7,308Indelible
A/N: This is the final regular chapter of Indelible, but there will be an epilogue.
Chapter 48: Where It All Began
It's hard leaving Edward behind Monday morning when he takes me to the airport. We hold each other close, reluctant to part, and when I press a kiss beneath his jaw, his arms tighten around me.
"I'll see you soon," he says, knowing I hate 'goodbye'.
"I know." I lift my head to look at him. "Two weeks isn't very long to wait."
He smiles crookedly and kisses my forehead. In the grand scheme of things, two weeks is nothing, but even I heard how unconvinced I sounded.
"Text me when you get to Seattle?" he asks.
"I will."
"And Port Angeles."
I smile and nod. Such a worrier. "And I'll call you tonight, once I'm home and settled."
He strokes his thumb across my cheek and exhales a sigh. It's time.
"I love you, Bella. I'll miss you."
"I love you and I'll miss you, too, Edward."
With a final kiss, I gather my things and head into the terminal.
Ugh. Even though it's temporary, it's still a goodbye.
*I*
At my departure gate, I sip a cup of hot tea. My digestive tract issues of the previous day and a half seem to have passed, and I even managed a few bites of toast last night and again this morning, but with a day of travel ahead, I'm not taking any chances.
To while away the time, I dig out my phone, scrolling through photos of these ten days here in Chicago. When I run out of photographic images, mental images take over, and I replay my final evening here...
Following yesterday afternoon's trip to Wrigley Field, we said goodbye to Edward's parents, and then drove Masen here to the airport for his return to Seattle. The drive back to the house was a quiet one without him, and with my own departure looming.
Tired from our long day and sleep-deprived previous night, we turned in early. And though we were tired, cuddling soon turned to caressing and kissing. But Edward—unlike me—seemed to be holding back for anything more.
"Not in the mood?" I whispered, feeling a bit dejected and missing him already.
"It's not that," he murmured back. "I just think you should get a good night's sleep, Bella. You had a rough night last night."
Oh, that. Pffft.
"I can sleep on the plane tomorrow. And for the next two weeks. Seriously, I'm up for it if you are, and it…seems…like you are." He hummed a low sound of pleasure as I stroked him, already hard and wanting.
"I always am with you," he confessed quietly. "Even when I shouldn't want you, I do."
"And I always want you." I kissed his neck, my teeth raking lightly over his skin. "Always have, always will."
With a soft throaty growl, he rolled me onto my back, his body covering mine, and began trailing kisses down my throat, over my collarbones, to my breasts, and...
An announcement over the airport loudspeaker interrupts my thoughts. We're to begin boarding shortly. With a final sip of my tea, I prepare to depart. I'll have plenty of time in-flight to daydream about making love with Edward last night. And again this morning.
*I*
As requested, I text Edward when I get to Port Angeles, just as I did in Seattle.
Made it to the final leg of my trip. :) Talk to you tonight. xo
His reply takes less than a minute.
Looking forward to it. Be safe driving home and give Fitz a butt-scratch for me. xo
Still smiling at his words, I text Angela.
Just landed in PA. Will you be home if I stop by for Fitz in an hour-ish?
I'm halfway to the long-term parking lot before I get her response.
Yes, but I'm holding Fitz for ransom. You have to promise to stay for dinner if you want to see him again.
I laugh, but it's kind of her to offer dinner. My trip to the grocery store can wait until tomorrow.
I'll put on my dinner bib. Thank you! :)
Sounds attractive! See you soon. :)
*I*
Angela's van is parked in the driveway when I pull up to her house. I can already hear Fitz barking inside the house when I climb out of my truck. When the front door opens, he darts out, barking his head off, and he nearly bowls me over as I kneel to greet him.
"Fitzy! Hello, boy! I missed you! Did you miss me?" I'm petting and hugging and laughing at his joyful display. He doesn't know whether to bark in my face, lick me, or do the shimmy-wag-tap-dance, so he's alternating between all three.
I look up as Angela nears, grinning. "I missed you, too, Bella. Just don't expect that kind of reception from me until we get inside and away from the neighbors' prying eyes."
I laugh as I stand, brushing dog hair from my clothing, and give my sweet best friend a hug. "I missed you, Angela, but I swear to God, if you lick my face, we're done."
