I wiped the tears from my cheeks. "He pushed me away Rose."
She frowned.
"I get that he's upset, but I was only trying to help. I wanted to reassure him." I sniffled. "I'm not naïve, I know things like this are going to happen. It's inevitable that once in a while some crazy person is going to accuse Edward of something, merely to get attention. I also know that this particular accusation is easy to disprove." I took a shuddering breath. "But Edward's reaction was so unexpected. It doesn't bode well for our future if, at the first sign of difficulty, he pushes me away."
"Bells, you know Edward. He's probably stressing out about what this shit will do to you. Let him process this. He just needs a little time." She reassured. "He probably doesn't even realize that he hurt your feelings."
I nodded.
"Go wash your face and pull yourself together. We need to leave for class."
Class? Would Edward even want to attend now?
I entered the house quietly behind Rose. Edward was nowhere to be seen. I locked myself in the bathroom in order to make myself presentable.
Five minutes later, I found Rose waiting for me in the living room. "Come on. We're taking Charlie's truck." She informed as she grabbed my arm.
Dad uncharacteristically gave me a hug before I headed out the door.
As we pulled out of the driveway, I saw Edward exit the house and watch us drive away, a bewildered expression on his face.
I gave myself a stern talking to on the way to church. If Edward needed space, I'd give him space. I may even give him the cold shoulder for a while, my hurt feelings obviously in control for the moment.
But, he needed to realize that I intended to help him fix this. I'm not going into hiding. We will face things together.
As Father ushered us inside, I turned to see Emmett and Edward pull into the parking lot. Once inside the classroom, I took the same seat as last week. Rose sat to my right. Just before Edward and Emmett entered the room, she reached over and gave my hand a small squeeze of encouragement before dropping her hand back to her lap.
Edward and Emmett took their seats, Edward sitting to my left.
Father Pat sat down and said our opening prayer before giving us all a hard look. "A little while ago, I got an interesting phone call from Charlie." He quirked an eyebrow, "Today we were scheduled to speak about 'conflict resolution'." He smiled gently before continuing. "Along with that, this may be a good opportunity to speak about another issue."
He took a deep breath. "You know, because of your situations, I scrapped the part of the lesson on making financial decisions as a couple, in favor of one I thought more appropriate and also unique to the four of you."
We looked at him questioningly.
"It seems you could benefit from a discussion about how to handle being in the public eye, and everything that entails."
From the corner of my eye, I could see Edward's chin drop to his chest as he listened.
Father folded his hands on the table and spoke in a low soothing voice. "You know, I've lived a long time, and in my experience I've learned that one of the worst things that can happen to a person is to be the victim of false accusation."
"Sure you can prove your innocence and win your case in court, and most people will believe you. However, there will always be that small percentage of people that believe the worst. To them, an accusation is all the proof they will ever need for the accused to be the condemned."
"All four of you are well-known now. Your celebrity status will, from time to time, attract the wrong kind of attention. There will always be people who will attack you and sometimes spread falsehoods about you. The question you need to ask yourselves is whether you are strong enough to accept the bad opinion of some, even when you've proven them wrong. Are you able to move forward despite that and live a happy life?"
"Before you answer that question, you need to think about how your answer will impact the person you've chosen to spend the rest of your life with. You're not in this alone. You know another term for 'spouse' is 'help-mate', and that's exactly what they are. With God's help, you will be there to help each other."
I hoped Edward was paying attention.
"Always remember that Our Lord suffered at the hands of the cruelest of men, the verbal attacks sometimes were every bit as painful as the physical. He is aware at every moment of what you need and what you're suffering. He is waiting to help. All you have to do is ask."
He asked us to think about this, and have an honest discussion with each other before the next class. After that, Father went on to speak about conflict resolution within couples. I listened, taking it all in.
Before we left, Father warned that our next class would be a long one. He had decided to combine the last lessons into one so that we could be done with it. Because of our trip to California, and then graduation, it wouldn't take place for another three weeks.
The most important thing I took away from today's lesson was 'never let the sun go down upon your anger'. Good advice. Edward and I were going to talk this out before the day was over.
