Chapter 72

EPOV


“Rose peed in her pants?”

“She sure did, and it was all Emmett's fault”

How the hell was it Emmett's fault?

He had been golfing with us all day, what Bella was suggesting just didn't make any sense, however she wasn't saying anything more as we rode down the elevator to meet with everyone at the pool. Stepping out into the lobby I had to ask “What did Emmett do?”

“I told you, Vinny informed the guy he had ball sacs and I’m pretty damn sure we all know where he heard that expression. I highly doubt that term gets thrown around the playground at Saint Margret’s Pre-School”

That was agreeable but she lost me somewhere between ball sacs and peeing “Can you start at the beginning?”

The irritating sigh made its appearance and even though we had reached the entrance for the pool, Bella looked longingly through the glass door, took my hand and led me across the walkway to the patio. Once we were outside she removed the bag from her shoulder, placed it on the table and started to rub the back of her neck. She had so much shit in that bag the heaviness was causing her discomfort. I didn’t think it was over her weight limit, yet I was very tempted to pick it up and see just how heavy it was. My attention left the overstuffed bag to listen to what she was saying.

“We had a great morning, we ate breakfast down here in the hotel - the eggs benedict were fantastic.”

It was my own fault I told her to start at the beginning.

“So we got to the outlet mall and we’re making our way around in the baby stores and going into a few specialty shops. Alice wanted to get the kids shoes and your mom likes the gourmet kitchen store.” Bella paused giving me a rueful look “Which by the way, I bought us a new coffee maker.” Before I could comment she went on to explain “The one at the house is fine but we need one with an automatic timer and the one I bought has individual clock settings so that it can be programmed to start at a different time on different days”

She didn’t need to clarify; I didn’t care what she bought for our house especially if it was useful or made her happy. Besides I was still waiting for her to get to the point. “I’m sure the coffee maker will be great, now about Rose?”

“Oh yeah…well like I said we spent the morning shopping and the kids were little troopers while we tried things on and went from store to store. So we go to the food court for lunch and while we’re eating Alice says that she needs to go to the men’s store to get Jasper more microfiber underwear, because they really helped him.”

“Helped him how?” It was beyond me how underwear could be of any service except what they were made for.

Bella pursed her lips in contemplation before telling me something I really didn’t want to know “Well it seems Jasper had this… habit of constantly bending his knees and squirming around” the demonstration was enough to tell me what she talking about, however Bella elaborated. Leaning her head closer to me she spoke in a hushed tone “Alice said that his balls would hang down and stick to him, so he would shuffle around to dislodge them”

Is that a normal lunch conversation? And why the fuck is Alice telling Bella about Jasper’s balls?

I wasn’t so sure I wanted my girl having any intimate knowledge of how low Jasper’s sack hung down.

She either did not notice my reaction or thought it was due to something else, because she straightened up and went on with her conjecture “I suppose in the scheme of things its better than the alternative”

“Alternative?”

What did she mean? The only other choice was to walk around with your balls clinging to your ass and who the hell wanted to do that? Bella however had another thought in her mind “Yeah you know, when men stick their hand down there and adjust themselves.” Again I was privileged with an unneeded demonstration before her nose wrinkled in distaste. “Baseball players do it all the time and it’s disgusting.”

Grinning at her I wanted to clarify that they were not adjusting their balls but the cup inside the jock, it has a tendency to shift around getting rather uncomfortable. Bella didn’t give me any time before she continued. “Anyway Alice was explaining the merits of the microfiber and she said that it held him up so that he stopped doing that nasty thing all the time. She knew all about the material and yet she still quizzed the guy on the advantages of it over the cotton.”

Bella stopped talking to give me a questioning look “I think she just wanted to test his knowledge or maybe it was to embarrass him, because he was young. Either way it doesn’t matter because the poor guy was standing there with four women and two children trying to tell us the benefits of one over the other. You could tell he was uncomfortable and he never actually said the word balls or package he would just use his hands.”

She cupped her hands together giving them a small lift in the air while her voice changed to imitate the store clerk. “The microfiber holds everything up away from the skin, keeps it tight without adding extra heat or moisture.” Bella smirked “We all knew what he meant but Vinny was holding your mom’s hand and he looks up at her and says ‘Grandma does he mean the Family Jewels?’”

