Monday, August 17th, 2021
9:18pm
Elmhurst, Illinois
Edward lay down, tugging on Bella’s hand and encouraged her to sit
on his lap. She was sitting astride his legs. “Beautiful, talk to me. How are
you really feeling about the storm today?”
“You know, for a science nerd, you’re pretty in-tune with your feelings,”
Bella quipped.
“And proud of it,” he grinned, pulling her closer. “After my ex
and I decided to get divorced, I went to therapy because she emasculated me,
and I hated that I let her get to me so much.”
“You are the epitome of male sexiness,” Bella frowned.
“I may portray that now, but Jessica loved to remind me that I was
a part-time college professor that got paid a pittance,” he sighed. “She’s
trying to get back with me now. I’m making closer to six figures and I’m minor
celebrity.”
“That woman is not … you’re mine,” Bella snarled.
“Irrevocably,” Edward said soothingly. “Bella, what I feel for you
is beyond words, beyond emotion. We met under the most unique of circumstances,
but that need to protect you was instantaneous. That night, after the storm,
kissing you and holding you in my arms was everything and more. I think I loved
you from the moment we kissed, beautiful.” He ran his fingers down her cheeks
and along her spine. “Regardless of what Jessica wants, you’re who I want.
You’re who I need. You are more of a mother to Lily than Jessica. My ex-wife
can go fuck herself, for all I care. If I’d had my way, Jessica would have her
parental rights removed. Anyway, we’re not talking about my ex.”
“We started because I mentioned your connection to your emotions,”
Bella shrugged, sliding her fingers along his biceps. “And, to answer your
question, I was really anxious until you called. Your personal forecast put my
mind at ease. I’ll probably have to deal with this anxiety for some time, but
knowing that you worried about me …” She sighed, wiping her cheeks.
“Don’t cry, Bella,” he said.
“In this world, I have two people who are my family,” she
explained. “My husband, he stopped thinking about me when he began his affair.
His parents never approved of me. So, when he died, I became a non-issue. The
boys loved me.” She leaned forward, kissing his lips. “Then, you came barreling
in my life. You protected me. You protected my children. Even when you barely
knew me … When you called me today, I didn’t feel alone. I’d been so alone.”
“Not anymore, beautiful,” Edward breathed soothingly. “I can’t
imagine not having you in my life.” He picked up her hands, pressing
them to his heart. She sighed, feeling its steady beat beneath her palms. “I
know you feel this. You listen to this.”
“It proves to me that you’re real,” she grinning.
“My heart is yours, Bella,” he whispered.