-V&V—
Still wanting to give Edward his 'space', I rode back to Charlie's with Rose. Once we got there, I went straight to my room. I lay across my old bed, staring at the ceiling as I thought.
I couldn't remember the last time I'd actually prayed outside of church.
I'm such a hypocrite. As soon as things get tough, I expect God's help, but I've barely given Him any of my time in the last few months.
I decided to make it up right there and then.
I prayed.
I thanked God for everything good in my life, starting with Edward. I prayed that Edward would let me help him. I prayed for strength to face all that I'd have to in the next few weeks. And, even though it was difficult, I prayed for the woman who was lying about the man I loved. I prayed that she would see how her words were hurting innocent people. I prayed that she would admit the truth.
I hoped God was listening.
Eventually Edward came in search of me, as I knew he would.
He stood in my open doorway and actually knocked. I was half asleep when I looked up at him. "May I speak with you?" He asked quietly.
"Of course." I said in a voice barely above a whisper.
I wasn't going to push him away.
He walked across the room and took a seat in the chair by the window, where he proceeded at intervals, to scrub his face with his hands or tug at his hair.
I waited.
He finally cleared his throat in an effort to begin speaking. "Bella, I realize that you're upset, and I need to know if you would rather I go back to Seattle this afternoon instead of waiting until tomorrow."
I felt my heart sink at his words.
"I swear that I've always been honest with you. What that woman said is not true." He sighed in frustration. "I have no idea why she'd even say such a thing."
"Edward…"
"Once again, my bad decision of playing a part created by the studio has come back to bite me in the ass. I would understand if you needed a little distance from me to sort things through."
He thinks I'm angry with him because of some woman's lies?
"Edward…"
"And I know I'm no picnic to be around when I freak out like this. It's just that I worry so much about you, especially once we're back in Seattle and the press starts hounding you…"
"Edward!"
He finally stopped talking and looked at me, his eyes sorrowful and repentant.
"I'm not angry with you, although I am a little insulted right now." I said with a touch of acid in my voice. "Do you really think so little of me that you believe I'd blame you for any of this?" I asked.
"You don't blame me?" He looked at me hopefully.
"Of course not, I'm just hurt." I answered.
He looked nervous, and started running his hand through his hair again.
"I'm hurt that you pushed me away when I tried to speak with you this morning." I blurted. "Edward, how many times will you allow yourself to be punished for one error in judgment? This is still part of the Tanya debacle; you've done nothing to deserve this. How could I be angry with you for it?" I ended in a whisper.
Edward watched me carefully. "Oh Bella, I'm so sorry. I didn't even realize what an ass I'd been this morning." He began to pace the room. "I was so angry, I wanted to punch something. I still do." He admitted.
"Please believe me when I say that I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I just didn't want you sucked into more bullshit that I had caused. I was trying to figure things out."
I stood from the bed and walked over to him. "Edward, don't you want to marry me?" I asked quietly, while fingering my engagement ring.
His eyes widened. "I want that more than anything in this world Bella, never doubt that." He answered sincerely.
"Then why would you shut me out?" I asked. "Edward, I'm here, and I want to help you through this. Please let me."
He ran both hands through his hair as a pained expression crossed his face. "Bella, I just want to, no I have this need to protect you." He took a deep breath. "The press; whoever sent you those fucking flowers; the nightmares; that prick James at WIRI; I don't feel in control and it's killing me." He rattled off the litany of his fears in a rush before collapsing onto my bed and covering his face with his arm.
I sat beside him and pulled his arm back in order to hold his hand. The expression on his face was heartbreaking. I could feel my eyes fill with tears.
"Oh Edward." I choked out. "Please calm down. You protect me more than you know. Please let me help you." I said as the tears streaked down my cheeks.
Edward pulled me down and wrapped his arms around me. "I'll try Bella." He whispered before kissing my hair. "I promise I'll try."
We lay there for a while before we were interrupted by the booming voice of my brother. "Come on Andy, get the fuck up, you're coming with me." He demanded.
"Emmett what are you talking about?" I asked.
"Pops just left for work, he won't be back until after midnight. You're staying here with Rose, and Eddie's coming with me to do 'guy stuff'." He said with a smirk before turning to Edward "Oh, and bring a change of clothes, we're going to the gym."
