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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. “Will we see you on the Fourth? The parade? Fireworks?”
“I think so,” I nodded. “Call me if you need anything, Ma. I
love you.”
“I love you, too, Edward,” she said.
We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone. I finished
packing and drove to Bella’s home. I parked in the driveway but left my bag in
the car. I didn’t want to freak out John and Grace. They had accepted me into
their lives. They loved me, and I adored them. However, I didn’t want them
thinking that I was trying to replace their father. Jacob Black was a good man
and he loved his children. He was their father. I’d gladly be a father figure,
but I’d never be their dad. I should be upset about it, but I couldn’t be.
Seeing Jacob’s devotion in the pictures I’d noticed scattered around the house,
I knew Jake would have done anything for his kids. I would do my best to step
in and do the same.
Walking up the steps, I rang the doorbell and John pulled the
door open. He tugged on my hand, begging to throw the ball around. I chuckled,
taking the baseball mitt and stood on the far end of the yard. As we played,
Bella came out with Grace. She squealed, running to me and hugging my legs. I
scooped her up, kissing her cheek. Bella limped, somewhat, toward us. I arched
a brow and she just shook her head, her face flaming.
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