do I need to get a restraining order? I happen to know the sheriff,” she said, looking all kinds of smug. I wonder if I can kiss the smugness off of her. Hmmm…


“What was the question again?” I asked, now trying to open both eyes.


“What are you doing in my bed? I left you on the couch.”


Oh. Right.


“Um…I got cold?”


“Nope.”


“I’m afraid of the dark.”


“Try again.”


“Fine. I was lonely,” I sighed. “I woke up and you weren’t there. I didn’t really like that. I was sleepin’ better with you there,” I said, closing my eyes again.


She let go of the death grip she had on my hair. Instead she started rubbing circles into my scalp, trying to soothe the places I’m nearly sure she left bald. I had no idea what she was thinking or what she was about to do, or even if she believed me. But what was the point in lying? She had to know that I was starting to have some serious feelings for her. That’s when I felt her tracing my cheek down to my jaw and then to my chin, using her finger to tilt it up.


“Look at me,” she murmured.


I opened my eyes praying to God she wasn’t about to smack me. But what I saw was…I’m not sure of the word. You know that look people get when they say ‘awwww’? Yeah, that’s the look.


“Edward Cullen that is probably the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. I think I’ll keep you as my bestie,” she said with a big smile, giving me a quick peck on the mouth.


And that caused me to pout. I knew the pout was a powerful weapon and I wasn’t afraid to use it.


“Why are you looking at me like that?”


“Number one, you woke me up just to ask me a silly question and couldn’t just be happy that I was here. Number two, you pulled my hair. And number three, I really don’t think that was an appropriate good mornin’ kiss,” I said, rolling to my back and crossing my arms over my chest.


She sat up and crossed her own arms, trumping me with a raised eyebrow that basically asked ‘are you kidding me with this?’


“As much as I would love a repeat from yesterday, today we have the issue of morning breath. I’m sure I’m not exactly breathing out roses, but you mister…are a little dragon-esque this morning. Did you not brush your teeth before bed?”


“With what? Your tongue? ‘Cause you know that’s all that was in my mouth after supper,” I huffed while sitting up and giving her my best stink eye.


“Big baby.”


“I know what would make it better,” I said, pulling out the big guns and giving her my crooked grin and the wink.


“A Tic-Tac?”


Seriously, is nothing working on this woman this morning? Exasperated, I growled throwing myself back against the pillows and put my arms over my face. “I give up. All I wanted was a little mornin’ sugar. Is that so terrible?”


Just then I felt her throw her leg over my thighs, sit on my lap and pull me up by my hands until we were nose to nose.


“Remember how nicely I woke you up yesterday? All you had to do was ask nicely today for your-what did you call it? Oh yeah…sugar. Ask nicely and maybe I can get over the morning breath issue,” she mumbled against my lips. Tease. But hell yeah I could ask nicely. Especially if it got me what I wanted.


“Baby girl…I sure was hopin’ I could get some of that sweet sugar this mornin’. May I kiss you even though I apparently have…,”


I couldn’t even finish my sentence before she attacked me with a kiss. She damn near knocked me over. I was so shocked it took me a second to respond. And by a second, I mean like a quarter of a second.


She held my face between her hands and I tangled mine in her hair just trying to bring her even closer, although too close might make things a little awkward for a Sunday morning. Sunday morning…oh crap! We needed to get up and get goin’ or we’d be late. And the good Lord knows I don’t need any smartassedness from Sassy or Emmett today.


I began to slow our kiss down ending with chaste pecks all over her face while she twirled the hair at the hairline on my neck.


“I really hate to say this after all of the beggin’ you made me do, but we need to get up. Are you still comin’ with me baby girl?” I asked, looking into those deep brown eyes.


“I said I would. I don’t go back on my word, Edward. That’s one thing you need to know about me. Commit it to memory. I say what I mean and I mean what I say,” she said, poking me in the chest. “Are you picking me up?”


“Yes ma’am. I will drive all the way to your house to get you,” I said sarcastically. “I have to sit up front during the services because I have to get up and down a lot. Will you be okay sittin’ with the rest of the family?”


“I’m sure I’ll be fine…as long as I don’t have to sit by Emmett.”


“Good call,” I laughed. “Come on. I’ll even let you fix me some toast before I go back home to get ready,” I said, giving her a good smack on her bottom.


“Keep those hands where I can see them or you’ll need to repent today. How would you explain that to your sweet mother? Or to your dad who happens to be my boss?”