-V&V—
As soon as they left, I went on the internet to find any news I could about the pregnant troublemaker. The first thing I discovered was that her name was Jill Richardson. I found a copy of her written statement on one of the sites, along with video of her walking into her manager's office. She was petite and blonde, and very pregnant. I wasn't an expert on pregnancy by any means, but even I could tell that she had to be close to delivering her baby.
'It is with a heavy heart that I find myself compelled to share with you the details of my private sorrow. If I only had myself to consider, I would never find the need to bring these issues to light. Please understand that the welfare of my child is my sole motivation for what I'm doing today.
Edward Masen and I were together on the night of the VMA's back in September, and I saw him a couple of times after that.
My child and I were promised a bright future. Instead, we've been abandoned by the one person supposed to care the most: my child's father. I've tried to contact him several times during the past few months, with no success. My hope is that this statement will prompt him to come forward and take responsibility for his actions. Our child deserves better.'
I read through the statement once more. It didn't make sense.
I retrieved my phone and dialed Wendy Graham's number.
"Hello Bella. I have to admit that I'm surprised you're the first one to phone me."
"Hi Wendy, obviously you know why I'm calling."
"Unfortunately, yes. I'm assuming that this actress person is not telling the truth?"
"Yes Wendy, she is most definitely lying. Edward has assured me that he never had any kind of relationship with her." I answered.
"Bella, I'm going to get Kyle Browning to phone you. His expertise is civil law, so if you decide to take this woman to court he's the one you'll need."
I remembered Kyle from my run-in with the ranger.
"Thanks Wendy. Although I'm not sure that Edward intends to sue, but either way we need all the advice we can get right now." I answered.
"I understand." She said. "Listen Bella, by the looks of that statement, I don't think that either of you have anything to worry about. Did you notice that she never comes right out and claims that Edward is the father of her child?"
"I did notice that. The whole thing is worded very strangely." I answered.
"My guess would be that this is all merely a play for attention. She never claims Edward's the father, but it is definitely implied. She has to be aware that a simple DNA test is going to clear Edward of any and all responsibility. Although maybe she's not aware of that, she doesn't seem very intelligent." Wendy added with a chuckle.
"If nothing else, Kyle can help you word a public statement and file the papers requesting a DNA test. This should all be sorted out rather quickly."
"Thank you Wendy. I feel a lot better. I only hope I can get Edward to calm down." I said quietly.
"Good luck with that one." She answered with a small laugh.
-V&V—
Emmett and Edward didn't come home for dinner. They called to say that they'd met up with a couple of Emmett's old friends, and were going to grab a bite with them. Edward didn't sound totally pleased about it, but I assured him that Rose and I were fine.
"Go ahead Edward; enjoy your bonding time with Emmett." I said with a chuckle.
"Ha, ha." He answered. It was quiet for a moment before he continued. "I just miss you." He breathed into the phone. "I need to make up for how I acted this morning. I really fucked up."
"Edward stop. You're beating yourself up again."
"Are you still upset?" He asked in a sad voice.
"I'm alright Edward. Please stop dwelling on this. We'll talk later tonight." I promised.
"I worry about leaving you alone." He muttered a last desperate plea.
"I'm in Charlie's house. I'm perfectly safe surrounded by his guns. I can shoot you know." I grinned.
There was a pause. "Bella, you know how to shoot?" He asked.
"Edward, I'm the Chief's daughter."
"That is so sexy." He said in a whisper, and then seemed to catch himself. "Oh, um, sorry." He blustered.
I giggled. "Hm. So the thought of me firing a weapon is sexy huh?" I teased.
"Uh….fuck yeah." He admitted with a laugh.
I laughed with him. "I love you Edward."
"Love you too baby."
Rose and I were flipping through bridal magazines when she turned to me. "Bella, would it bother you if I looked through some of your Mom's old photo albums? I need pictures for the slideshow."
Since my mother's death, I'd never been one to casually look through our family photos. Rose knew that.
"No Rose, go ahead." I answered. "I should probably go with you. Edward and I are also having a slideshow at the reception."
