The lounge car wouldn't be open until morning, so we had all retreated to the sanctuary of our compartments until we were supposed to meet for dinner later.
"This is so cool." Edward exclaimed as he nosed around the room. He was like a little kid checking out every square inch. "Did you see that the closet that houses the toilet converts into a shower?" He was grinning.
His smile was infectious; I couldn't help but return it. "Yes Edward, I was paying attention when Troy showed everything to us." Troy being our sleeping car attendant.
"This is quite exciting Bella. We're travelling through seven states in forty-eight hours. I'm going to set up the GPS on my laptop so I'll know where we are at all times." He announced happily. I chuckled.
Boys and their gadgets
While Edward set up his mini-command post which included laptop, video camera and I-home, I pulled my laptop from my bag and began to work on the book I'd started writing a couple of days before. I was engrossed in the story when I heard a thump and looked in the direction of our compartment door, only to find Emmett's face smashed against the window. I squeaked in surprise. Edward looked up and laughed.
"Edward, from now on when we're in here remind me to pull the curtain across the door." I said while shaking my head.
By this time, Emmett had slid our door open and was lounging against the door frame with a smile on his face. "And remind me to lock the door." I added.
"All set up in here I see." Emmett said to Edward. "I've got my GPS wired in our compartment also. We won't cross over into Idaho and Montana until the middle of the night."
Edward nodded as he pulled out our copy of the itinerary Emmett had printed for everyone. "I've never been to Montana." He exclaimed with wide eyes.
As soon as Jasper, Rose and Alice appeared at our door, we all headed for the dining car. Edward wore his usual hoodie and dark glasses disguise until we were seated and waiting for our food.
As we sat there, we were treated to spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains.
"I can't believe you invited her Emmett. You know Charlie and Bella can't stand that woman." Rose was chastising Emmett.
"Sorry babe, I think she's entertaining." He said in answer.
I took a sip of my drink and tuned into the conversation. "Who did you invite?" I asked.
"Aunt Gladys." Emmett said with a grin.
I sighed and nodded with a frown.
"She will grope every guy there including you." Rose said with a pointed look at my brother.
He snickered.
I'd made a point of saying I wasn't inviting Mom's Aunt Gladys to my wedding but, in the end, I'd given in to my own conscience and sent an invitation to the crazy old bat.
"I sent her one too." I admitted in a whisper.
"What?" Rose gave an incredulous look.
"Rose, Emmett and I don't have that many relatives. After I thought about it, I realized that it wouldn't be right to exclude anyone." I said with a shrug.
"Well Sissy, I'll admit my reasoning wasn't as noble as yours." Emmett said with a wicked grin. "Aunt Gladys is fucking funny, and I enjoy myself when she's around."
"Here's hoping that someday my kids will feel the way same about you." I said with a chuckle.
He smiled as he tapped my glass with his.
"I wonder if her hair's still pink." Emmett asked aloud.
As we talked and ate, not one of us could resist the pull of the beautiful landscape flying past the windows. The dense forest and snow-capped mountains went on for miles and miles, and then suddenly we were in a tunnel going through those same mountains.
Soon after we departed the tunnel, we descended down from the mountains and the landscape changed until we are riding through expansive farmlands.
"It's hard to believe how big Washington is, or how big America is for that matter." Jasper said. "I'm really glad you invited us Emmett."
"Hey you know you're welcome to join us for the rest of the road trip." Emmett replied.
"No" Alice exclaimed as she held up both hands. "Don't even tempt him Emmett Swan. I need to get back to L.A. in order to get some work done, otherwise all of you may be getting married in your birthday suits!"
I frowned as I thought about that.
I most definitely don't want to marry in my birthday suit, but Edward? ….mmm...naked Edward...
I'm kind of okay with that.
No, no, no. As it is now every female he meets wants to jump his bones. We don't need to add 'Naked Edward' into the equation. I'd have to beat them away with a stick if…
I happened to glance up in the middle of my musings to find Rose smirking at me.
Bitch has always been able to read my mind.
"What?" I asked as I shot her a glare.
"I didn't say a word." She answered with a smug smile.
Once dinner was over, we said goodbye to our families, knowing we'd be together all of the next day.
Back in our room, Edward and I sat, his arm around me, as we watched out the window.
"It's so beautiful." I said in an awed whisper.
"Yes it is." He murmured.
I glanced up at him to see that his eyes were trained on my face rather than on passing scenery.
I placed a hand on his cheek and bent my head up to kiss his lips. "I've made my decision." I whispered.
"About what?" He whispered back.
"I'm going on Oprah with you." I answered.
"Are you sure?" He asked; his tone serious.
I nodded. "This is part of your life. I know there are some things I will have to do in order to share that life."
He shook his head. "No Bella, that is my work. You are my life. As I've said before, I would rather you be happy than do something that makes you uncomfortable."