"I'll try to control myself," she laughs. "Come on in. Ben took the kids grocery shopping so we could catch up privately." Her eager smile makes me laugh. I'm pretty sure she sent Ben and the kids grocery shopping.
"I had the best time," I tell her as we head into the house. "With Edward and with his family."
"I'm so glad," she says, leading me to the kitchen.
She pauses to offer me a cup of coffee, but I don't think my system is ready for that, so I decline, telling her I've had a couple days of stomach issues and would prefer water. She frowns in concern. Then her eyes light up.
"You're not pregnant are you?"
I roll my eyes at her hopeful enthusiasm. Granted, it could happen at some point, but I'm not willing to share that. Truthfully, I'm kind of wary of deciding I want something that could turn out to be an impossibility at my age.
"No, I just had a twenty-four hour bout of food poisoning," I tell her. "I'm better today."
"Oh. Well, that's good," she says, sounding a tad less enthusiastic than a moment ago.
"So, tell me how things went with the Cullens," she prompts as we sit. "You mentioned a little when we spoke on the phone."
I fill her in on that first evening at their house and my enlightening conversation with Carlisle, then gardening and sightseeing with Esme, and dinner with Edward's whole family the night Masen arrived. I also tell her how kind and welcoming they were when we showed up at their house early yesterday, tired and with me still sick, and they encouraged us to nap in Edward's old bedroom before our trip to the ballpark.
The sudden sound of the garage door opening signals Ben's return with the kids. It also signals Fitz to bark and stand sentry at the door into the house.
"I can imagine how awkward it must have felt, seeing the Cullens at first," Angela says, wrapping things up. "But I'm glad you got to talk things out with Carlisle and arrive at a more comfortable place with both of Edward's parents. Imagine if you hadn't gone to Chicago... You'd still be wondering how they felt about you, and they'd undoubtedly be wondering what you thought of them."
"Yeah, you're right. It was actually very freeing. Probably for all of us."
The door into the house opens and Fitz barks and wags greetings as Beth, Ben, and Andy troop inside with grocery bags.
"Aunt Bella!" Beth hollers, and with that, the Cheney family greeting and preliminary question and answer period commences.
Minutes later, while Ben puts away groceries and Angela sorts dinner, I chat with Beth and Andy, thank them for helping out with Fitz, and give them each a little something from Chicago. For sports-enthusiast Andy, there's a Cubs T-shirt from Wrigley. Artistic Beth gets a book from the Butterfly Haven, filled with photos of exotic butterflies, birds, and flowers. I tell her I thought she might enjoy drawing or painting some of them, and she's already turning pages, looking for her first subject.
"And here's a little thank you for you two, for keeping Fitz." I hand an envelope over to Angela and Ben once dinner is in the oven.
"Bella, you don't have to give us anything," Angela says. But of course I want to. Not having to board him in a kennel for ten days was a huge relief.
"Quit complaining and open it," I prompt, winking at Ben.
They read the thank you card first, and then Angela unfolds the little voucher I made. It's for two nights stay at a cozy little place on Whidbey Island—for two.
"Oh, Bella… This is too much!" Angela says, clearly surprised.
"Don't be a nay-sayer," I caution. "I wouldn't have been able to enjoy myself in San Diego or in Chicago if I'd been stressing out about Fitz being in some kennel." Angela smiles. She knows that. It's why she offers.
"This is…so nice!" She finally says, waving the little voucher in apparent acceptance of my gift.
"This is really kind of you," Ben agrees, smiling. "Angie and I were just talking about how long it's been since we've gone anywhere."
"What is it?" Beth pipes up.
"Yeah, where are we going?" Andy asks.
Angela turns to both kids. "It looks like you kids are going to Bella's for two nights while Dad and I go to Whidbey Island for a little vacation."
"Oh," Andy says, clearly disappointed he's not going on an adventure somewhere.
"Cool!" Beth exclaims. "It's been a long time since Bella baby-sat us!"
Andy looks at Beth like she's dense. "Don't call it baby-sitting."
"You're right—it's more like a slumber party!" Beth chirps happily, and I bite back a giggle as Andy rolls his eyes, but I think he'll come around when he hears the rest.
"I guess we should fit this in before Edward arrives?" Ben suggests.