My face must have registered my shock before I chuckled because Bella pointed at me “Yeah, that’s the same look your mom had, except she didn’t laugh. But Rose and I were giggling under our breath while Esme told him that he shouldn’t say that. Vinny” Bella paused as she started laughing “looks back up at your mom and says ‘should I say ball sacs?”

Bella burst out laughing making me laugh with her “Your poor mom…she didn’t know what to say. Alice was humiliated and…and the guy was trying to stay professional but he started snickering. Rose and I were laughing so hard…we had to…walk away…and that’s when she peed”

The hysterically laughing continued as she wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand “Oh my god Edward it was so funny. Vinny was so innocent he didn’t know…and poor Rose had to run to the bathroom leaving me there…” Bella’s laughter was dying down “…I guess the baby pushes on her bladder and it must of happened before because she carries pads with her. Pregnancy causes a lot of gross things to happen, sticky yellow stuff leaks from your boobs, your vag turns purple and you become incontinent”

“Your vag turns purple?” I asked with a chuckle while she got a guilty look on her face waving her hand at me in a dismissive manner “Don’t ask”

Bella chuckled once more leaving out a sigh “I guess it was meant to be because while I was alone in that part of the store I found your shirts then went back to where your mom and sister were to get the underwear. I had to buy some, I mean besides them being better for you and little eddie, I really felt bad for the store clerk.”

Ohhhh…that’s why I got new underwear, she not trying to be my grandmother.

Thank God for that

While I had a mental sigh of relief, Bella finished the story “By the time we were done in the store, Rose had returned all fresh, dry and perturbed. So once Alice had the kids in their car seats we stood outside and they all came up with a plan to extract their revenge on Emmett.”

I chuckled once more wondering “And what’s your part in the plot?”

“Not much…” she assured me “…all I have to do is take the kids away before they really lay into him”

That’s it?

If that was all she had to do I wondered “What did my mom tell you to bring down when she called?”

“Oh” Bella went to pick the tote bag up but I took it from her, it wasn’t as heavy as I thought but it still had some weight to it. As we walked back inside Bella explained that mom wanted her to know that the hotel pool only provided small towels and that we should bring down our beach towels.

Everyone was already there waiting for us and saying hello as we entered. I found it strange that the women had formed their sitting circle by the deep end of the pool; usually they stayed down by the shallow end so the kids could have better access. Vinny was already swimming around while Mia was playing with crayons on the floor by her mother.

“It’s about time you two get here; really can’t you give the poor girl some rest?” Emmett made his comment with wagging eyes

The implication of what took us so long was plain yet we ignored him. Placing the bag down along side of the empty lounge chair I assumed was for Bella, I leaned over to kiss my mother’s cheek.

“Hello dear, did you have a good time golfing?” mom asked while patting my stubble free face with a smile. As I told her yes, Rose spoke up to Bella “Come on girl let’s see it”

Unsure what she was talking about I watched as Bella removed the white cover-up she had on, as she gave a little turn Rose let out a cat call whistle and I had to concur that swimming suit was spectacular. Rose however voiced her opinion before I could say anything “I told you that would look amazing on you”

Alice wrinkled her nose “It makes your butt look big”

Bella gasped while Rose giggled as she slapped Alice with the magazine she was reading “It does not!”

“Alice!” mom admonished my sister while Bella laid the beach towel over the lounge chair. I had no idea what that was all about, I did know that Bella’s butt looked fantastic and I wanted her to know that. Stepping behind her I wrapped my arms around her waist resting my chin on her shoulder as I looked at my sister “Alice doesn’t know what she’s talking about…”

“Oh yes I do!” Rose snickered at my sister’s outburst adding “I was on your side but now you’re just being vindictive”

“I don’t care, I’m still mad at her” Alice spoke with indifference as she kept her eyes on the book she was reading.

For the life of me I couldn’t figure out what Bella would have done to earn my sister’s wrath. Besides if there would have been some kind of confrontation Bella would have told me about it, wouldn’t she? Since I wasn’t getting any answers from the girl in my arms I decided to go right to the source. Standing up straight I narrowed my eyes at my sister “Why are you mad at Bella?”

Alice looked up from her book glaring at me “She knows why”

Rose snickered and mom tsked giving an eye roll while Bella took a step away from me groaning in irritation as she sat down “Your sister seems to have an aversion to my shopping practices”

“It was Gucci Bella!” Alice demanded, making me jump as she slammed the book she was reading down on her lap.