Rose's eyes widened in surprise before she smiled brilliantly, "I'm glad."
Somehow I knew we weren't speaking about the slideshow any more.
"Bella, why is there a ceramic turkey in this box of photos?" Rose asked.
The sight of the small brown bird brought a smile to my face.
"It was Mom's" I answered. Although, I supposed that it was mine now.
Rose studied my face for a minute. "Why do I get the feeling that there's a story behind this?"
I grinned. "Emmett hasn't told you about the turkey?"
Rose shook her head.
I sighed. "It's a story for another day I'm afraid." I placed the turkey on a shelf. "Let's get busy." I said with a smile.
Rose hesitated before agreeing. "Okay Bells"
We dug into the photos. Needless to say, within ten minutes Rose had accumulated a stack of photos she wanted to use. Some were just of Emmett. Others included various members of our family.
It took me a little longer to accumulate my stack. For a baby photo, I chose the one of me and Emmett asleep at Grandma Swan's house. There was a photo of me dressed as an angel for the church Christmas play, a photo from my First Communion Day, one of the entire family at First Beach, a photo of all of us with Rose soon after she and Emmett had started dating, and the last photo taken of Mom with me and Emmett on Mother's Day a week before she died. That one caused my throat to close and my vision to blur from my tears.
Rose put her arm around me as we looked at it. "That's a beautiful photo Bells."
I nodded.
"Emmett and I have decided that if the baby's a girl, we want to name her after your Mom in some way. We don't know if it will be a first or middle name yet though."
"Oh Rose, that's wonderful." I exclaimed as I hugged her.
When we got back upstairs, we realized we both had missed calls, having left our phones on the coffee table.
My missed call was from Edward:
'Bella, call me when you get this. Emmett has kidnapped me. He says we're going to a bar. I'd like it very much if your father would come and arrest him.'
He only sounded like he was half-joking.
I chuckled as I dialed his number.
"Hey baby." He said. I could hear music blaring in the background. "Hang on a second."
I waited. I assumed he was moving to a quieter location. When the music faded to a low hum, he spoke again. "I don't want to be here." He muttered.
"Emmett obviously thinks you need to blow off a little steam Edward. Now that I think about it, I agree with him." I remarked. "Rose and I are fine. We've been looking through old photographs for our wedding slideshows."
"I can't wait to see them." He sighed. "Alright, I'll go let your brother kick my ass at pool."
I laughed. "That will make his night."
-V&V—
"Bellaboo" Emmett called. I sat up on the sofa where I'd fallen asleep waiting for them to get home.
Emmett was coming through the front door guiding a slightly inebriated Edward toward the living room.
"Emmett! What the hell?" I scolded.
"Hey, he only had a couple of drinks maybe three? What a lightweight." Emmett muttered. "I had a couple of beers and before I knew it Eddie was slurring his words."
As if to prove Emmett's point, Edward slurred "I like Wild Turkey, but I like you more Bella." He then placed a sloppy kiss on my cheek.
Oh crap. Didn't Alice refer to that as Edward's kryptonite?
Emmett and I got Edward situated on the sofa before I went to the kitchen for a glass of water. "Edward, drink this so you don't dehydrate."
"Sure Bella" He gave me a toothy grin before drinking.
Oh my. Don't get distracted by the Adam's apple.
I knelt down and removed his shoes and socks. "Do you need my help Bells?" Emmett asked.
"No, I've got this." I answered.
"Okay" Emmett eyed me doubtfully. "Goodnight then."
"Goodnight Emmett." I said. When I looked back up at Edward, he was still grinning. I couldn't help but laugh.
He reached for me and pulled me onto his lap. "I'm not drunk Bella. I'm just tipsy." He said as he continued to smile.
"Should I make you some coffee?" I asked.
"Nah, I'll be fine in a while." He cocked his head to the side while he studied my face. "You are so pretty Bella." He bent down to nuzzle my neck as he continued. "The first time I saw you, I couldn't take my eyes off you."
I ran my fingers through his hair.
"That feels good." He said. "What did you think the first time you saw me?" He asked.
"Well, does seeing you for the first time in a movie count?"
"Um hm." He hummed while kissing my neck.
"I thought you very handsome."