“Fine,” I said, rolling my eyes while I started down the stairs. “Party pooper.”


-x-X-x-


I have always looked forward to the weekends. I used it as my time to relax and recharge; a time to look back on the week that has passed and to the one that is ahead and try to figure out what I did or where I’ve been, and see how I can be better. That may seem a little deep, but it’s just another piece of my puzzle. Carlisle and Esme raised both of us boys to “just be good”, as they said it. And by that, they meant for us to be good at what we did, who we were and the decisions that we made. As for this past week and weekend, there was absolutely nothing that wasn’t good about it.


Ahhh…Bella. My pretty, angel, baby girl. I never saw her coming. She is the best combination of sweetness and sexiness that I have ever known. She is divinity and desire all wrapped in into one brilliant package. I have no walls, and Lord help me, sometimes no filter when it comes to her. I am certain that along with being my life, she’ll also be my death.


I didn’t know what she would think about attending church services with me and my family Sunday morning. It’s not a decision that everyone makes for their lives, especially if it’s not an important part of how they were raised. I know it can be uncomfortable if it’s not what you are used to, but I shouldn’t have been surprised. Bella takes to everything she does like a duck to water. This was no different. It was actually a little emotional for me to be up front leading the songs and to look out and see her singing right along while she cradled a sleeping Ally. Emmett had to take Riley for his third trip to the bathroom while Rose was busy attending to the babies in the nursery. I had never been a witness to something so pure and angelic looking in all of my life, looking at my two girls. God moves me when I least expect it.


She told me that she really enjoyed it and gushed about how friendly and welcoming everyone was over lunch at Aunt Caroline’s. She even saw Carmen there and said she knew that she’d have plenty of questions to answer concerning the gossip that was sure to follow since we were seen holding hands when we walked in.


It had been such a fantastic weekend that I was a little ‘pouty’, as she called it, while we were saying our goodbyes that night. We had spent the last part of our evening in the swing on the porch, watching the sun bow down to the cotton plants across the road. And when it finally did, we continued to watch the fireflies play chase in the long flowing strands of the willow trees. We weren’t saying anything this time. The only sounds keeping us company were the crickets and the occasional snore from Roscoe who had wandered up and made his home at Bella’s feet. I have no idea how I’m gonna break it to him that I don’t share, even with my pup. We sat there just absorbing, soaking in everything that had been the last five days and all of the time that we had spent together. The real conversations, the flirting, the hand holding, the star gazing, the dancing, and God help me, the kissing. The woman was trying to kill me with the kissing. I could only think of one other way that might be a better way to go, but kissing her was a mighty close second.


That is where we were now. Kissing on the porch, with her a step higher and leaning into me so that there was no bending or stretching. Just noses nuzzling and lips meeting and teeth nipping.


“If you are in my room when I wake up, I’m going to bypass calling Jasper and just call Alice,” she told me while she traced my ears, giving me the damn chills in the process.


“Unfortunately, I will not be there and I dare say it’ll be the worst part of my day. I think I’m gettin’ used to wakin’ up to your wild woman hair,” I chuckled while I twirled a lock that was trying to escape her pony tail.


“Well tomorrow morning I suggest you use your alarm clock because I won’t be purring into your ear this time,” she said while actually doing just that.


“Damn shame.” I pulled back and put my forehead to hers. “I’ll miss you.”


“Edward, we live on the same piece of land. I’m sure I’ll see you tomorrow. Plus, shouldn’t you already be tired of me? I’ve seen you every day since Wednesday,” she giggled.


“Still…”


“Gracious. I thought I was the girl. Give me one last kiss and then you need to go. I have an earlier morning that you do.”


“Bossy britches. I’m rubbin’ off on you. Oh, one more thing…you’re not on call this coming weekend are you?”


“No. That’s the next weekend. Why?”


“It’s Labor Day weekend. The whole family always goes to the lake house and you are invited to come with us.”


“Oh. I don’t know. I mean, that’s family time. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”


“Good night, woman. Don’t you know you are family by now? Besides, I wouldn’t have any fun if I knew my best friend was back here just washin’ her scrubs. I need you to come. I need a partner in crime or at the very least a partner against Alice and Emmett. We have a tendency to let our inner child out when we get there. Come on. What do ya say? I bet you can get some good childhood stories out of ‘em.”


“Well when you put it that way…how could I refuse?”