"Not necessarily. He's fine with them staying with us." I smile at Angela then. "He knows you're like a sister to me, and your kids are the only niece and nephew I'll ever have."
"Oh, Bella…" Angela purses her bottom lip, clearly touched by my thoughts. Moving in to hug me, she whispers, "You're welcome to them anytime." We both shake with suppressed laughter.
"I'll keep that in mind," I tell her.
"Anyway…" I turn back to Ben. "We were thinking if we picked a Thursday-Friday, it wouldn't interfere with your church-duties. And we could get Masen home for the weekend to join us. Andy could do guy-stuff with Edward and Masen while Beth and I do our girly-stuff." I wink at happy-as-a-clam Beth.
"That'd be cool," Andy announces, sounding far more willing now that he hears he'll be hanging with the guys. He's probably already plotting a video game line-up for him and Masen.
Meanwhile, Angela is beaming at Ben—who is beaming right back at her. I'll bet visions of adult alone-time are already dancing in their heads.
"A Thursday-Friday would work," Ben agrees, transferring his smile to me. "This is so nice of you, Bella. And Edward."
"Well, I really appreciate you all taking care of my fur-baby." I gesture at Fitz, parked close and watching attentively as we stand around the kitchen, probably hoping we're discussing how he likes his steak.
"Just give me some dates that would work for you," I tell them. "I'll run them by Edward, and he'll square it away with Masen."
"Okay," Ben and Angela respond as one, grinning at each other. Yep, those alone-time thoughts are already doing the tango in their eyes.
*I*
While dinner finishes cooking, I share some of the more touristy aspects of my trip and show some photos.
"That looks just like your necklace," Beth observes when I get to the photo of The Bean at Millennium Park. She has a keen eye for art…and all things girly, like jewelry.
"It is. I thought it would be nice to have my own little bean as a souvenir of my visit with Edward in Chicago," I tell her.
"I like Edward," she volunteers then, smiling. "And Masen," she adds shyly. Someone might have a little crush on Edward's son.
"I like them too," I tell her. "Especially Edward." She giggles. Clearly, she'd already figured that out.
"Are you and Edward going to get married?" she asks, chip off the old Angela that she is.
"Beth…" Andy groans, like he can't believe she's related to him with her lack of social graces.
"Andy…" Angela warns, giving him the Eyebrow of Doom before addressing Beth. "I'm sure if Bella and Edward decide to get married, she'll let us know. Right?" she asks, casting her gaze to mine and quirking a brow. Like maybe I forgot to mention something important about my trip.
"Of course," I reply, staving off an eye roll at my bestie. Then I give Beth a shrug and a smile. "Who knows? Maybe someday."
Beth nods sagely and smiles. "I hope so. Then I'll babysit your kids!" Over Beth's head, I see Angela smiling hugely at her mini-me.
"Dinner's ready!" Ben announces, throwing me a lifeline.
*I*
Once Fitz and I get home, I let him get reacquainted with the backyard while I sit on the porch and give Edward a call.
"Hey, you." His voice is a warm hug. "How are you feeling?"
"Hey, yourself. Much better, thank you. Nearly back to normal, I think."
"That's good. No problems on your trip home?"
"Not a one." I give him a quick rundown of my return, including dinner with the Cheneys.
"I'm glad they liked your gift and our offer," he says.
"Me, too. And the kids seem fine with the plan. Beth was sold from the get-go, but Andy was a harder sell—until he heard you and Masen would be involved. I'm sure he's relieved he won't be stuck doing his hair and nails with me and Beth." Edward's laugh is infectious, making me grin.
"Yeah, we'll find something manlier to do."
"So, how was your day?" I ask.
"Hectic at work, getting Steve Shelby up to speed to take over for me, and now that I'm home, way too quiet." I hear him sigh softly. "I miss your company," he murmurs. I nod though he can't see me. I'll be carrying around my own wistful little sigh for the next two weeks.
"I miss you too, Edward. After the past ten days, sitting here on the back porch, watching Fitz sniff and pee his way around the backyard just isn't the same. I'd much rather you were here."
"Sniffing and peeing around the backyard?"
"No!" I laugh, seeing that lopsided grin of his in my mind's eye. "I just meant that my normal routine feels so lacking now. But on the bright side, you'll be here soon, watching Fitz sniff and pee with me."