Edward pulled back to look at my face. "That's a very proper answer Isabella." He then snorted a laugh.
Yep, definitely tipsy.
"I couldn't very well drool over you. I was with Rose." I admitted. "As a matter of fact, there was only one time I was able to escape alone to the theater to view one of your movies. I definitely drooled that time."
The side of his mouth pulled up into a crooked grin. "Which movie?"
It was silly, but the memory made me blush. "September Ends" I scrunched my eyes shut as I admitted this.
He started to chuckle. "You drooled you say?"
I nodded.
"You're funny. I bet you couldn't take your eyes off of my ass." He laughed a little too loudly at that.
"Shhh." I grinned and shook my head.
"Yes Mr. Movie Star, I was so dazzled by your ass that on my way out of the theater I plowed into some poor guy walking down the hall." I chuckled.
"That's funny. Some crazy girl ran into me in a movie theater in Seattle once. She crashed into me so hard that she landed on the floor. Then she got up muttering something about 'having to pee'. It was nuts."
He then went back to nuzzling my neck.
Huh?
"Edward, by any chance was that at the Meridian Theater?" I asked
He thought for a minute then nodded before pulling down the strap to my tank top and kissing his way across my bare shoulder.
No fucking way.
"Uh, do you remember if that was Thanksgiving weekend?" I was getting very distracted.
He pulled away again and pursed his lips as he thought. "It was over a year ago. I don't really remember. I was trying to escape Alice. She wanted me to pose for family photos wearing some lame Christmas sweater." He laughed again. "So maybe it was Thanksgiving weekend."
"Edward, I'm not sure but I think that girl who bumped into you may have been me." I whispered.
He raised both eyebrows in surprise before a crooked smile crept across his face. "No shit?"
"I think so." I smirked.
We both chuckled.
"So the first time we met, you bumped into me and fell down?" He grinned.
I nodded.
"I would say that's very apro, apro, oh fuck…" He muttered.
Obviously still a little foggy.
"Apropos?" I asked.
"That's it." He grinned. "You know Bella, now that I think about this, it had to be you. That feeling I always get when we touch, that electric current, I know you've felt it too."
I nodded. He blinked several times, trying to clear his head.
"Well, I felt it that day when I helped that girl from the floor. I've never felt that with anyone else ever. Weird that I'm remembering that now…."
"I felt it too." I whispered, "That day."
My body recognized Edward even then.
We both sat there, lost in our thoughts until Edward started to sway.
I stood from his lap and tried to coax him into lying down. "Edward, you need to sleep."
He gripped my hips with his hands, trying to pull me down as he lay back. "Only if you stay with me" He said in a pleading voice.
I bit my lip and glanced at the clock. "Edward, my Dad's going to be home soon. He'll get mad if he finds me here."
"No Bella. Charlie won't care." He said as he tried to pull me down again. "Please, you keep the nightmares away." He whispered while he closed his eyes.
The nightmares? Oh my poor Edward.
I settled down against him then, my back to his front. He wrapped his arms around me and tucked one hand under my shirt, resting it on my bare stomach. "You smell good." He whispered with his nose in my hair.
"Thank you."
"Love you beautiful." He mumbled.
"I love you too."
-V&V—
Charlie never said anything other than 'goodnight' when he arrived home from work and saw us there. I was a little surprised over his change in attitude, but didn't question it.
I didn't want to push my luck.
I woke up long before Edward. By this time, I was facing him. We were wrapped around each other, not an inch of space between us. I remembered the last time he drank Wild Turkey, and was glad I hadn't been crushed during the night. The memory brought a smile to my face.
I brushed the hair from his forehead and gently kissed his lips before slipping from his arms. After my shower, I decided to make waffles and sausages for breakfast so I went to the kitchen and got busy. It wasn't long before my brother appeared in the doorway. "Hey Sissy, something smells good." He said as he rubbed his stomach.
I smiled at him. "You can slice some melon and place it in that bowl" I said as I gestured to the bowl on the counter.
He shrugged and did as instructed. We worked in silence for a few minutes before I spoke. "Thanks for taking Edward out last night." I whispered.