“Hell to tha yeah! It’ll be the best trip yet,” I said, leaning in to give her one last kiss.


“G’night baby girl. Send Roscoe home if he gets to whinin’.”


Instead she sent me home with a small wave.


-x-X-x-


That was three honkin’ days ago! I didn’t know how else to put it other than I just plain ole missed her. Monday afternoon she sent me a text letting me know that she wouldn’t be able to make it for our porch time because she agreed to work another split shift for someone who had called in sick. I swear she has the best heart. She is always willing to help out, especially at work. However, she also let me know that by getting in the extra hours now, that she would be able to take off at lunch on Friday to leave for the lake. Hmmm…maybe we’ll get some alone time after all. I think I’d like to hug whoever that was who got sick. Maybe I’ll have mom make them some soup or send them some flowers.


Tuesday evening I had to go over to mom and dad’s house. A storm had come through town that morning and blown down one of their trees. She wanted to get it chopped up and put out back in the burn pile before we all left on Friday evening. She said she knew that tonight I wanted to get the grass cut one more time between my house and Nana’s and that tomorrow night I had band practice.


So that’s why I’m a little irritated. I’m grateful that Emmett and Jasper agreed to come and help with the mowing so that it wouldn’t take so long. Fifteen acres is a lot to get done in one day, even if you do have lawn mowers and tractors with big decks. But again, this was cutting into my porch time and while I was missing kissing on my girl, I was missing my friend just as much. Hanging out with Bella has brought a peace to me that I didn’t even know I needed. I was content with my life, but was obviously missing companionship. I mean, it could be difficult sometimes to look everywhere around me and see such dedicated and loving couples and feel what I was missing out on. I’ve witnessed the looks of pride and adoration. I’ve seen the lingering gazes and sweet touches. I just didn’t see how I was going to find it for myself. There is just such easiness between Bella and me. We talk all the time, but we don’t have to. She already knows when I’m up to something or not being completely straight with her. And that probably ought to scare me, but it really doesn’t.


“Why so emo bub?”


“Hey Em.”


“Sup? You seem a little out of it. Feelin’ alright?”


“Yeah. Just…nothin’. Hey, thanks again for comin’. I appreciate it more than you know. I may not have to do this again since it’s startin’ to cool off some. Maybe one more time.”


“No problem. It gives me the chance to unwind. Practice has been crazy. I’m ready to get the show on the road, ya know?”


“Yeah. Us too. Where’s Jazz? I thought he was comin’ with you?”


“Sassy had store inventory to do and Rosie is helping her. So he took all of the kids over to mom and dad’s house for pizza night until we are done.”


“Oh. Alight, well, let’s get started. The quicker we are done the better.”


“Why are you in such a hurry? You gotta hot date you want to tell me about? I’ve seen how close you are getting with Little Bell.”


I rolled my eyes at him. “Little Bell?”


“What? Her name is Bella and she’s little.”


“I’ll tell you later. There’s Jazz pullin’ up. Come on. We’ve got a long afternoon.”


-x-X-x-


BPOV


Damn it this sucks! Is it too much to ask to have some quiet time with my man? You wouldn’t think so, but it’s now Wednesday and I haven’t seen Edward since Sunday night. If I don’t get to see him at some point tonight I am going to have to take a page from his stalker notebook and show up on his front porch or in his bedroom in the morning. Which seriously doesn’t sound too bad to me. Stalking may have its benefits after all.


I worked late on Monday and on Tuesday he was over at Carlisle and Esme’s house until pretty late. If it weren’t for texting and late night phone calls, we probably would have missed each other all together. It’s insane for me to think how close we have gotten in such a short time. I wasn’t lying when I told him that I had never had a best friend. I had friends that I hung out with when I was at Charlie’s house every summer, but no one I’d tell all my secrets too. Edward made me want to spill my guts, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure how good of an idea that was just yet. I didn’t have anything to hide, but it put my heart in a very precarious place. I knew getting close to him like this could wreak total havoc on my heart when it was time to leave, but I decided to push that aside and just for once, go for it. No one had captivated me like he had. He was gorgeous and sexy for sure, but he was fun and witty and playful and he gave me a comfort I didn’t even know I was missing or looking for.


I pulled up in the drive to my house and spotted Alice’s black Toyota Highlander. She said she missed her sporty car, but that sometimes you have to do what you have to do when you’re haulin’ young ‘uns around. Her words, not mine. My question was more along the lines of why in the hell do you drive a black vehicle when you live in Alabama? It’s hotter than Hades in this place. Her answer was that it made her feel not so mom-like. Whatever.