I smiled at him. "I know that. This is my decision. Who knows? I may actually enjoy it." I looked down at my lap. "Leno was actually kind of fun." I said with a giggle. "The added benefit is that this will drive Rose crazy. Oprah's her idol."
Edward laughed. "Alright. Just know that you are free to change your mind at any time."
"I won't." I stated.
After the sun set, we closed the curtains, and Edward played around with his guitar as I wrote on my laptop. It was comfortable and familiar. I realized that moments such as this would make up a good portion of our married life. Well this and hopefully a whole lot of sex.
Ugh. There I go again. I really need to shut off that part of my brain for another fifty-four days.
While Edward showered, Troy arrived and converted our seating into a bed. I brushed my teeth and then lay down as I waited for Edward.
When the bathroom door opened, I looked up. That was my first mistake.
Oh my God.
Edward wore nothing but a towel, slung around his hips. "Sorry, there wasn't a place to set my clothes in there without getting them wet." He explained as he took a second towel and vigorously rubbed his wet hair.
I couldn't answer him as I sat there blatantly ogling his half-naked body.
This is a sight I will never get used to.
He proceeded to towel his shoulders then his chest. I felt my mouth go dry as I caught sight of his happy trail. As he ran the towel down his arms, I heard him chuckle.
He'd caught me staring. I silently hoped that my mouth hadn't been hanging open.
The room was suddenly heavy with the sexual tension that was always lurking just under the surface whenever Edward and I were alone. I decided that I needed to take my own shower pronto.
I was able to exact revenge on him when I exited the shower clad in only a towel. I heard his sharp intake of breath before I looked over at his face. His expression was intense.
I was faced with a minor dilemma. The bathroom shower was soaking wet. I couldn't carry my dry clothes in there to dress.
I smirked when I thought of the solution. After rummaging in my bag for a moment, I pulled out a pair of panties and a t-shirt. I shot a glance to make sure he was still watching me. He was.
Keeping the towel wrapped around my body, I pulled the panties on, slipping them underneath.
Edward isn't getting treated to the full Monty tonight.
He'd seen me topless a few times, and even though I was still a little self-conscious about it, I removed the towel and cast it aside before putting on the shirt.
I turned to face him to find him smiling sweetly at me. He didn't say a word; he just took my hand and pulled me onto the bed. I barely had a chance to lie down before his lips were on mine, warm and soft.
We never got too carried away, although every night I questioned my decision to wait until our wedding night to make love for the first time.
Every. Single. Fucking. Night.
-V&V-
The movement of the train jostled me awake, but when I opened my eyes I was horrified by what I found. I was lying on the back seat of the Ranger's car as he drove me through the forest.
No. This can't be real. He's dead. I'm on a train with Edward. This isn't real. This isn't real.
I started to panic. Had everything that happened after my abduction merely been a dream? I squeezed my eyes shut hoping that when I opened them again I would wake up next to Edward.
This can't be happening.
The driver of the car laughed then. "What's the matter Isabella? Thought you got rid of me?"
At the sound of that voice, I sat straight up, opening my eyes wide in shock and surprise. It wasn't the Ranger in the driver's seat. My frightened eyes were looking upon the one person I'd hoped never to see again, Jeffrey Dryden. I felt my insides go numb and my vision started to cloud.
He turned to face me, a leering smile on his face as he grabbed my upper leg, holding it in a death grip. "You are mine Isabella, and you will never be rid of me." He snarled.
As soon as the words left his mouth I bit my lip hard to hold back the scream that was building in my throat. I bit so hard that I tasted blood. "I will kill anyone that tries to take you away from me Isabella. Remember what I did to your mother."
Nothing could stop the blood curdling scream that escaped my lips at his declaration. As my eyes shot open, the scene around me changed, but my mind was in such a muddle, that it was hard to distinguish between the dream and reality.
"Sweetheart" I could hear his voice calling me. He sounded far away. "Bella baby it was just a dream." Hands soothing my face and brushing the hair back from my forehead. "Sweetheart, your lip is bleeding."
My entire body was shaking, and my breaths were coming in short pants as I tried to wake up fully.
'You'll never be rid of me. Remember what I did to your mother.'
I started to focus on my surroundings. The train. We were on the train. I tried to calm my breathing, only to scream again when I heard the loud banging on the door.
"Bella" My brother's panicked voice sounded from the hallway. "Edward, open this fucking door." He demanded.
Edward moved me to one side in order to reach the door. Emmett pushed inside with Rose behind him. "Is she okay?" He asked Edward. "We heard the scream." He said as he crouched in front of me and took my hand in both of his.