Emmett grinned. "Don't thank me. I like Edward a lot, he's a great guy. Do you think any of us could part with you if it were otherwise?"
That was sweet.
"We had a good time. Even I have noticed the amount of stress he's been under lately. I figured he needed it." Finished with the honeydew, he began to slice some cantaloupe.
I nodded in agreement.
When Edward entered the kitchen I eyed him carefully, hoping he hadn't returned to the agitated state he'd been in yesterday.
He seemed relaxed and calm as he smiled and gave me a quick kiss.
Even Father Pat seemed to notice our change in demeanor at Mass that morning, which resulted in a pleased smile from the pulpit during his sermon.
Back at the house, Rose and I began to fix a light lunch. Dad and Edward were sitting in the living room watching a ball game. I heard Emmett call from the basement doorway, "Come on Eddie, I'm going to help you improve your game. Your pool-playing skills suck."
Edward walked downstairs, about a minute later I heard my brother's booming laughter before Edward came back up and returned to the living room, a smug smile on his face.
While Rose and I were setting the dining room table, Emmett appeared from the basement, ceramic turkey in hand. "Hey, where did you guys find the Hooker Turkey?" He boomed.
Charlie caught my eye from the living room, and we both burst into laughter.
Rose and Edward looked confused.
Over lunch, we shared the story of the 'Hooker Turkey' with them.
"Damn Bella. You should display that thing with pride every Thanksgiving." Rose said with a chuckle.
I think I will.
-V&V—
Before we left Charlie's, I got a call from Kyle Browning. I immediately handed the phone to Edward. He stepped onto the back porch for a little privacy, but not before taking my hand and pulling me with him.
Kyle was going to help Edward prepare a statement. He also told Edward that he'd already started the paperwork for a court-ordered DNA test. The test itself would have to wait until the baby was born, but from what we knew, we wouldn't have to wait long.
After he ended the phone call, Edward sat and thought for a moment.
"What else did you talk to Kyle about Edward?" I asked.
He took a deep breath and blew it out. "Kyle wanted my permission to hire a private investigator. If I agree, everything from Jill Richardson's past will be fair game. This may get ugly." He gave me a worried look.
I quirked an eyebrow at him and set my jaw. "Do it Edward."
Fuck her. She should have known better than to mess with the man I love.
He nodded and looked away.
"Edward, remember that she started this. We need to do what we have to in order to end it." I reassured.
Once back in the house, Edward pulled Rose aside. "Rose, do you think you could arrange for me to record a statement at WIRI tomorrow?"
"Absolutely Edward, I can start making the arrangements now." She said before pulling out her cell.
We said our goodbyes to Charlie and left for Seattle. After a while, I couldn't hold it in any longer. "Edward, just so you know, I'm going to be with you when you make that statement."
"Bella, I…" He started, but I interrupted him.
"No Edward. No arguments about this. We are doing this together."
He gave me a soft smile and pulled me against him.
Kyle came over that evening so he could help Edward draft his statement. He stayed for dinner, and by the end of the evening I was as comfortable with him as I had been with Wendy. He informed us that once the child was born, the DNA results would be back within 48 hours.
Before we went to bed, Edward talked through a lot of his fears with me. He admitted that the nightmares had been causing his usual fears to escalate. In the end, I was able to make him realize that our usual way of trying to handle things wasn't working. We both agreed to lean on each other more than we'd been willing to before. It was an important step.
-V&V—
The next morning we were seated together on a sofa in the studio of WIRI, Edward's arm around my waist. Late last night, Jasper had informed Edward that the studio had been inundated with messages and phone calls from Edward's fans, the majority indicating their support for Edward and their total and complete disbelief of Ms. Richardson's statement.
Rosalie began:
Hello and thank you for joining us. As you all know, this past Saturday Jill Richardson, an out of work actress from Los Angeles, made claims directed at Hollywood actor Edward Masen.
Edward and his fiancée Isabella Swan are here today, at his request, in order for Edward to make a statement of his own.
Welcome Edward and Isabella.
We both smiled warmly at Rose before Edward turned to the camera and began to speak.
'Thank you Rose.'