What was odd was that I noticed Rose’s car here as well. I wondered if the guys just decided to park here since I knew they were helping Edward with the grass. Oh well, at least I knew I was going to get one more look at my luscious lawn boy, and this time the ogling would probably be welcomed.


I put my key in the door knob only to realize that it wasn’t locked. Odd. I wonder if Edward has been by or something? I walked in and went straight to the kitchen to grab something to drink. Seeing someone sitting at my table out of the corner of my eye, I jumped.


“Holy shit! You scared me to death!”


“Sorry skank. We just let ourselves in. Hope you don’t mind,” Alice said, sitting at my kitchen table facing the bay window and holding a small pair of binoculars.


“Um…no, I don’t mind. But what are you two doing here?”


“Number one, we are here to help you pack. Number two, it’s mowin’ day,” Rosalie said, looking at me like I should know what that meant.


“Yes…and…?”


“Come over here and you’ll see,” she said, waving me over to the window.


This window faced the back yard that was basically bare with the exception of the stray tree here and there. And that’s when I got it. All three of our men were working out in the yard and they made it look damn good. Hell yeah it’s mowing day. It should be a national freakin’ holiday, that’s for damn sure.


I turned to face them and quirked an eyebrow. “Do you always do this? Come and spy on your men from afar?”


“Look Bella. We both have two kids and all four of us work. That doesn’t always leave a lot of time for appreciation and straight up lust, if you know what I mean. We’ve both been married a while so a lot of times we are in the routine of having what we call ‘maintenance sex’. Sure, we have our times of sweet love making but occasionally we just want a full on frenzied fuck. This is our foreplay,” Rosalie said like it was nothing.


All I could do was stand there and blush. While it was no secret to me that I had plenty of lust built up for Edward, we were nowhere near ready for that. To be honest I was actually a little surprised to hear Rose say ‘fuck’. Now that I thought of it, none of the Cullen’s used much profanity. I didn’t either, but most men I had ever been around were pretty potty mouthed. I’d have to ask Edward about that.


“You girls want to stay for supper? I can make enough for the guys too.”


“I told you there was more than one benefit to coming over here,” Alice said, nudging Rosalie.


“I see how it is, using me for my food and the good view. I’m going to change. Save me a seat. I want to be in the front row for that back and ass show.”


“Told ya,” Alice said, looking over at Rose. “Bella, do you have anything you want to share with the class about Edward? I mean, you know we ain’t blind, right? You know you can tell us. It’ll stay right here between us girls, I swear,” Alice begged.


“Gah Alice. I swear you can pester the horns off of a billy goat. Leave her alone. She’ll tell us when she’s ready. But really Bella, sooner rather than later would be awesome!” Rose laughed.


I’m starting to realize that I’ll never have a secret ever again.


For the next two hours we alternated between watching the guys, packing almost everything I’d need for the weekend and getting supper ready. I was worked into a twitterpated frenzy by watching the sweat roll down Edward’s back, right down to those damn dimples above his ass. I’m fairly certain he wouldn’t need a shower after I got done licking every inch of him clean. It seemed like my girls were in much the same state as I was. The only conversation we had was to let out the occasional groan and ‘jeez’ and ‘holy mother’. You get it.


Alice texted Jazz to let them know that they were at my house, and for them to get washed up at Edwards and then meet here for supper. I thought that was a shame, not getting to be up close and personal with all of that hotness. At least those two would get to reap the full benefits of today’s ogling session when they went home. I would be stuck here…alone. I need to dig that box out of the back of my closet. Like quick, fast and in a hurry.


“I hope you made a bunch, Little Bell, because the men-folk are starvin’!” Emmett said, walking in the back door.


“There’s plenty. Everything’s on the table. Go ahead and sit down and I’ll bring in the drinks.”


Emmett had walked in first, followed by Jasper, who each immediately scooped up their wives in big hugs and kisses. Edward walked in behind them and made a beeline for me. He grabbed me around the waist and picked me up, giving me a small twirl. I was a little surprised to be honest. He had his nose buried in my neck and hair and I could hear him take in a big lung full of air.


“I missed you baby girl,” he murmured in my ear.


“I missed you too,” I giggled. “Put me down!”


“Unh-unh. This is good.”


I leaned down and whispered in his ear, “Baby, it you put me down now, I’ll make it up to you later, I promise.”


