Picking up the Pieces Teaser

We returned from Vancouver, picking up John and Grace from Charlie and Renee’s. I dropped them off at Bella’s home, so I could get some more clothing. I tossed the clothes I’d worn on our trip into the hamper, but I didn’t want to. I could still smell Bella’s sweetness on the fabric. Memories of our time in the cabin, making love and sharing her body, they came rushing back. I wanted to feel her again. I needed to hold her in my arms, keep her with me forever.

My phone rang, and I picked it up. “Hello?”

“How was the trip?” asked Mom. “Did you ask her?”

“Ma,” I grumbled. “It’s too soon. I love Bella very much and I want to share my life with her, but if I ask now, she’ll bolt.”

“But, you have the ring,” Mom muttered, her pout evident. “Ask her soon, my sweet boy.”

I hummed noncommittally, wanting to do just that, but her trepidation prior to making love the first time was a clear indication that she was not ready for that. Not yet. But, I wanted to give my mother her wish. She pulled me aside at my birthday celebration and told me that her treatments were not working as effectively. She was still doing okay, but it was a matter of time before another opportunistic infection would steal her away. Her one wish was that she wanted to see me married before she died. She wanted Bella to be a part of our family. She wanted to love up on John and Grace, spoiling her adoptive grandchildren, if even for the final few months of her life.

“Edward?” Mom asked.

“Sorry,” I replied, shaking my head. “Just thinking about your comment. Your wish …”

“I don’t want to ruin what you have with Bella. Don’t push her, Edward,” she murmured. “Just love her. She’s been through hell …”

“She still is battling her demons,” I sighed. “But, she asked me to go to Phoenix with her after the Fourth. If I can I get the days off from Charlie, I’m going with her.”

“Charlie will give you the days,” Mom chuckled. “He adores you and I know that he thinks your good for Bella.” I blushed, smiling crookedly.