'First of all, let me thank my fans for the loyal support I've received via the innumerable messages and phone calls since Ms. Richardson made her statement two days ago. In the past, whenever someone has made a false allegation about me, my first response has been to ignore them, not wishing to give them the attention they so desperately crave. But in this particular instance I feel that you, my loyal fans, and the public in general deserve to hear the truth which my family, friends and Isabella already know.'
'I met Ms. Richardson the night she accompanied me to the VMA's in September 2009. The date was arranged by the studio for the sole purpose of promoting an image of me which they had created. I can assure you that the Edward Masen manufactured by Plateau Studios in no way resembles the real me.'
'On the night in question, I spoke a couple of words to Ms. Richardson, and had a few photos taken with her. As soon as the awards show was over however, we went our separate ways. I spent a little time at my sister and brother-in-law's home where they were having a small dinner party. Soon after that, I returned to my own home, alone. There was no sexual tryst between myself and Ms. Richardson that night, or at any time before or since that night.'
'In her statement, she claims to have seen me a couple of times since the VMA's. All I can say in answer to that is if we attended the same function at any time after the VMA's, I was unaware of her presence.'
'Let me say in closing that I bear Ms. Richardson no ill will. I wish her the best. I hope she is able to put her life back together after this. I also hope that her baby's real father will do the right thing by his child.'
'I, in turn, will go back to enjoying my break from filming with family and friends as Isabella and I continue to plan our future together. Thank you.'
.
And with that, the cameras ceased rolling.
-V&V—
By evening, everyone had called to congratulate us. Even Tanya had phoned, offering to make a statement herself, although she noted that she doubted we'd need it.
As the evening wore on, I began to get an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach every time I thought about school the next day. My phone calls and texts from Joanna and Tara had been nothing but supportive, but I still worried. As if he could read my thoughts, Edward had become increasing more sullen. When we were lying in bed that night, he finally broached the subject that had been on his mind, "Bella, I'm going to have to insist that Lou walk you to class tomorrow."
I turned to face him, prepared to argue, but when I saw the desperate look in his eyes, I stopped myself. He had been hiding his worry since Saturday evening, not letting any of his internal struggles affect our moments together. I needed to do what I could to help him.
"If that's what you need me to do then that's what I'll do." I agreed quietly.
He nodded and closed his eyes, no doubt relieved that I didn't argue for once.
I placed my hand on his cheek. "Edward, please try to relax. You're going to end up in the hospital at the rate you're going." He blinked a couple of times as he thought about that. "You know, it probably wouldn't hurt for you to speak with Dr. Miller yourself before the wedding."
I found it disconcerting that the closer we got to the wedding, the more I relaxed, whereas it seemed to be having the opposite effect on Edward.
He nodded and pulled me closer. "Seventy-five days my love." He whispered.
-V&V—
"Bella!" Tara exclaimed as she and Joanna ran over to me and each looped an arm through mine, pulling me in the direction of The Hub. "Busy weekend huh?" She grinned.
"You could say that" I laughed quietly.
"No one has given you a hard time today have they?" Joanna asked.
"No, it's been surprisingly low key. I haven't even gotten any weird looks." I smiled.
"That's because no one believes that woman Bella." Tara said. "If it's a case of his word against hers, they'd much rather believe Edward."
"Maybe now Edward will relax. He's sent me like fifteen texts today, making sure that I was alright."
The girls laughed. "I don't think you'll get Edward to relax enough for him to let tall, dark and ripped stop shadowing you though." Tara said with a giggle before she turned and gave Lou, who was walking directly behind us, a small wave.
Lou waved back and shook his head with a laugh.
That afternoon as I worked at my desk, I was interrupted by a familiar velvet voice. "Do I need to come around there and kiss you so you'll stop biting that lip?"
I grinned at him. "Edward." I whispered before very purposely taking my bottom lip between my teeth.
In a flash he was beside me, pulling me into his arms. "Hi" he said as he placed a box on my desk. I was distracted for a second as I tried to see what it was, but before I could, he gripped my chin, pulling me to face him. He rubbed my bottom lip gently with his thumb. "You're leaving teeth marks." He said with a smirk before leaning down until our lips were barely touching. "Now about that kiss." He breathed and a second later, his lips were on mine.