Bella leaned back against the lounge chair taking her own book out of the tote bag acting as if she wasn’t paying any attention until she defended herself “If you would have told what it cost, I never would have tried it on. Eight hundred dollars is a ridiculous price.”

By now the other men had joined us along with the attention of a few other people in the pool area, all wondering what the heck had Alice all excited. Vinny said hello to me as my sister sat up spinning to sit on the edge of the chair, just as I high fived my nephew Alice started ranting.

“Bella you don’t understand, tiny little…” Alice held her finger and thumb a half inch apart as she scrunched up her face while pleading her case “…Mulberry worms, with G’s branded on their heads…” her fist came up to her forehead “…toiled for months just to make that silk.”

“Do they actually brand their little heads?” Bella asked in amusement then added with a smirk. “That sounds like cruel and unusual punishment”

My sister didn’t share Bella’s amusement as she became very serious. “Isabella Swan you are either an enigma or you should be placed in a strait jacket because who in their right mind could turn down sixty percent off Gucci?”

Jasper chuckled “Apparently Bella can”

My girl remained quiet while I was doing the math in my head. Sixty percent off of eight hundred would have put the cost of the dress at around three hundred and twenty dollars. It seemed like a lot but not that outrageous, it made me wonder “Was it a nice dress?”

“It was beautiful” Alice said dreamily “A-line, ivory silk that was perfection on Bella”

Glancing back at Bella I wondered if perhaps the problem was that she just didn’t like the garment but was intimidated by Alice’s enthusiasm “You didn’t like the dress?”

“No it was nice…”

“Nice?” Alice interrupted while mom added her thoughts “It was a simple summer silk dress that was very practical and in my opinion timeless in style.”

“It was better than nice” Rose added nodding her head while Bella remained impassive.

I truly didn’t understand what the problem was and albeit my knowledge of women’s shopping habits was next to nothing. I knew that they preferred to hunt in groups, prowling around looking for the perfect object to pounce on. They also seemed to desire the opinion of each other, relying on the other person’s instincts as to whether it was a good purchase to make. If all three women agreed that the dress was something Bella should have bought, even at the slightly higher cost, I couldn’t comprehend why she didn’t. Sitting down on the side of Bella’s chair I placed my hand on her thigh, asking the obvious question “If you liked it and everyone agreed, why not get it?”

Bella’s head tilted ever so slightly as she looked at me in utter disbelief “Because I prefer not to spend almost a whole week’s salary on one signal dress”

“Yeah but with the discount it would have been…”

“Edward…eight hundred dollars was the discounted price”

I was glad that I had sat down because the shock of what Bella had just said would have knocked me over. I was so stunned my math skills had vanished “H…How much was it regular?”

“Two Thousand dollars” my eyes blinked several times as I stared at Bella wondering if I heard her correctly. When I was sure that I had there was something else I wondered.

Silk, ivory, two thousand dollars

“Was it a wedding dress?”

I could hear the others amusement at my obvious ignorance with women’s designer clothing, but all I could focus on was Bella. Was she looking at wedding dresses? Was she thinking about marriage the same as I was?

She however smiled at me shaking her head “No it was just a simple, sleeveless, summer dress”

“Two thousand dollars and it didn’t even have sleeves?”

What the fuck is up with that?

Bella leaned forward to rest her head against my shoulder giggling as she gave into the humor she found at my ignorance. Letting her laugh I was still stunned as I looked around at the faces of my family – who found me just as funny - my eyes fell on Alice “Is that a normal price?”

“For designer? Yes” my sister seemed flabbergasted by my naivety.

Holy shit

“That’s why names don’t mean anything to me” Bella added looking at me in a reassuring manner.

Alice however seemed to take the response personally “I can’t help it, my daddy kept me dressed in designer labels”

“And my daddy kept me dressed in Walmart, thrift stores and garage sales” the humor could still be heard in Bella’s voice. She came from a simple upbringing where she was provided for but not overindulged and she was proud of that.

Alice however looked like she had been slapped “Garage sales? There is no way you are putting clothes you got off someone’s front yard on my niece”

“Would you stop saying that!” All joking was gone as Bella yelled at her, bewildering me yet again as to what was happening.

