Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 I was clicking through shopping sites on my computer. I was trying to find the perfect Valentine’s Day present for Bella, along with something small for Katie. We weren’t celebrating since it was the anniversary of Bella and Katie’s parents’ death. They would undoubtedly be sad, but I did want to get them something to acknowledge my feelings for them. Frustrated, I glowered at my computer. I couldn’t find something that said that I loved them, but not being over-the-top. My phone rang on my desk, further adding to my frustration. Pressing the speaker phone, I answered. “Yes?”

“Mr. Cullen, your father, Dr. Cullen, is here,” said Shelly.

“Send him in, Shelly,” I replied, my brows shooting up to my hairline.

It was rare that my dad came to my office. The last time he came by was shortly after the Tanya debacle. We had words.

Loud words that resulted in him leaving in a huff and us not speaking for nearly six months.

“Here you go, Dr. Cullen,” Shelly murmured, holding open the door to my office.

“Thank you, Shelly,” Dad grinned as he walked into my office. He was wearing a blue suit and holding his overcoat over his arm. “I didn’t mean to surprise you, but I was in the neighborhood. I had a meeting at a nearby hotel with some of the other hospital leaders. We’re done early. Do you have time to go to lunch?”

I checked my calendar. I didn’t have any meetings. “That sounds nice,” I replied.

“Would Bella like to join us?” Dad asked, a slow smile spreading over his face.

“She’s working remotely today,” I frowned. “This weekend will be rough for them and so Bella took a half day. She worked this morning and this afternoon, Bella and Katie are going to see their grief counselor at a satellite office in Glenview.” My father arched a brow, asking a question in his eyes. “It’s the anniversary of their parents’ death.” I put on my coat, swiping my wallet and cell phone.

“Oh, poor thing,” Dad replied. “Maybe, they would like to come over this weekend? I know your mother would love to spoil those girls.”

“I asked Bella what she wanted and she just wanted to stay home with me and Katie,” I answered. “I know it won’t be easy for them, but I want to be there for them. We’ve been through happy times … I’m not running away from the tears.”

We stopped briefly at Shelly’s desk and I told her that I was going out to lunch. With a request for her to send any calls to my cell phone, we left and walked to a nearby bistro. We ordered our meals. “I didn’t realize that Bella and Katie’s parents died so recently,” Dad murmured. “I knew that they were gone, but I thought it happened some time ago. A couple of years.”

“It’ll be a year on Valentine’s Day,” I said, sipping my soda. I sat back, idly playing with my napkin. I was slightly upset that I couldn’t really celebrate the first Valentine’s Day with the woman I loved in any sort of traditional way. It seemed selfish, but not. “Am I dick?”

“I’m not following,” Dad snorted, smiling at me.

“Sorry, I had a train of thought in my mind,” I snickered. “I was thinking that I’m a bit miffed that I can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day with Bella because of what happened. I respect that it’s a sad day, but I still want to give her something to show her and Katie that I care.”

“You more than care, Edward,” Dad chided gently. He gave me a gentle smile. “Bella and Katie have brought the light back to you, son. You love them and I understand your desire to cherish that.” He reached across the table, stopping my anxious twisting of the napkin. “You’re not a dick. The woman you love is going through something on a day where you should acknowledge your relationship. You want to take that pain away and celebrate your love. I think you being there for them is exactly what they need.” I sighed, not happy with his response. “However, something small might make them not feel so lost this weekend.”

“Will you help me?” I asked. “I’ll admit, I’m a little out of my depth, especially when it comes to kids.”

“Edward, you’re amazing with Katie. She thinks you hung the moon,” Dad breathed. “She adores you. You’re her hero.”

“Both my girls are my heroes,” I whispered. I closed my eyes, grinning wistfully. I loved them so much. Each day, it became easier and easier for me to say those words to them.

“You can tell them how you feel. You can say that you love Katie and Bella,” Dad said simply. I looked at him, afraid that he’d be pissed that I could say that I loved Bella and Katie, but unable to say the words to him or my mother. There was no judgment in his eyes, just happiness. “Edward, I can see those cogs turning. You’re terrified that I’m pissed at you for loving Bella and Katie. Am I right?”

“Well, yeah,” I answered honestly. “You’ve been my parents for over twenty-years and I …” I shook my head, twisting the napkin again. My father took my hand and squeezed it gently. Blowing out a breath, I continued, “I’ve known Bella for less than a year and I can talk to her, tell her how I feel. Why can’t I say that to you and Mom?”