The kiss started out gentle and sweet, the electric hum I always felt when we touched began to increase as the kiss became more heated. Within seconds my hands were in his hair as he pulled me against him, one moving to my hip as the other snaked up my back under my hair before resting at the nape of my neck.
"I can't wait to marry you Miss Swan." He breathed. "Then we can do what we want without fear that you'll be fired." He chuckled.
"I don't think that matters any more Edward. Rose and I both handed in our letters of resignation today. As of June seventeenth, I'll be unemployed." I said with a frown.
He moved his lips to my neck then, "Don't worry baby, I'll support you."
"I guess that's something we'll be discussing later." I muttered. I glanced down and noticed the box again. "What?..." Edward lifted his head to look at the box at the exact moment that I spied the return address and my heart leapt with excitement. "They came in?" I asked excitedly.
Edward was grinning from ear to ear. "I didn't want to open it without you."
"Oh thank you Edward." I stared at the box again. "I know we should wait until we get home, but I have to see them."
I grabbed a letter opener from the drawer and worked on it until the box lid was free. I gave Edward a hopeful smile before removing the top. Inside, I gingerly lifted an elegant white invitation from the top of the stack and untied the black satin bow.
.
Isabella Marie Swan
daughter of Charles E Swan & the late Renee L Swan
and
Edward Anthony Cullen
son of Dr. & Mrs. Carlisle A Cullen
request the honor of your presence
at their marriage
on Saturday, the fourteenth of August
Two thousand and ten
at two o'clock in the afternoon
Saint Anne's Catholic Church
511 5th Avenue
Forks, Washington
.
"Oh Edward, it's perfect." I said as I looked at it, the tears blurring my vision once again. "You know sometimes I'm afraid this is all a dream. This" I held up the invitation, "makes it feel real."
"It's real sweetheart." He whispered as he pulled me into his arms again.
On the ride back to the apartment, Edward decided to phone his parents.
"Hi Dad" He said brightly as he reached for my hand, entwining our fingers.
"Yes, everything is wonderful. The wedding invitations came in, and we'd like to come down there this evening in order to show them to you and Mom." He said with a smile.
He listened and lost his smile. "Why, what's wrong? Is she sick?" Edward asked with concern.
Edward frowned. "Dad have you been drinking?" He asked before listening again.
"Dad!" He exclaimed.
"Oh my good Christ" Edward muttered with disgust. "Goodbye Dad." He ended the call and laid the phone on the seat before covering his face with his hands.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
He pulled his hands away from his face and looked at me. "Yeah, I guess so." A look of disgust crossed his face. "Are you a big fan of music by The Who Bella?"
"Not really, they're a little before my time." I grinned. "Charlie is though."
Edward nodded.
"Why? Are you?" I asked.
"Oh, I would say I'm a fan, although after that conversation" he said as he gestured toward the phone, "I may never be able to listen to The Who again." He muttered.
"Why not?" I asked, confused.
"Let's just say, I'm having a flashback to every time I remember hearing Squeezebox blasting from the stereo in my parents' room while growing up, and it's making me feel a little uncomfortable right now." He admitted quietly.
************************Author's Note
Stupid accordions. Lol. Sorry guys. In order to hear Carlisle's side of that conversation, you'll have to read the next LRM. Suffice it to say that Esme likes the song Squeeze Box by The Who.
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The Hooker Turkey you ask? I'm working on an outtake about that. It's almost complete and is written in the third person, well most of it is anyway, because it revolves almost exclusively around Renee. I haven't decided what I will do with it yet. I'll keep you posted.
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If you've been reading LRM, you know that the reason Charlie didn't give them a hard time when he found them on the sofa was because he heard Edward having a nightmare on prom weekend. As a side note, he also remembers Bella's nightmares before she met Edward.
Photo of the wedding invitations posted on Facebook.
The next double LRM catches us up to this point. Hot damn.
In the next chapter of V&V, Bella and Edward should be heading to L.A. for a few days. Bella's graduation is only a week and a half away…
You know what I want…Reviews really do make me write faster. TTFN (watch the Facebook page and the Blog for the sneak peek. Facebook for everything else.)
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