"I will, absolutely," he agrees with a soft chuckle.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you… I'm going to bowling in a little while. I won't stay for the duration, but I should see Katie Marks tonight—you know, Austin's wife?"
"Yeah, sure. They were at the diner the night we went with Ben and Angela and the kids."
"That's right. Anyway, Angela told me Katie has been filling in at the Marks Family Construction office while Austin's sister is on maternity leave, so I'll talk to Katie tonight about setting up a meeting with Austin."
"Good. The sooner we get started on the house the better. Maybe you can also ask find out if anyone has any helpful hints regarding their own remodeling experiences."
"Good idea. I'll do that."
"I'd better let you go so you can get on with your evening of investigative research. Tell those bowlers I said hello."
"Will do. Goodnight, Edward. I love you."
"I love you, too. Talk to you tomorrow."
*I*
I'm not the only woman with an enquiring mind at Sunset Lanes bowling alley that evening. But I expected questions after spending ten days with Edward. Especially since they all already know he's moving out and moving in. I deflect when they get too nosy, but I don't mind showing photos when they ask. A few saw Edward and Masen at the diner in June, but all agree on two things: Masen looks so much like Edward as a teen, and Edward has only gotten more handsome with time.
A few older women ask after Carlisle and Esme, and I wind up showing photos of them, too. Shelly Cope can't get over "what a hunk" Carlisle Cullen still is, and my retired Spanish teacher, Nettie Goff, chimes in, saying Dr. Cullen always gave her good medical advice and "a recurring case of heart palpitations." Jennifer Stanley, Jessica's mom, adds that "the Cullen gene pool must be more of a natural hot spring." I just shake my head and laugh.
Several women comment on the new Forks Forum food column, and it looks like I'll have more than a few emails to read to on my first official day at work tomorrow.
When I get the chance, I chat with Katie Marks. She promises to check Austin's schedule and call me tomorrow to set up an appointment with him.
With the conversation turning to home remodeling, several women offer helpful tips, and all of them have nothing but good things to say about the Marks Family's demo-and-reno crews.
*I*
Tuesday morning, I set Fitz up to spend his day outside. I even move his still-pristine doggy-bed to the back porch, crossing my fingers he'll get the hint if he's looking for a comfy, shady place to nap. Wouldn't that be a gift from the dog-gods?
Stopping by the Cup and Saucer on my way to work, I pick up coffee and a scone for breakfast and a little something extra for lunch. With some catching up to do, I plan to work through and eat at my desk.
When I pop by Eric Yorkie's office, he asks about my trip and how Edward is doing. I tell him Edward is fine but anxious to get on with his move, and though I really enjoyed Chicago, it's good to be home.
After I get settled at my own desk, I check my emails. I've gotten quite a few encouraging comments about the Focus on Forkfuls column. A number of them have enclosed recipe submissions, including one from Angela. I'm also pleased to discover a couple nice reviews of my lasagna recipe from last week! It's gratifying to know I'll be able to share this feeling with others, given the column's interactive aspect.
Afterwards, I begin tackling the quick and easy, updating the calendar of events and moving on to the historical column. Mentally, I thank my predecessor, Liam Conroy, for passing on his notes and saving me time now.
Eric stops by at noon to let me know I'm actually allowed to stop for lunch. I laugh, telling him I'll get there. I breathe a sigh of relief when he reminds me I can knock off early since I'll be back on the clock at tonight's City Council meeting. That gives me time for grocery shopping and dinner.
Between bites of yogurt and an apple, I work on this week's food column. I'm featuring Angela's Shepherd's Pie recipe. I know it's good so I don't have to proof it in my own test kitchen. And since Angela is familiar to so many as Reverend Weber's daughter, Pastor Ben's wife, and the friendly owner of the Cup and Saucer, I'm hopeful readers will see that she contributed to the column and feel inclined to do the same.
My last task of the day is to proofread Connor Stevens' feature article on the Independence Day festivities in Forks. Connor was in my journalism class at Forks High and is now a roving reporter and photographer for the Forum. Together, we pick out some photos of the Elks Club Pancake Breakfast, the Kiddies Parade at Peninsula College, the Grand Parade down Main Street, and the Salmon Bake at Tillicum Park to run with his article.