I reached for Edward's hand with my free one as I buried my face in his chest. "I was in the Ranger's car" I choked out. I felt Edward draw in a breath. "I thought I was back there and that everything that had happened since had been a dream." I whispered. I couldn't help the tears that were trailing down my cheeks as I spoke. "But then" I took a breath "then he.. he wasn't the Ranger any more, he was Jeffrey Dryden." I choked out with a sob. "He told me that I'd never be rid of him; that he would kill anyone who tried to take me away from him." I whimpered.
Rose handed Edward a wet paper towel in order to wipe the blood from my lip before he wrapped his arms around me and let me cry it out. After a few minutes, I heard him whisper to Emmett and Rose that he'd let them know if he needed them. I was sobbing quietly when I felt them kiss my head before leaving our room.
When I woke again, I could see light filtering in around the edges of the curtains. I turned to look over my shoulder at Edward only to find him watching me intently.
"Are you okay sweetheart?" He whispered.
"I'm so sorry" I said as I turned to caress his cheek. "I disturbed everyone's sleep."
"Damn it Bella" He said in an exasperated tone. "Would you please stop apologizing? You had a fucking nightmare. If I lost sleep, it's because I love you and I was worried about you."
"Please stop feeling guilty for things you have no control over." He added in a softer tone.
"I'll try." I said in a small voice.
At breakfast, I tried to apologize to Emmett and Rose, but they would have none of it. "Bells if that had happened to any one of us, would you expect us to apologize?" Rose demanded.
"No" I admitted.
"What am I missing?" Alice interrupted.
"I just had a nightmare. Since Emmett and Rose's compartment is next to ours, they heard me scream." I said quietly before taking a sip of my tea.
Alice narrowed her eyes. "Do you have a lot of those?"
"I used to, before Edward." I said. "This was strange. I was in the Ranger's car again. After I thought about it this morning, I decided that the motion of the train may have triggered my subconscious."
Alice sighed. "You know, the day it happened." Alice said in a whisper. "I was having all kinds of crazy visions. I tried to call you, but I guess it was too late." She muttered sadly.
"It's over and done." I attempted to sound convincing. "I'm trying my best to put that day behind me. Besides, I have more important things to worry about now." I said as I plastered on a smile, trying desperately to change the subject.
Alice smiled knowingly. "Like appearing on Oprah in two days" She announced.
Rose's fork dropped clattering onto her plate. "Back the fuck up and repeat what you just said Mrs. Whitlock."
Alice giggled. "I said that Bella is appearing on Oprah with Edward this week."
Rose's mouth fell open in shock, causing the rest of us to laugh loudly.
She finally closed her mouth and took a deep breath. "Well, I was going to ask this anyway, but now I'm not going to be timid about it." She pursed her lips. "Edward, I may never ask another thing of you for the rest of my life, but I'm asking this: Introduce me to Oprah?" She said with a frown.
Edward smiled brilliantly. "I think that can be arranged."
-V&V—
After breakfast, all six of us spent the next few hours hanging out in the observation lounge. Because of the windows which curved up into the ceiling, it afforded amazing views of the Montana landscape.
During the night we had ridden through Idaho, and were now in Montana, Edward was thrilled.
"While we have a little time off before the wedding, Rose and I have decided to do a little house hunting." Emmett announced.
This wasn't a surprise to me. I knew that as soon as they found out that Rose was expecting, she and Emmett had discussed the desire to leave the apartment and buy a house. "We really like Mercer Island" Rose said, "but we also wanted to look out on Bainbridge Island."
"For the last couple of weeks, we've been jotting down home features we can't live without, and then some others that would be nice to have."
"I just thought of another one to add Babe" Emmett exclaimed as he stood up to stretch.
"What's that?" Rose asked.
"A toilet in the shower just like in our train compartment." He answered with a stupid grin. "That way I can take a leak while I shower."
Good grief.
"Not that I don't do that already" He continued as he looked out the window "Oooh, buffalo!" He said in an awed voice as he pointed at his latest distraction just before pressing both palms against the window, reminiscent of a small child, his nose a half inch from the glass.
"He really is five years old isn't he?" Alice asked with a disgusted look on her face.
Rose merely shrugged.
"Ali, I'm standing right here, therefore I can hear everything you say." He told her while still keeping his eyes glued to the herd of buffalo.
After we passed them, he turned to face her.
"I'm a guy. All guys piss in the shower."
"You are full of doodie Emmett. I'll have you know that my husband does not urinate in the shower." Alice whisper-yelled before turning to Jasper. "Do you honey?"
At her question, we all turned to stare at Jasper, who proceeded to give the best 'deer in the headlights' impression that I'd ever seen. "Uh.." was all Jasper could say.
Emmett and Edward cracked up at poor Jasper's expense.
"Oh hell, now I've got to pee." Rose announced before she unceremoniously left.
The train stopped for about twenty minutes somewhere in Montana. Edward and I took the opportunity to step off and stretch our legs, both of us wearing hoodies and sunglasses in order not to be recognized.
