May We Meet Again Update

 MWMA Ch. 11 on FFn

MWMA Ch. 11 on AO3

MWMA Ch. 11 on Stars

MWMA Ch. 11 on Wattpad

Hand in hand, we walked to the dining hall. The meal smelled delicious, making my stomach rumble. We smiled at the young people who had been in the sky box, the prison, as they greeted us. As much as I didn't want to be a leader, people were looking to us for guidance. I also some of the girls salivating over Edward. He must have noticed them. He moved to slide his arm around my waist, pressing his lips to my temple in a very public display of affection.

Hands off, girls. He's mine.

We got our meal, a delicious venison stew with some apple cobbler. It was a recipe found in the Mount Weather database and it was delectable. After we ate, we spoke to some people and listened to their concerns about the problems on the Ark. We also talked about possible solutions for our time in Mount Weather.

After those conversations, Edward and I settled at one of the tables with some hot apple cider with Rose and Emmett. "I don't know about you two, but I'm bushed," Rose yawned, leaning her cheek against Emmett's bicep. "The technology in here is old and in massive need of repair. Having it sit unattended for almost a century didn't help matters. The hydroelectric generators kept the vital systems going, but it needs a major overhaul."

"Long story short, my repair teams are going to have a lot of work to do," Emmett chuckled humorlessly. "As a result, I'm making a decision to not stay in the presidential race."

"Not chancellor?" Edward asked.

"The term chancellor is aligned with the Ark. We're not on the Ark. Not anymore," Emmett shrugged.

"President Cullen has a nice ring to it," Edward snickered.

"So does President Rosalie Hale," Rose grinned. "Or President Isabella Swan."

Bella

Edward

Emmett

Rosalie

Lauren

Tyler

Mike

Bella's date dress

Exodus Ship crash

Worth the Fight Teaser

 As she was tucking her phone back into her clutch, a small jazz combo began playing on the stage. Several couples went onto the dance floor, swaying to the music. Edward looked at her, giving her a shy grin. “Would you like to dance?”

Bella looked at him, blushing at his tender expression and sincerity in his gaze. With a bright smile, she took his proffered hand, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor.

Holding Bella in Edward’s arms was nothing short of a dream. Her body was soft, curvy, and warm, snuggled to him. Her hand was captured between his chest, just above his heart and his own hand. Her cheek pressed to his shoulder warmed him to his core while he brushed kisses to her forehead. Her other hand gripped his suit jacket like he was going to disappear. But, if he had his choice, he’d hold her like this for the rest of his life.

I love you, he thought as his arm tightened around her waist.

A soft click broke the spell as the ship’s photographer snapped their picture. “So much love, affection, I couldn’t not take the photo,” he said. “How long have you been married?”

Bella blushed, biting her lip. Her heart gave a happy little twist at the mention of marriage, wanting it so much. But, the realization caused her brain to fritz.

“We’re not married,” Edward said. “At least, not yet.”

Bella blinked up at him, shocked at how easily he said he’d wanted forever with her, despite their rocky beginning.

Edward moved his hand to cup her cheek, trailing his thumb down her pink cheek. She was lost to his loving, evergreen gaze. His eyes sparkled as he brushed his lips over hers tenderly. Both of them heard another click, but were too involved in their kiss. A quiet chuckle did pull them apart. “I’ll have these photos for you by the end of the cruise.”

“I want doubles,” both of them whispered.

Photographer, Peter

Worth the Fight Update

 WTF Ch. 29 on FFn

WTF Ch. 29 on Stars

WTF Ch. 29 on AO3

WTF Ch. 29 on Wattpad

Bella drove home, showering and taking time to shave, buff, and polish every inch of her skin. She was curling her hair, pinning it back into a messy, romantic updo. As she was putting her makeup, her phone vibrated. I’m on my way, gorgeous. I can’t wait to see you.

She blushed, smiling at his message, and tapped out a response. I’m putting final touches on my look for tonight. I’m excited to see you again … in a suit, no less.

He didn’t reply, as Bella assumed he was driving. She stood up, walking to her closet and putting on bronze cocktail dress that had spaghetti straps and skirt that hit mid-thigh. Because of the straps, she couldn’t wear a bra and she toyed with the idea of going completely commando, but decided against it. She wore a pair of nude lacy panties that left very little to the imagination. Putting her phone, some lip gloss, her driver’s license, and a credit card into a small clutch, she found a pretty pashmina to wrap around her shoulders.

There was a knock on her door, making her heart twist beneath her ribs. Walking to the entrance, she opened the door and had to stop from her jaw dropping to the floor. Edward wore a black suit with a white button down. He held a single sunflower as he grinned crookedly, handing it to her. His gaze grew heated when he looked at Bella. “You’re exquisite, Bella.”