By the time I leave work, I'm feeling caught up. Tomorrow, I'll write up tonight's City Council Notes and summarize this past week's incident reports for the Police Blotter. Then I can begin organizing for next week's issue.
After I get home from the Thriftway, I put away my groceries and take Fitz for a walk before dinner. I need a little fresh air and exercise after sitting all day, but I bring my phone so I can give Edward a call.
He's in the midst of packing Masen's things, but he's happy to take a break. He asks how my first day at the Forum went, and laughs when I tell him it will be the last time I let myself get behind.
"That's what you get for frittering your time away with some guy halfway across the country," he teases.
"Frittering my time away?" I giggle. "What era are you from?! And you leave me and my man alone! It was time well-frittered, and I'm looking forward to more time-frittering very soon."
"Same here," he admits, laughing along with me.
He asks what I found out at bowling last night, and I pass on the tips I got about remodeling. I also tell him Katie called today, and I have an appointment with Austin on Friday.
"She said they probably won't be able to start our project until mid or late August," I add.
"That's fine. That gives us time to check out materials, mull over our options, and prepare."
"True. So, have you heard any news yet on your house yet?" I ask.
"Not yet. But it's only been a couple days."
*I*
"Are you joining me for lunch?" I ask when Edward calls at noon the following day.
"I was hoping I timed it right," he admits. "Are you on your lunch break?"
"Yep. I just unwrapped my chicken sandwich. What's up?"
"Some good news maybe. This morning, Claire showed the house to a couple who seemed quite interested. They told her they'd get back to her tomorrow with a decision."
"That's great!"
"Yeah. They could still decide against it, of course, but Claire said she has a couple more showings lined up for tomorrow. One is with a couple who came to the open house and wants a second look."
"That sounds promising. I'll keep my fingers crossed."
*I*
He texts me the following afternoon, asking me to call when I get home. I'm on pins and needles until I reach him.
"Did you get an offer?" I ask, cutting to the chase.
"Nope…I got three!"
"Awesome!"
"Yeah. One was low, but the other two were over my asking price."
"That's great! So, are you going to accept one of them or wait to see if you get other offers?"
"I'd rather jump on one of these, but I wanted to get your thoughts before I make a decision on which one to take."
"Okay…" I wonder why he doesn't just go with the higher offer.
"Like I said, both offers were over asking. Both are also hoping for a quick sale, and their terms are similar. But the lower offer came with a letter to me…"
"Oh. What did they write?"
He reads me the letter from Matt and Hannah Cooper, an accountant and pediatric nurse in their early thirties. They've been living in a small apartment in the city since marrying seven years ago, but now, with a three-year-old boy and a second baby on the way, they need more space. Their preferred neighborhood is Lincoln Park—for its family appeal, parklands, beach, cultural offerings, and top-notch schools. Since the day of Edward's open house, they feel like they found the ideal home for their growing family. The layout is perfect and they particularly love the shady backyard and big playroom for their children. Their offer is the maximum they can afford, and they know Edward will likely get higher offers, but they hope he'll consider them. They would love to make his house their forever home.
Before Edward even finishes reading, I'm smiling at him. The Coopers sound like a nice family, and my sweet man must already be considering selling to them or he wouldn't be seeking my opinion. I'm guessing their letter has struck a chord, reminding him of raising his own little boy there.
"They sound nice, Edward, and your house really is a great family home. Do you know anything about the other prospective buyers?"
"Claire said they were older. They're marrying and need more space than what either currently has. And it's just the two of them. He's in advertising and she's an artist. Claire said they talked about gutting and opening up the first floor, but he really liked all the office built-ins, and she thought the family room would be perfect for her art studio."
"I see." I'm reluctant to bring up money since it's his, not mine, but finances are obviously something he has to consider. "So, are you feeling inclined to take the higher offer, but the Coopers' letter makes you feel guilty to do so? Or are you feeling inclined to take the Coopers' offer and wondering if you're being financially foolish?" His soft snort of amusement tells me I've hit the nail on the head with one of those assessments.
"The latter. I mean, they're both solid offers, but is it foolish of me to feel like I want to take the lower offer and sell to the Coopers?"
"No. Not if the money isn't an issue. You should do what makes you feel best. Selling your home is more than a financial transaction, and handing over such a big part of your history to strangers must be difficult. Knowing they value the same things you valued in your home must make it at least a little easier for you."
