Chapter 78 - Good Friends & Fireside Picnics

"Rose" I whispered as I followed her into the kitchen with a stack of dirty dishes. "What is up with your Mom? I feel the distinct absence of the Dragon Lady."

Rose grimaced before shaking her head with a sigh. "The simple answer is that she's in therapy. She started while Em and I were on our honeymoon."

Wow

"She informed me of it about two weeks ago. She said she needed to sort through her shit because she didn't want to lose her kids." Rose grinned. "Needless to say, she didn't use the word shit."

I giggled while Rose smirked.

Chapter 79 - Demon Spawn & Movie Marathons

Previously-

He pulled me down to sit on the picnic blanket which was spread in front of the fire once again, the containers filled with our dinner resting in the center.


"I still feel exceptionally guilty for last night," he began, causing me to roll my eyes. He chuckled and shook his head. "You'd gone to so much trouble sweetheart, that I didn't want your plans to go to waste."

I wrapped my arms around him and smiled. "Thank you Edward," I breathed. "Sometimes you are too good to be true."

Edward laughed lightly. "You're silly," he said before pressing his lips to mine. "Bella, as I've told you before, you are the most important thing in my world and, even though I know I'm not perfect, when I screw up I will always try my best to make amends."

Chapter 80 - Time Warps & Slow Motion

I managed to push Edward back far enough so that I was able to stand. He stood up with me before sighing loudly. I felt his warm breath wash over my face and noticed the distinct smell of liquor.
"You've been drinking?" I asked.

"A bit, during the ride home," he shrugged and pointed to my wine glass. "Seems I'm not the only one."

True enough.

Chapter 81 - Blessed Events & One Little Year

"Bells, it's time to say goodbye," my father's voice sounded strained, as if he was trying very hard to hold back whatever emotion he was feeling.

I looked at him dressed in his dark suit, and thought back to the last time I'd seen him dressed so formally.

My wedding day…


Charlie's hand touched my elbow, gently nudging me to stand and go with him.

I followed along the path, my arm wrapped around my Dad's. The day was beautiful; sunny and warm, so unusual for Forks… I stopped walking and closed my eyes as I took in a deep breath.

"It smells like springtime," I whispered.