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Edward
was fidgeting. He was dressed in a pair of black pants, a button-down and a
sweater. I’d woken up early and went to a nearby store to pick up some clothes
for him, not cast-offs from my father’s closet. Plus, Edward was taller than
Charlie and the pants would be floods on him, as well as slightly big in the
waist, too. “I’ll pay you back, Bella,” he said.
“I
know,” I replied, putting on my earrings and slipping in my shoes. “But, for
now, just enjoy this time off.”
“I
need to go to the police department tomorrow,” Edward murmured. “Jasper is
being held and I need to decide if I want to press charges.”
“You
know my thoughts,” I scowled.
“I
do know that, beautiful,” he chuckled, grimacing as his ribs gave a tweak. “But,
I also know that Jasper is an expectant father. He may be an asshole, but he
deserves to know his child.” He walked over to me, taking my hands. His palms
were rough from his work, but his gesture was so sweet, gentle. “The police are
checking to see if Jasper made that call. I remember him speaking on his cell
phone, but I had a concussion. I still have a concussion.”
“Do
you need your pain pills?” I asked, my
heart stammering.
“I’m
fine, Bella,” he said, pulling me into his arms. I slid my hands around his
waist, pressing my ear to his chest. I listened to his steady heartbeat and
allowed his masculine, clean scent calm me. “Now, let’s head to your parents’
place. Dinner is waiting.”
I
nodded and squeezed his waist gingerly. I looked up at him, smiling up at him.
His face was clean-shaven, but his bruises on his face were on display. I
traced his jaw and he smiled crookedly, bending his head and brushing his lips
against mine. He sighed, holding me closer to his body. I melted into his
embrace. He chuckled quietly, pulling back and staring at me. “You have no idea
how much I love being able to do that when I want,” he said, his green eyes
sparkling along with lights in the guest house. He leaned his head forward,
pressing his forehead to mine. “I can do that, right?”
“Any
time you want, baby,” I smiled. My phone rang and I pulled away, seeing the
land line of the house dancing across my screen. I answered the phone. “Hello?”
“Are
you coming?” Mom asked, her voice excited.
“We’re
on our way, Mom,” I said. “Be there in a bit.” I ended the call and squeezed
his hand. “Ready?”
“No,”
he snorted, shooting a dubious glance to the house. “I know your mom likes me,
but your dad? He’s so much like Jasper …”
“My
dad is an asshole, but …” I trailed off. “He’s an asshole. Hopefully, he’ll be
on his best behavior since it was my mom’s idea to have you over. His days with
her are numbered and he refuses to leave her side.” Edward squeezed my hand,
giving me an understanding smile. He reached for my coat and slid it over my
shoulders, while he put on the new leather jacket I’d gotten for him. He
offered me his arm, despite being injured, bruised and a bit clumsy, making our
way to the house.
Once
inside, we smelled cinnamon, ginger and cloves. There was a fire roaring in the
fireplace and some old Christmas standards playing over the intercom. My dad
was walking down the stairs, helping my mom. She looked better today, with a
festive scarf around her bald head and her skin didn’t appear so sallow. She
glanced up and beamed when she saw us. “You both look so happy,” she cooed.
“Doesn’t Bella look happy, Charlie?”
“She
looks beautiful, Rennie,” Dad answered.
Mom
hugged me. Out of the corner of my eye, Charlie held out a hand to Edward. With
a noticeable swallow, Edward shook his hand and nodded nervously. They spoke
quietly, but from the short responses, neither man was comfortable with the
other. Mom must have noticed their discomfort and she waddled toward Edward.
She took his hand, kissing his cheek. “You look very handsome, Edward. I hope
you’re hungry.”
“I
am, Mrs. Swan,” he said. “It smells really good in here.”
“What did I say yesterday, Edward,” Mom chided, tugging him into the living room. “Call me Renee.”
Nicodemus
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