"Yeah. I guess that's really what it boils down to, you know? And the money isn't an issue. So… I guess I'll call Claire tomorrow, and she can let the Coopers know they've got their house." He sounds decisive now. I think he's feeling good about moving forward.
"You're a good man, Edward. And more than a little adorable. I'd hug you right now if I could."
"Just…hug?" he counters playfully.
"For starters. But I'd get you naked in no time…" I giggle at his response: an exaggerated groan of frustration.
"Just hold that thought for another week and a half," he grumbles.
*I*
When we talk the next day, I report on my meeting with Austin Marks.
We discussed adding two rooms and a small bath above the garage, remodeling the kitchen, and opening it to the living room. Then I mention the suggestions Austin made to increase the size of our closet and remodel the upstairs bathroom.
Edward and I decide it's a no-brainer to keep my former bedroom as our home office. That will allow Austin to incorporate that room's closet into ours, creating a large walk-in. Austin can also expand the upstairs bathroom and make it an en suite, but we'll have to relocate the laundry room to the garage, where Dad's old workbench is.
"I don't need a workbench," Edward points out.
"And having a big en suite would be nice," I add.
"Especially if there's room for a shower and a clawfoot tub?" he prods. I can practically hear his provocative smile and dancing eyebrows, so I know exactly where his thoughts have gone. We had some sexy fun together in his old clawfoot tub, cramped though it was.
"That would be especially nice," I laugh. "Especially if it's a clawfoot for two."
"We'll make that a priority," he announces, and I laugh. But I couldn't agree more.
He tells me Claire contacted the Coopers, and the ball is now rolling on his home sale.
This weekend's garage sale ball is also in motion. He's even found a buyer for his refrigerator and bedroom set already. And today after work, his mom and dad helped him price everything else and move it out to the garage.
"Oh, I almost forgot…" Edward says. "My dad offered to come along and share the drive to Washington, and I accepted. I think he was secretly worried I'd try to break the land speed record if left to my own devices." I laugh, imagining Edward speeding like a madman to get here, but I'm touched by Carlisle's offer.
"That's really nice of him. I'm glad you won't be making that three-day trip alone."
"Yeah. Actually, with the two of us switching up the drive, we think we can do it in two days. We'll leave late Friday afternoon and hopefully make it to Seattle late Sunday afternoon. I'll head on to Forks that evening, and Dad will stay in Seattle to spend the rest of the day with Masen, and then fly home Monday morning."
"That's great. It doesn't sound like a very relaxing weekend off for your dad, though."
"Maybe not, but he's the one who offered, and I think he's looking forward to the adventure of it."
"Well, please thank him for me."
"I will. So, what's on your agenda this weekend?"
"With only a little over a week to go, I'm thinking I'd better weed through my closets, drawers, and cupboards. I need to make room for my beyond-sexy, live-in love-interest." He snorts a laugh, and I can imagine him shaking his head at my choice of words.
"Hmm… Things must be pretty serious if the guy's moving in," he observes, playing right along. "I just hope he's a good guy with good intentions, or he'll have to answer to me."
"I wouldn't worry," I tell him, smiling into my phone. "He's not just a good guy; he's the absolute best."
*I*
The week that follows creeps by at a snail's pace for me. Not so much for Edward. Between packing, finishing out his work week, and living between his house and his parents', his final week in Chicago is a hectic one.
After last weekend's garage sale, he donated leftovers to Goodwill and finished packing everything else by Tuesday evening. Wednesday afternoon, Esme supervised the movers until Edward was able to get home, and his container pod bound for Forks has now been carted off to await a September delivery. Thursday, Edward met with Claire to wrap up his end of things and turn his house keys over for safekeeping. Friday, his co-workers threw him a send-off party at lunch, and afterwards, his boss actually did send him off, telling him to cut out early, beat the traffic, and enjoy where life was taking him.
For the past two days now, I've gotten phone calls and texts, updating me on Edward's road trip with his father.
Armed with a small cooler Esme had packed with drinks, snacks, and sandwiches, Edward and Carlisle drove as far as St. Cloud, Minnesota, Friday night. Yesterday, they continued into North Dakota and Montana, stopping in Missoula. Today, they crossed Idaho and Washington, arrived in Seattle this afternoon, and met up with Masen at Carlisle's hotel near SeaTac airport. A couple hours later, Edward called to say he was leaving his father and son to enjoy the rest of their day together, and he was getting back on the road.