After that, we were back on board. We passed miles and miles of open range inhabited mostly by cattle. We also passed the Indian Reservation in which Chief Sitting Bull lived after he surrendered.
We were relaxing before dinner in our room when Emmett banged on the door again. He had an announcement. "The paps must have gotten wind that you're on the train Edward. I was just up in the observation car, and it seems a couple of them boarded the train back in Minot. As soon as they saw me, they snapped my fucking photo." He frowned.
"Damn it" Edward muttered.
"Don't worry about it Edward. There's not a whole lot they can film." I said as I took his hand.
Sure enough, the two paps Emmett mentioned were watching for us. When we went to the dining car, they followed but kept their distance.
It was annoying and kind of creepy because it felt as if they were eaves dropping on our conversation. I must not have been the only one to feel that way because everyone was rather subdued during the meal, even my brother. Edward deposited me back in the room afterwards and said he was going to have a word with Troy.
Alice and Rose appeared a moment later. "Come on Bells, we're going to have some girl time in Alice's room."
The look on Alice's face made it clear that she wouldn't take no for an answer. I followed them into Alice's empty compartment. "Where's Jasper?"
"All the boys are speaking with Troy and the conductor to find out what can be done about the paps on board." Alice answered as she poured orange juice and vodka into a glass and handed it to me. "Sorry, I don't have the ingredients to make anything fancier. You'll have to settle for a screwdriver." She then handed Rose a glass. "And you'll have to settle for orange juice." She said with a wink.
We made ourselves comfortable on the bed. I giggled when I saw the GPS tracking our trip. "Jasper too?"
Alice quirked an eyebrow. "He is male after all." She then narrowed her eyes. "And evidently pees in the shower. Ugh, when we get home, he's never using the shower in the master bath again."
Rose and I laughed.
-V&V—
I fully expected to be tossed off the train if we got any louder. Alice and I were having a contest as to who could better remember the lyrics to every silly song that Rose could name. One of us would sing the first verse of a song and if we messed it up, we had to take a swig of our drink as punishment.
Alice was going to run out of vodka at this rate.
Rose, the one not drinking alcohol, seemed to be enjoying the game a lot more than Alice or me…that was until Alice had to sing 'My Sharona'.
The boys had come to check on us once, early in our game, before deciding to hang out together next door in Rose and Emmett's compartment. We had a suspicion they were drinking as well.
Alice began, "Ooh my little pretty one, pretty one. When you gonna give me some time, Sharona?" She jumped up on the seat opposite the bed and started to swivel her hips in time with the song as she swung one arm and held an invisible microphone in the other. "Ooh you make my motor run, my motor run. Gun it comin' off the line Sharona. Never gonna stop, give it up. Such a dirty mind. I always something something something. And I can't remember the line Sharona…M M M My Sharona..." She sang before collapsing in hysterical giggles on the bed next to us.
"Okay Alice, you know what to do." Rose directed with a laugh. "You really fucked that one up. And you were doing so well too." She turned to me while Alice took a drink from her glass. "Bells, I want to hear a verse of 'Too Sexy For My Shirt'."
I stuck my tongue out at her and began. I wasn't drunk, but I definitely was less inhibited than usual. "I'm too sexy for my love. Too sexy for my love, Love's going to leave me." I camped it up by flexing my non-existent muscles like the guys in the video, eliciting laughter from my audience. "I'm too sexy for my shirt. Too sexy for my shirts. So sexy it hurts." I vamped around the small space as I raised both arms above my head, palms together, and gave a little Egyptian head bob. I happen to glance toward the door only to see our guys standing there laughing at me.
"Okay, I'm done." I announced as I felt the blush overtake my face before flopping down on the chair.
Alice giggled hysterically before turning to her brother.
She's definitely had the most alcohol.
"Oh Edward, I've been meaning to ask how you like Bella's birthday gift?" She slurred before winking at him.
He cleared his throat. "I liked it very much."
"Pfft. You're always so proper. Oh!" She exclaimed as if she'd just experienced a eureka moment. "I've got the perfect song for you brother dear."
She unceremoniously removed me from the chair so she could stand on it again. She looked at Edward and mouthed 'perfect' before she started singing at the top of her lungs. "My blood runs cold. My memory has just been sold. My angel is the centerfold. Angel is the centerfold." She couldn't sing any more, she was laughing too hard. So was Rose.
Emmett and Jasper looked confused.
I gave the girls a dirty look before grabbing Edward's hand and making a fast exit.
God know how they're going to explain that one to Emmett and Jasper.
-V&V—
"Jasper and Alice make a fine pair. We had a couple of drinks and he was acting as silly as she was." Edward chuckled. "I hope they survive the night."
"Maybe it's the altitude?" I asked with a smile, having no fucking clue what I was talking about.
Once I was ready for bed, I lay there and watched Edward fiddling with the I-home.