He sighed, putting me down and looking me in the eyes, “I’ll be holding you to that. But for now…”


He leaned in and gave me a very G rated kiss. Yeah, we’ll have to bump that rating up by a LOT later.


We ate supper, talking about our weeks and about the upcoming weekend. I was so excited to be invited to go. Being around just Edward was fantastic. But getting to be around this whole group and watching how they interacted as not just a family, but as true friends, was pure magic to me.


After supper we got everything cleaned up and said our goodbyes to Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett, promising to meet at Alice’s house by four Friday afternoon so that we could caravan to the lake.


Edward and I finally got to have some porch time even though it was getting late. I brought out my guitar playing a little while he sat and twirled my hair that hung over the back of the swing. It was this kind of sweetness that was making me fall hard for Edward Cullen. I had no idea what was going to happen with us, good or bad, but I knew it would be worth it. He was the first person who had ever made me realize that something was missing; to make me want more. I just hope he is willing to be the one to give it to me.


-x-X-x-


It was 3:45 on Friday afternoon and we were in Alice’s living room waiting to leave for the lake. I already knew Alice enough to know better than to be late. Apparently her husband did not. She was putting the last of the snacks into the kids’ car bags and walking around mumbling things like “can’t believe that man was off all day” and “he better be ready for a real war” and “I’m gonna kick his ass ‘til our grandkids can’t sit down”. I kept my mouth clamped as tight as I could and stayed out of the way.


Edward walked in her back door where he had been loading the rest of their luggage into the back of their car. He had his cell phone held to his ear saying, “Look, you better haul ass ‘cause if you ain’t here in fifteen minutes dressed in REAL clothes and ready to go, Sassy is gonna leave you out in that field to fend for yourself.” After that he closed his phone.


“What was that about?” I asked Edward, not understanding a word he’d said or the context in which he said it.


He laughed at me. “You know what? You’ll see when Jazz gets here. You will wet your pants, just wait.” He leaned over and kissed my temple and walked into the play room to round up Brandon and Mary Beth.


Those were two of the cutest kids I had ever seen. They were twins and a perfect mix of Alice and Jasper. Brandon was about two inches taller than Mary Beth already, making them think she was going to be little like Alice. He had dark hair like Alice, but blue eyes like Jasper. Mary Beth had blonde hair like Jasper that was cut in the cutest chin length bob and green eyes like Alice. It was hard to tell about their personalities yet because all kids are kind of rambunctious at this stage. All I know is that they thought it was funny to call me Bellie and I didn’t mind it at all.


About that time I heard the door that led from the garage into the kitchen open. And there in all of his uniformed glory stood Jasper Whitlock…decked out like a Confederate soldier. All I could do was stare at him because seriously, there were no words.


Brandon and Mary Beth ran through the room to where Jasper was standing, with Edward following right behind them.


“Daddy! You better hurry. Mama’s been talkin’ to herself,” Mary Beth told him while jumping up to give him a big hug.


“Thanks for the warnin’ Bethie-bug,” he said, giving her nose a quick nuzzle. “Hey big man! You ready for some canoeing?” he asked Brandon.


“Yes! Come on! Everybody’s waiting on you. Let’s go get in the car Mary B,” he said, grabbing his sister’s hand.


Edward had put his arm around my shoulders and Jasper stared at me, I’m sure waiting for a reaction. I said the only thing that came to mind.


“Well fiddle-dee-dee Major Whitlock.”


Edward and Jasper both burst out laughing. That is until Alice came in. She stopped in the middle of the kitchen and put her hands on her hips.


“Get your ass out of that costume! You are NOT gonna make us late because you were out playing soldier. GO!” Jasper took off to their room like a rocket. Smart man. Don’t make Alice have to tell you twice.


I turned to Edward and said, “Please, for the love, tell me what that was about.”


“Jasper is a big history buff. He’s part of a group that re-enacts famous Civil War battles. He had the day off and found a group about an hour away that was practicing for an upcoming Sons of the Confederacy event.


“Yes, and if he doesn’t come on, whatever he has going on down south will never rise again,” Alice grumbled.


I didn’t even bother holding in the laughs this time. “And Alice is ok that he does this?”


“Well, she says he’s a history nerd, bless his heart, but she loves him anyway.


I just shook my head and walked out to the truck with Edward.


“If you thought that was somethin’, wait ‘til you meet Pops!”