That was about four hours ago, which means Edward could be here any minute. Which means I'm antsy. Well…antsier. Forget having butterflies in my stomach; I feel like a live wire is thrumming within me.
I sneak a peek out the front window and I'm struck by nostalgia. I always used to keep an eye out for Edward's arrival when we were teens. Partly, it was to save him from awkward conversations with Dad. Mostly, I just wanted to stealthily watch him walk up to the house, thrilled that he was coming here to be with me.
Now, all these years later, he's coming back here to be with me. For keeps, it seems.
After a few more restless minutes, I decide to sit out on the front porch steps and wait. Grabbing a jacket and the spare garage door remote, I invite Fitz to keep me company. His doggy-radar must tell him something's up, because he's been sticking close, eyeing me for clues.
The sound of a car up the street gets my hopes up, but it's just one of the neighbors.
Checking the time on my phone, I see that it's three minutes to eight—a whole seven minutes later than the last time I checked. With a sigh, I gaze out over the treetops in back of the homes across the way. The sun won't set for another hour, but the sky is already gearing up for a vivid display.
Hearing another car, I turn to see a familiar Volvo SUV coming our way.
"He's here!" I tell Fitz.
I get to my feet, and a sudden lump of emotion parks itself in my throat as I wave at Edward's smiling face. When he pulls into the driveway, it doesn't occur to me to shush my barking dog; I'm too busy hurrying down the steps on shaky legs. I reach Edward's car just as he climbs out of it.
"Honey…I'm home," he announces with a grin, scooping me into his arms and lifting me off my feet.
He's home! The impact of his words hit me like a wrecking ball, and I give him a watery smile, clasping his sweet face in my hands. "Welcome home," I tell him as my tears spill over. "I'm just sorry you'll be living with an ugly crier."
He laughs, hugging me tighter, but there's emotion shining in his eyes, too. "You're the prettiest thing I've seen in two weeks, Bella."
Swiping away my tears, I smile. "You must have been looking at a whole lot of ugly."
He just smiles as he ducks in for a welcome-home kiss. It's unhurried and thorough and definitely worth the two-week wait.
The tenderness of the moment is lost on Fitz, however. He's still barking his head off.
Tearing my mouth away from Edward's, I finally yell, "Fitz, shush! You're ruining the moment!" But Edward just chuckles, already squatting down and extending his hand to Fitz for a sniff.
"Hey, Fitz! How's it going, boy? You been taking good care of Bella?"
Fitz keeps right on barking in Edward's face, but he's also doing his happy-dog-dance, so he clearly remembers Edward. And once the scratching starts, Fitz' barking stops, replaced by a rapturous doggy-smile as he side-eyes his favorite butt-scratcher.
He might feel differently tonight when Edward usurps his spot in my bed, but at least he's taken to occasional naps in his own doggy-bed. Hopefully he'll adjust to plan B when I bring that doggy-bed upstairs with us tonight.
My eyes wander to the interior of Edward's car as he stands back upright. "Shall we start unloading? Or would you rather just come in and relax? Have something to drink? Maybe a glass of wine or a beer? Or I can fix you something to eat if you're hungry…?" His mouth and eyes are smiling at my rapid-fire options.
"I'm good for now, and the car can wait until morning. Let me just grab what I need for tonight."
"Sure. Do you want to pull the car into the garage then? Oh! That reminds me—I have something of yours." I smile at him as I reach in my pocket for the garage door remote, and when I hand it over, Edward grins, looking like he's just won the lottery.
"What?!" I laugh. "It's your garage and house now, too!"
He nods, still with that goofy expression on his face. "It's still sinking in that this isn't just a visit. I'm here to stay. With you." The way he says it makes me feel so special. So vital. And now I'm wearing my own goofy, I-won-the-lottery expression.
Once he re-parks, he rejoins me on the driveway, slinging a duffel bag over his shoulder.
"Got everything you need?"
"Yep." His eyes twinkle as his arm loops around me. "It's all right here." Clearly, he's not referring to his bag.
"Same for me," I agree, reaching up to pull him down for another welcome-home kiss.
We head to the house then, following Fitz up the front steps.