"Are we going to listen to music?" I asked, feeling rather sleepy by that time.
He pressed his lips into a flat line before he spoke. "I have a theory. I'm hoping music will keep the bad dreams away."
He started the playlist with one of my favorite artists, Loreena McKennitt, and crawled behind me into the bed. I turned to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck in the small space.
"You take such good care of me. Thank you Edward." I whispered. I initiated the kiss this time, he responded immediately and passionately.
I hope I never got used to the feeling of falling asleep in his arms. Aside from making me feel safe and loved, there was the feeling that I was exactly where I was always meant to be.
Sometimes I imagined what things would have been like if Edward and I had met as children. Even though I was two years younger than him, I had the feeling that we would have been best friends. As we got older, it would have probably been difficult to keep us apart. The thought made me smile.
-V&V-
Part of my brain was trying to determine if I was dreaming. Similar to the night before, I sensed that I was moving. I was terrified to open my eyes only to find myself once again in the backseat of the Ranger's car.
I took a deep breath and willed my eyes to open slowly. I was in a car, but it most definitely wasn't the Ranger's. I was in the back seat of a stretch limo, and Edward was seated beside me.
I turned my head to better take in the sight of him. He was even more mouth-watering than usual in his dinner jacket and black pants. I looked down at myself, not surprised to find I was wearing my wedding gown. "Champagne Mrs. Cullen?" Edward asked in a husky voice.
I was only able to respond with a nod.
If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up.
Edward reached over to the control panel and the next thing I knew, the privacy screen between us and the driver was in place. We were alone, well relatively, and we were married. It seemed as if we had waited a lifetime for this day to finally arrive.
I'd only had a sip of my champagne, before Edward was taking the glass away and setting it down beside his own. His lips found mine then, his kiss urgent as his hand snaked up under my dress stopping to caress my leg just above the knee.
"Baby forgive me, but I don't think I can wait any longer. Tell me you want this." He pleaded as his tongue licked and his lips and teeth nipped at the flesh on my neck and shoulder.
"I want it Edward. So much" I whispered.
While one hand was busily caressing my thigh and slowly making its way further up my leg, his other hand clasped the side of my neck, before drifting down slowly to the top of my dress and gently slipping it down just enough to uncover my breasts. "Beautiful" he whispered. I gasped as he took one nipple in his mouth and swirled his tongue around it before sucking gently. I surrendered to the feel of his lips on my sensitive skin, unaware that I had been sliding down on the seat until I was lying across it with him on top of me. When I felt his teeth gently tease me, I moaned out loud.
There was a trail of warmth on my leg along the path where his hand had traveled. When his fingers reached my panties, I writhed encouragingly against his hand. His fingertips were running along the lace at the waistband when he spoke again. "Let me make you feel good Bella" He whispered.
I tried to answer, but it came out as a small squeak.
He reached down and cupped my sex, his fingertips feeling every bit of me through the lace. It was such a new and exhilarating sensation. Edward had never touched me there before and the heat from his hand was almost too much to endure. As wonderful as his touch felt, I wanted more. I wanted more contact. I wanted him to touch me under the lace. I wanted more of him. I closed my eyes as I melted into his touch.
Feeling bold then, I decided to reciprocate. I moved my hand until I reached the button of his trousers. "May I?" I whispered as I peeked at him through half-closed eyes.
"Allow me." He answered just as quietly. I felt the absence of Edward's touch as he undid his trousers and then his warm hand clasped one of mine, pulling it down to feel his boxer-clad erection.
And my oh my what an erection it was.
I had nothing in my experience to compare it to, but I was fairly certain that as far as penises went, it stood to reason that Edward's had to be perfect. After all, everything else about him was. I closed my hand over it, as my eyes shot open wide, surprising even myself that I'd been brave enough to touch him there.
I realized at that exact moment that we were no longer in the limo, instead we were lying in bed in the train compartment, and my hand was gripping Edward's very prominent morning wood through his sleep pants. He didn't say a word as his bright green eyes opened wide in surprise and stared into mine.
"Oh God." I muttered as I realized I'd just grabbed my fiancé's junk in my sleep.
Fuck my life.
-V&V—
"Bella sweetheart, please come out." Edward pleaded from the other side of the bathroom door.
Little does he know that I am never coming out of this bathroom. Never. Never ever.
Edward had been trying to coax me out for several minutes before he finally decided to play dirty. "Bella please come out, I need to use the facilities."
I sighed. He knew I wouldn't send him to someone else's compartment. After all, I wasn't a bitch. I was just mortified.
I yanked the door open and dove past him onto the bed, pulling the covers over my head in one swift movement. I heard him chuckle as he climbed in beside me, wrapping his strong arms around me, probably so I wouldn't escape again.
"Liar" I whispered.