“So are you, Edward,” she said, smiling gently at the pretty flower in her hand. She gestured for him to come inside while she put the sunflower into a small bud vase. Looking coyly over her shoulder, placing the vase on the windowsill in her kitchen, she purred, “You’re sexy in swim trunks and you’re beyond hot in a suit.”

“Hmmm, I beg to differ, gorgeous,” he said, moving closer to her and slid his arms around her waist, turning her in his arms. “You are absolutely beautiful … I will definitely have to show restraint. You teased me yesterday with all that skin in the hot tub. Now? It’s glowing and begging for my touch in this dress.” His hands moved up her back, sliding down her arms before he threaded their fingers together. “Shall we?”

Worth the Fight Teaser

“This thing came with my house,” Bella said, holding an armful of towels. “It was in bad shape, but the ex helped me clean it out. Once the leaves were removed and it was thoroughly cleaned, it looked amazing.”

Edward’s lip snarled, but he quickly hid it.

“I saw that,” she laughed, putting the towels on the table next to the tub. “Jacob was a douche. Will always be a douche, but he had moments …”

“Did you and he …?” Edward asked, trailing off. He thought of the two of them in this very hot tub, naked, doing things he wanted to do her.

“Oh, OH! Oh, God! No! Ewww!!!” Bella said, shaking her head. “Jacob and I … well … he was very …” Her face flamed. “Until I found him in bed with two other women, I thought he was a prude. I was the adventurous one.”

Edward’s brow quirked up. “Really?”

Her cheeks were still pink as she took off her tank top and jean shorts. She hopped onto the edge, sliding into the water. “Definitely adventurous,” she said, moving to sit on the far side of the hot tub.

Fuck. Me. Sideways, Edward growled to himself.

“Are you joining me, Masen?” Bella asked, shooting him a sexy smile. “The water’s perfect.”

Edward smirked, removing his shirt, and slipping off his shoes. He slid into the hot tub, biting back a groan at the jets as they pummeled a tight spot on his back. “Oh, I’m so getting one of these when I find something more permanent.”

“Your apartment doesn’t have a hot tub?”

“It has an amazing workout area and a pool, but no hot tub,” Edward sighed, inching deeper into the water.

“You’re welcome to this any time,” Bella smiled. “Is it helping your stiff muscles?”

“Definitely,” he nodded. “Your leg?”

“The knot is loosening up, but Carlisle said it would take time to … settle down,” she said. “Rose said I was capable of working full out, but I pushed it too hard.”

“It’ll be some time before we’re sparring, beautiful,” he chuckled lowly. “You’re really good. You could go pro.”

“Hmmmm, no. I don’t want to be compared to my dad,” Bella shook her head. “I like the amateur circuit. It’s not as intense. I can train intermittently, keep my skills up and fight when I get the itch. I wanted to get back into the ring after Jacob, but there were no fights locally and I didn’t want to hop onto a plane.”

“Not a fan of flying?”

“Oh, I love flying. I just had too much to do at Bull Dog,” she shrugged. She didn’t want to say, but the stuff she had to do was related to Edward’s arrival to the gym. She had to make sure he was added to the insurance policy, along with finalize everything transferring over from Volterra. Despite ghosting him, she wanted to make sure he was comfortable at the gym. “Not that it’s happening any time soon, but what do you want to do after you hang up your gloves? Coach?”

 

Worth the Fight Update

 WTF Ch. 26 on FFn

WTF Ch. 26 on Stars

WTF Ch. 26 on AO3

WTF Ch. 26 on Wattpad

Bella took a quick shower, changing into a navy bikini and covering it with a pair of jean shorts and a navy floral tank top. She braided her hair, draping it over her shoulder. In the kitchen, she pulled out a few salmon filets. She placed them in a baking dish, dressing the fish and putting that back into the refrigerator to marinate. Puttering around the kitchen, she got the ingredients for mushroom risotto, sauteed spinach and a fresh salad. She was placing a bottle of white wine into the refrigerator when there was a quiet knock on the door.

Padding to the front door, she opened it. Edward was standing on the steps, holding a gorgeous fall bouquet of orange, teal, and coral flowers. He also had a bag from the deli they'd gone to prior to their afternoon before everything imploded. "For you, beautiful Bella," he said, holding out the flowers. "They're not roses."

"They're exquisite," she whispered, inhaling deeply. "Thank you, Edward."

"I didn't want to come to your place empty handed," he shrugged, shooting her a crooked grin. "I also picked up the brownie bites, remembering that you really liked them."