"Hold on," Edward says just as I'm about to reach for the door. I turn to see him setting his bag on the floor.
"Did you forget something?"
He shakes his head, the corner of his mouth lifting in a half-smile. "No, I just want to try one thing before we go inside," he answers cryptically.
"Try what?" I giggle, imagining potential options. None of which would be acceptable for public display. Clearly, it's been two weeks too long. And now the smirk on Edward's face tells me he knows where my thoughts have gone. But then he schools his features and clears his throat.
"First, I just want to say that I know most people would think this is too fast," he begins. I smile because it's true. This move-and-move-in was a quick decision for both of us. "I mean, we've really only spent three weeks with each other during these three months. But I also know how right this feels." I nod at that, feeling the same sense of conviction he does. "And maybe it's old-fashioned of me, but before I move into your house and into your life, I wanted to ask you to…be my wife."
My mouth gapes open in shock as he bends to one knee. A small velvet box magically appears in his hand, and the sparkling ring inside confirms his intent. My eyes are already brimming with emotion as they flit to his, and I see love, hope, earnestness, and vulnerability there.
"Oh, Edward..." He's really doing this! Right here, right now!
"I'll always be thankful circumstances brought me back here to Forks three months ago," he says. "To the girl I couldn't ever forget." He pauses, smiling, but I can see he's nervous, too. "I want you to be mine, Bella. Forever and always. And I'd like to be yours. So... Isabella Swan, will you marry me?"
The lump is back in my throat. I'm crying again. I probably look ugly. And I think I'm shaking. But there's no one else I'd rather spend the rest of my life with. So, I'm nodding. I'm most certainly nodding.
"Yes?" Edward asks, the corner of his mouth turning up in a crooked smile.
"Yes," I verify, nodding furiously in case he couldn't understand the garbled sound I just emitted.
But he must have understood because his face is lit up with a megawatt smile—at least I think that's what I'm seeing. Refracted through my tears, he looks more like a collection of ethereal sparkles than his usual uber-handsome self. Batting at my teary eyes, I watch as he slips the ring on my shaking finger.
"It's beautiful," I whisper. He's beautiful. And the way he's looking at me tells me I'm beautiful, too. "Oh my god, Edward… I can't believe this! I can't believe you did this! Here…tonight!" I'm overcome with a sudden girlish giddiness.
"I can't believe you said yes!" he laughs, scooping me into his arms as he stands. We're both giddy, giggly, our lips stuck in a perma-smile as we kiss. And kiss. Until I pull back, suddenly catching on.
"That was what you wanted to try? A marriage proposal?" I'm laughing and he is too, the sound of it so carefree.
"I thought for sure you'd say no; that this was too soon. I even told myself this would be my first attempt. But I was hoping my preamble to the proposal would pave the way for a yes."
"I thought your preamble was all about moving in so quickly! I had no clue you were about to ask me to marry you!"
"Well, it felt right, you know?" He looks at me so affectionately. "I've been thinking about it for a while. In fact, I almost asked you the night we were at North Pond restaurant in Lincoln Park. But I didn't have the ring yet. Then I decided I wanted to wait and ask you here, where it all began. Then and now." At first, I think he means Forks, but with his gesture, I realize he's referring to this very front porch.
"Here, where you kissed me for the first time? After what I didn't realize was our first date?" Memories of the night of his championship baseball game flicker through my thoughts. He asked me to the diner to celebrate with his team and half of Forks. I refused to believe it was an actual date until he brought me home, asked me to prom, and kissed me goodnight.
"Yep." He nods, smiling softly. "And this is where you allowed me back into your life three months ago." He means the day of Dad's funeral, when he appeared at the cemetery like a ghost from the past, and then turned up on my doorstep hours later, for the first time in twenty years. I almost didn't let him in. And that first conversation wasn't easy, but we found our way back in the days that followed.
A mere three months later we're engaged, standing on that same front porch, on the brink of a life together.
"I'm so glad you made the effort and were persistent," I tell him.
"I'll always be thankful you let me," he says.
*I*
Over the course of the next few hours, in and out of clothing, in and out of bed, and before and long after a midnight snack, Edward and I talk, laugh, love, and start making plans for our future.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this and will let me know. I'm sure you have some questions, and I'll try to answer them in the epilogue! ;)