He laughed out loud then. "I had to get you out of there somehow."
I sat there for a while, not speaking before finally working up the nerve to apologize. "I'm sorry I molested you in your sleep." I muttered from under the blanket.
I could feel his body shaking with laughter. "Yes, please don't do that ever again Bella. I would rather you molest me while I'm fully awake so that I can enjoy it more." He was still laughing.
"Don't tease. I'm really embarrassed. Does it help if I tell you it was all because of a dream?"
Why the hell did I just admit that?
"Please come out from under the blanket Bella." He asked. "I really need to see your face baby."
Knowing I could never deny him, I blew out a breath and pulled the blanket off of my head. "Okay."
He smirked and cocked an eyebrow. "Now, let me hear about this dream."
I knew I'd eventually tell him anyway, so I decided to get it over with. "It was our wedding day. We were in the limo, I'm assuming on our way to the reception." I shrugged. I hesitated then, editing as I went. "Let's just say that things were getting a little hot and heavy."
His eyebrows shot up and his smirk turned into a smile.
"You touched me down there." I gestured down with my eyes. "And when I went to touch you the same way" I cleared my throat. "I don't know. I guess as soon as I touched your, uh, manhood" I smirked "It woke me up. From what I remember, it was kind of impressive." I said with a giggle.
He laughed as he moved until he was propped up on one elbow, partially hovering over me. "Would you like me to refresh your memory baby?" His voice low and rough.
I didn't answer; I just stared into his eyes. It was just like in my dream; his warm hand clasped mine and pulled it down to rest on his clothed erection.
Fuck me.
I cleared my throat. "Like I said. Impressive."
He smiled. "I hope I don't disappoint you sweetheart, but the first time we make love will not be in the back of a limo."
"Oh yeah?" I asked, still not removing my hand from his man business.
I may keep it there forever.
"Yes. I have plans for you." He whispered.
His words sent a thrill through me and my hand gave him a little squeeze in response.
I watched as Edward closed his eyes and bit his lip. "Baby, if you do that again you may just ruin my plans."
"Uh oh. Sorry. It seems my hand has a mind of its own." I giggled again.
He chuckled.
"Edward, I'm glad we're not doing it in the limo. I'm a total germaphobe, and there's no way of knowing how many nasty prom-night cooters have rubbed all over those seats." I said in a serious tone, causing Edward to collapse into laughter.
After a moment, I joined him in his laughter, proud of myself for never removing my hand, which I had renamed 'Edward's peen cozy'. I was just coming to the conclusion that I probably needed to add a second hand in order to fully cover Edward's considerable size, when we were interrupted by a loud banging on the door. The sound startled me, and I pulled my hand away, causing Edward to groan.
"Guys, rise and shine. We've got a bit of a situation out here, so hurry up." Emmett boomed through the door.
Edward leaned down, giving me a sweet kiss. "Precisely why Emmett will not be anywhere around when we make love for the first time."
"It's probably for the best that we have to get up Edward."
"Why's that?" He asked.
"Well, it's either that or you spend the rest of the morning letting me grope you." I replied.
"You say that like it's a bad thing." He grinned.
-V&V—
We followed Emmett to a part of the lounge car that was temporarily closed to the public. This was where we found Jasper speaking with a man in a suit, along with Troy. The two paps were seated beside them calmly watching us as we approached.
I was confused.
The man in the suit turned to greet us. "Mr. Masen, Mr. and Miss Swan, how do you do, I'm William Morgan from Amtrak's Chicago office." He said with a smile. "You are probably not aware of this but, as I was telling Mr. Whitlock; these two gentlemen were found lurking outside of your sleeping compartments during the night."
I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand.
"We feel certain that they were hoping to snap a few sensational shots, and make a fair chunk of money for their efforts, but thankfully Troy here thwarted their plans."
We smiled gratefully at Troy.
"What can you do to them?" Jasper asked.
"Unfortunately because no crime was committed, the most we can do is have them removed from the train at the next stop." Mr. Morgan said with a frown. "Please accept our sincere apologies."
Edward interrupted him. "Mr. Morgan don't trouble yourself about it. Unfortunately, because of my career, this sort of thing comes with the territory." He then flashed his Hollywood smile. Mr. Morgan gratefully shook his hand.
It was at that moment that I noticed my brother's face. He was glaring at the two paps with absolute disgust, taking me back to the way he reacted to the paps invading my life back before Tanya made her statement all those months ago.
It was early, only six o'clock, so we left Emmett and Jasper, grabbed a couple cups of coffee and headed back to our compartment until the train was due to stop in an hour. During the night, we had crossed into Minnesota.
Our sleepy group exited the train at St. Paul to stretch our legs. "I'll be glad to have a workout." My brother said as he groaned. "Hey Eddie does your Gramps have an exercise room?" Emmett asked.