"When you have a cheat day, you go all out," she teased, opening the door further to let him inside.

"It's rare that I give myself the opportunity. Your dad said I need to gain more weight," Edward said, following her to the kitchen. "How's your calf?"

"Still tight. I used my detachable shower head to pulse some hot water on it. That felt good, but the hot tub will be undoubtedly better," she said. "Do you want some wine?"

"I'm taking tomorrow off. So, yes," he replied, sitting down at the counter on one of the stools. "I'm only going to go for a run in the afternoon. No strength training or sparring."

"Slacking off while my dad's out of town?" Bella chided, pouring him a healthy glass of wine.

"Per his instructions, whenever I train in the ring, I take the following day off," Edward answered. Bella shot him a look of confusion. "I sparred with Wilson and your dad in the morning. I beat both of them handily."

"Wait, when you came to run with me … you were done for the day?" Bella asked.

"No, I had to cool down and I usually either run on the treadmill or do some yoga," he shrugged. "Yoga I do at home, but I saw you running on the treadmill. I wanted to join you. You're quite … focused when you're running."

"You do yoga?" she questioned. "I'm impressed."

Blockbuster Update

Blockbuster Ch. 28 on FFn

Blockbuster Ch. 28 on AO3

Blockbuster Ch. 28 on Stars

Blockbuster Ch. 28 on Wattpad

My anger was spiraling out of control. It started with that letter that was sent to my mom’s work. I punched my fist through a wall, and I felt better. Until my fist started throbbing. Edward was there as I lost it in Caius’s office. He held me as I raged. He loved me, unconditionally. Just like he loved my mom …

Then, that hateful lady coming over and calling my mom a slut because she had me while she was so young. It wasn’t her fault. It was my sperm donor’s fault. He kept going, even after she said no.

I’m twelve and I know that if a girl, or a boy, says no, you stop.

After that lady left, I was pacing in my room when all I wanted to do was slam my fists into her face. Then, you’d be no better than the man who fathered you.

There was a quiet knock on the door. I opened the door, finding Edward standing on the other side, wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. His green eyes were swirling with concern. “Caius is taking your mom to her therapist. I figured you needed someone to talk to.”

“Can I go to my therapist?” I asked.

“Bella tried, but the earliest she can get you in is tomorrow morning,” Edward answered, wrinkling his nose. “So, I’m taking you to a gym.”

“What? Why?” I pressed.

“Because, you look moments away from putting your fist through this wall. Jane and Caius were kind enough to not charge you or Bella for your tantrum earlier in the week,” Edward smirked.

“You paid them anyway,” I said, shooting him a wry look. “But, why a gym?”

“So, you can hit something and not break your knuckles or the walls,” Edward murmured. He sat down on my unmade bed. “Seth, you’ve been through the wringer. I get it. You’re pissed. Hell, I’m pissed. It took all my control not to pop off some snide remark to that despicable human who came to evaluate the ‘rightness’ of the loving home you live in. People like her have no right to pass judgment when they can’t see past the nose on their face.”

“Okay,” I mumbled, biting my thumbnail. “Let me change.”

“And, afterward, we’ll get something to eat. Caius is going to talk to your mom, get her to calm down,” Edward smiled. “I can only say so much, but your mom needs someone to talk to outside of the situation.”

“But, Caius isn’t outside of the situation,” I argued. “He’s right in the middle of the situation.”

“He’s in the middle, as your attorney, but he can help your mom with the emotional implications of what happened to her,” Edward said, giving me a look of concern. “I’m here for you to talk to … with what happened …”

“I think talking will be better after I hit the gym,” I mumbled, finding a pair of basketball shorts with a t-shirt and my sneakers. “I want to … slam my fists into the wall.”

“I don’t blame you. So do I,” Edward deadpanned. “Meet me in the car. I’m going to let Bear out and then, we’ll go.” He gave me a hug, leaving my room. I changed into my gym clothes and picked up my cell phone. I put on my coat, walking down the stairs as Edward let Bear back inside from the backyard. He gave me a grin, swiping a couple of bottles of water and picking up Mom’s car keys. “Caius drove your mom. I get the car.” He tossed me a water bottle, locking the slider.

We drove to a nearby boxing gym. I looked at Edward like he was crazy. “A boxing gym?”

“Trust me, kiddo,” he said.

Romantic Date with Edward, Bella and Seth

Easter Basket to Bella from Caius

Caius's Condo

Easter Basket to Bear from Caius

Traditional Italian Easter Pizza ... so good!!

Easter Basket to Seth from Caius