Picking Up The Pieces Chapter 20 on FicPad
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Picking Up The Pieces Chapter 20 on Stars
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Picking Up The Pieces Chapter 20 on Wattpad
Labor Day weekend came, and Edward had to work most of it.
He was pissed, to say the least. He was originally scheduled to be off, but one
of the newer deputies broke his leg in a surfing accident and was riding a desk
for the foreseeable future, leaving them a man short. My dad was willing to
step up, but he was also battling an injury in the form of a strained back
muscle. The most he could do was monitor the communication channels and act like
a dispatcher.
Thankfully, he was off on Monday and we’d planned to go
First Beach for a picnic with the kids. We would have the conversation that was
plaguing Edward since I agreed to marry him.
The dreaded name change.
Not for me … for the kids … I would become Isabella Marie
Swan Black Cullen. That’s a lot of freaking names, but they were all a part of
me. I was born Isabella Marie Swan. I bore that name for almost twenty-three
years. I became Isabella Marie Black and still wore that name, honoring my
deceased husband. I would continue to do so when I became Edward’s wife, adding
his last name into the mix, which I would remain until I died.
“Mom, can we bring our swim suits?” Grace asked. “We’re
going to a beach!”
“It’s not that kind of beach, Grace,” I said as I packed the
picnic basket. “The water’s cold and choppy. Perfect for surfing … not for
swimming.”
“There are tide pools on First Beach,” Edward said. “But,
swimming isn’t on tap, pretty girl.” Grace scowled, going upstairs to change
since she’d had on her purple swimsuit on. “And it’s not perfect for surfing
either, sweetness. It’s how Joe broke his damn leg. He crashed into a sandbar,
shattering his leg.”
“How long is he out?” I asked.
“Until after the first of the year,” Edward grumbled, his
nose wrinkled. “I need to see if I have enough budget to hire someone
part-time. A swing officer or something. I can’t pull these hours until
January. I’ll never see you or my family.” He slid his arms around my waist,
holding me tightly. “All of that on top of campaigning for your dad’s job. I’m
overwhelmed.”
“What can I do to help, Edward?” I whispered, turning around
in his arms and brushing his hair back from his forehead. “You’re getting
shaggy, baby.”
“I’ll add it to my to-do list,” he snorted. “But, you can’t
really do anything. Just be understanding when I’ve got to pull long hours.
It’s not that I don’t want to be around you or the kids …”
“Edward, don’t even worry,” I said, hugging him tightly. He
buried his nose in my neck, holding me to his muscular body. I could feel the
tension in his back. I rubbed my hands along his body and he melted into me.
“You can talk to me any time. You know that, right?”
“I know, sweetness. And I appreciate it,” he murmured,
brushing his lips over mine. Our kiss deepened, and we broke apart when one of
the kids cleared their throat. I blushed and glowered at my children. “Do we
need to put bells on you?” Edward asked, arching a brow.
“You were kissing Mommy,” Grace giggled. “Really kissing
Mommy.”
“As opposed to fake kissing?” Edward quipped, arching a
brow. His arm was draped around my waist and he smirked at the kids. I elbowed
him. He just pulled me closer to his body, nuzzling my hair. He pressed his
lips to my temple. “Let’s load up the car.” He picked up the basket from the
kitchen counter. John followed him to the car while I got the bags with
blankets and a few toys. I checked my phone, slinging the bag over my shoulder
and guiding Grace outside. She got into Edward’s backseat with John. Edward
helped me into the front seat, kissing my nose. “Real kissing?” he asked.
“With Jake, we were pretty chaste. Closed-mouth kisses, maybe,” I whispered, running my hands
along his shoulders. “Jake was affectionate, but not as demonstrative as you
are.”
“I can stop,” he said, his brows pulling together.
“No, don’t. I like it,” I giggled. “You’re never
disrespectful. I feel loved. Cherished.”
“I do love you. I cherish you with my whole heart, sweetness,” Edward said, his face smoothing out. “And I’ll do that from now until the end of time.” He kissed me again, closing the door with a goofy grin on his face.
First Beach
Drift Wood Fire
Edward's Engagement Ring for Bella
Bella's Wedding Set from Jake
Engagement Photos Inspiration
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