"As a matter of fact, he does, but it's a small one. I have a membership in the best fitness club in Chicago; we could go out there tomorrow if you like."
Emmett grinned. "Sounds good." He said before looking back toward the station and starting to laugh. "Check that out. Fuckers can't even walk straight." He said as he pointed.
We looked back toward the building only to see the two paps being escorted by Amtrak security away from the train and into the doors of the station. The best way to describe their demeanor would be 'dazed and confused'.
"What's their deal?" I asked.
Emmett grinned and rubbed his hands together. "Well little sister. Did you really think I would let them off that easily?"
"Emmett what did you do?" I asked, almost afraid to know.
"Hey, I never laid a hand on either of them." He grinned widely. "For the last ten minutes, they've been closed up in their roomette waiting for the train to stop. Have you seen the size of those roomettes?"
I shrugged.
"Well, they're basically the size of a small closet with two seats jammed in there." He smiled wickedly. "Let's just say that, while Amtrak security held them in the hallway, I prepared their roomette for them."
Then it dawned on me, Emmett's calling card, "You farted didn't you?"
He grinned wider. "Several fucking times. Almost made myself gag, and that never happens. I think this train trip has been wreaking havoc on my digestive system." He muttered as he rubbed his toned abdomen.
I wanted to be disgusted, but it was difficult to do that when everyone around me was laughing hysterically. "As soon as I vacated the roomette," Emmett continued, "Troy and the security guard shoved those fuckers in there and closed the door. Troy was supposed to videotape them through the door window for me. If it's funny enough, that shit's going on Youtube."
-V&V-
After breakfast, we spent the morning in the lounge, the highlight was the time spent following the Mississippi River for over a hundred miles through Minnesota. After we crossed into Wisconsin I went back to our room to take a nap, not wanting to be a zombie when I met Edward's grandfather for the first time. I woke to find Edward quietly packing our things. "Why didn't you wake me?" I whispered.
He stopped packing to smile at me. "You looked like you needed the rest. We'll be arriving in Chicago in an hour or so."
I'd slept through lunch, so while Edward left to purchase a box lunch from the café for us; I took a quick shower and changed into a sundress and sweater. I had butterflies in my stomach as I thought about meeting Edward's grandfather for the first time.
By the time Edward got back, I was ready to go. "You look beautiful baby." He said before giving me a sweet kiss.
"Do you think your grandfather will like me?" I asked as we ate.
He frowned as he thought about that. "I have to admit that I'm a bit worried."
At his words, my old insecurities reared their ugly heads.
I knew I wasn't good enough for Edward or his family. I think I feel sick.
"Bella, you have to remember that my grandfather is a widower. He's also very charming." He grinned. "I'm afraid if I'm not very careful, he may just steal you away from me."
"Oh Edward" I exclaimed with a relieved smile. "He's got nothing on you in the charm department. It must be genetic."
He laughed.
-V&V—
"Move your tushies" Alice demanded once we'd retrieved our luggage. "The limo should be waiting right out there."
We followed her to a waiting black Rolls Royce limo parked in front of the station. "Hello Manny" Alice and Edward said at the same time to the driver.
"Hello all" The older, distinguished looking driver answered. "I trust everyone had a pleasant trip." He asked as he ushered us into the vehicle. The boys stayed back to help load the luggage in the trunk.
-V&V—
Alice managed to be the first one to the front door, once we'd reached the house. Well, mansion I guess would be the more correct term.
As we followed behind, we watched as she flew into the waiting arms of an older gentleman waiting in the foyer. "Alice honey, you never change." He remarked with a laugh as he patted her back.
She pulled away with a smile as Edward walked up to give his Grandfather a hug. There was definitely a strong resemblance between Edward and Duke. I wouldn't be surprised if photos of Duke at a young age showed the same distinctive bronze coloring to his hair, which was now snow white.
Introductions were made. "Duke" Edward said with a proud smile. "This is my Bella."
"I'm so happy to meet you" I said quietly as I reached out my hand in order to shake his.
"Sorry my dear, that just won't do." He said as he pulled me into a warm hug. Six months before, such a gesture would have sent me immediately into a panic attack. Today, from this man, it felt right. I closed my eyes and released the breath I'd been holding as I relaxed into his embrace.
After the way I'd heard Alice and Edward speak of their Grandfather, I wasn't surprised that Duke was a wonderful man. I was however a bit taken aback at how down to earth he seemed. The man I got to know over the next several hours seemed like he would be more at home having a bite to eat at the Forks Diner back home than at brunch with the Mayor, even though the latter was precisely where he'd been earlier that day.
"Personally, I'd like to tell all politicians to shut the hell up and get real jobs." Duke said while we were having dinner. "But unfortunately, they have all the power, especially in Chicago. I only deal with them in order to get their help in improving things for our veterans."
Just like Edward's parents, Duke worked tirelessly for the people and causes closest to his heart.
"Are you a veteran Duke?" Emmett asked. No surprise that he and Duke had taken an instant liking to each other.
"Yes I am." He chuckled then "Irritated the hell out of my father when I enlisted during my last year of college too."
Those of us who had just met him looked confused.
"The children of the rich didn't go off to war in my day." He clarified. "Unless of course they had aspirations for political office. But as we've established, that was never one of my goals." He said with a chuckle.
"My father forgave me after I returned from the Korean War in one piece. I met my wife while home on leave and was immediately smitten." He said with a wistful smile. "We were married less than a year later."
So soon? Now I don't feel as weird about marrying Edward less than eight months after we met.
"The only thing I regret is that I didn't meet her and marry her sooner." He said as he turned to look out the dining room window.
A gloomy silence hung over the room as both Edward and Alice, no doubt, were remembering their Grandmother. Duke cleared his throat. "I was finished my stint in the army before our marriage, and completed the requirements for my degree. After that, because I didn't relish the thought of having to leave Elizabeth for any reason, my old man got his wish when I played it safe and took a position with his company."
"The rest as they say is history. Here I sit, a lonely widower, inflicting the boring details of my mundane existence on you young folks." He smiled ruefully. "Please excuse the ramblings of an old coot."
We all spoke at once then. "Duke, what are you talking about?" Emmett's voice drowned out everyone else's "I could listen to this kind of shit all day..er, sorry about the language." My brother said sheepishly.
Duke laughed "Hey Emmett, did you miss the part about me being in the Army? I had quite a salty vocabulary in my day. Elizabeth gave me hell for it on a regular basis."
The more I learned about this man, the more I realized how well he and Charlie would get along.
After dinner, Duke's housekeeper Maeve showed us to our separate rooms. Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock, it seemed, would be the only couple to share a bedroom.
Yep, Duke and Charlie will get along fabulously.
My sleep was restless, not because I was plagued with nightmares, or even by beautiful dreams of Edward. The truth was that I had a hard time trying to sleep in a new place without him beside me.
I wasn't surprised when, sometime in the middle of the night I felt the bed dip and within seconds Edward was holding me in his arms. "Couldn't sleep." I heard him whisper before I succumbed to a deep dreamless slumber.
-V&V—
"The first time you'll be meeting Oprah will be when you walk out on stage." Oprah's assistant, Kay, advised as we sat in a waiting room. "After the show, she would like to personally meet the family members who came with you today, if that would be alright."
Edward chuckled. "That would be more than alright Kay." He answered in a voice as smooth as silk. "Our family has been dying to meet Miss Winfrey." He flashed the Hollywood smile, and Kay was soon a puddle of goo at his feet.
Another one bites the dust
I smiled and rolled my eyes.
Kay recovered and was all business again. She told us that she would be back to get us in less than ten minutes.
We watched on the monitor as Oprah showed a couple clips of Edward's movies, including a very short preview of The Harvest of Avarice.
"As you all know, Edward Masen is scheduled to be a guest on today's show." Uproarious cheering and applause ensued, to which Oprah eventually raised her hands and good naturedly got the audience to quiet down. "Okay so we have a little surprise. A few audience members are already aware of this, but most of you are not. We were able to coax Edward's beautiful fiancée to appear on the show with him." The cheering and applause started again, and Oprah continued to speak right over it. "Please welcome Edward Masen and Isabella Swan."
I took a deep breath and looked into Edward's eyes. His reassuring smile calmed my nerves somewhat. He clasped my hand, giving it a little squeeze before he led me from the waiting room.
*******A/N*********
A/N Not a cliffy…I just didn't want to rush Oprah's show. Just to clarify…V&V's timeline is as follows: Chapter 1 began in December 2009. Therefore when Bella and Edward appear on Oprah, it's June 2010. A full year before her farewell.
I must give credit for the limo dream to my friend Tracy (you know her as PlzFangMe). She suggested 'strongly' that B or E have a wet dream. Well it certainly wasn't 'wet' but it veered a little more toward steamy than anything they've done before now. As I explained to her, I don't want anything to overshadow the big moment when it finally gets here. And obviously because it's me, I had to throw a little awkward humor in there.
Shameless Plug: Voting for Round 1 of the Avant Garde Awards has started. V&V has been nominated in several categories. Even Christopher (Miles) has been nominated….he is thrilled let me tell you. So, please vote for V&V if you are so inclined! The link is Avantgardeawards (dot) com….I'll also post the link on my profile page.
Also on my profile page are links to videos I found on Youtube showing the train trip from Seattle to Chicago. It's divided into 4 separate parts. So if you are interested in seeing what the gang saw from the train, have a look.
As always, I love to hear your thoughts, and am working diligently to respond to my backlog of reviews. Thanks for your patience!
No comments:
Post a Comment