Alice shrugged it off “I call them as I see them”

“Well see something else!” Bella was up and out of her chair before I could say anything. Mom however must have been privy to what was occurring as she spoke softly yet influentially “Alice, that was uncalled for”

My sister had genuine remorse in her eyes as she followed Bella’s retreating form “If she would just listen”

Only the women seemed to know what was going on as I looked around at the faces of my father and brothers – who looked just as confused as I did. Emmett came to his own conclusion “Did you let one slide Eddie?”

Let what slide?

He laughed at my bewilderment “Is little Bell knocked up?”

As I answered with a confident “No” dad glared at me “You told me this morning…”

“Bella is not pregnant, she can’t …” my brain kicked in before my mouth could finish. This was not their business nor did I think that Bella would appreciate me informing them, at least not at that moment. Before I could get up to follow Bella someone must have made an unspoken request because Alice stood “I’m going, Jaz watch the kids I’ll be right back”

Mom and Rose shared a glance while dad pulled up a chair to sit down between them. The two women acted like nothing had happened as they started discussing a magazine article. Jasper picked up Mia who was clinging to his leg crying because Alice walked away and Vinny asked if he could go back into the pool. Jasper told him to wait until his mother got back but that didn’t sit well with the boy at all. Jasper started to reason with him, explaining why he had to wait when Emmett’s stare caught my attention.

He moved to sit next to me on the lounge chair and I readied myself for his satirical comment. “She can’t, as in she can’t be because she’s on the rag or she can’t, as in ever?”

“Not now Emmett” my answer was enough to tell him.

He sighed deeply “Is it a medical thing? Was she sick, I know that chicken pox will make a man sterile; does that work the same way with a woman? Was she in some kind of accident or is it a defect?”

“Bella is not defective” the last thing I wanted to do was to make it sound like her medical problem was in anyway some kind of a flaw. She already harbored enough guilt and remorse, she didn’t need more.

Emmett kept his voice low “I didn’t say she was and I would kick anyone’s ass that did. What I was talking about was physical deficiencies that could cause infertility. Some things like cyst, blockages or fibroid tumors can medically be taken care of so the chances of conceiving…”

There are times that my brother’s knowledge confounds me. Emmett teaches high school physical education and coaches the football team; he is big, brawny and could be what most would consider a meathead. His loud, fun loving, crude exterior often mask the astute intellect he holds.

How in the hell did he know about female infertility?

The question must have shown on my face as Emmett shrugged “I teach health classes”

Ohhhh

Keeping my eyes on the floor I wanted to reassure him “No it’s nothing like that…”

“So what’s the problem then?”

Our eyes met for a brief moment as I spoke quietly “During her marriage there was some damage…”

Emmett’s eyes narrowed in true rage at the implications of what I was saying as he seethed under his breath. “That son-of-bitch! What did he do to her?”

Staring into the dark blueness of my brother’s eyes I was tempted to tell him, however the better part of honor came through, I couldn’t betray Bella’s trust simply to appease my brother’s interest or to ease my own internal struggle. Looking around at the faces of my family I tried to make it appear that it was their presence keeping me from spilling my guts.

Emmett got a rueful expression on his face “It was bad, wasn’t it? Like she’s lucky to be alive, kind of bad?”

“Yeah” it was all I said before standing up “I’m going to go check on her”

Bella had walked off towards the direction of the bathrooms and just as I had gotten into the little corridor Alice came out of the ladies room. “Is Bella alright?”

“She’s a big girl Edward; don’t worry so much, you’ll get gray hair”

“Concern is different than worry Alice” I assured her.

“Doesn’t matter, results in the same grey hair” She started to walk back over to the rest of the family but abruptly turned back to face me with a shrewd grin. Taking a step closer to me Alice brought her face to within a few inches of mine “By the way I have one word for you” her voice lowered to a hushed whisper “Sapphires”

My brows narrowed at her as I wondered what the heck she was talking about. Alice rolled her eyes bringing her left hand up cup my face while she tapped her ring finger against my cheek and repeated slightly louder “Sapphires”

Much like Emmett surprises me with his knowledge base Alice often does the same thing with her insight. It is not that she is psychic or can see the future she just has this uncanny ability of knowing things. She always called it intuition and I will admit when we were kids it would freak me out. As we grew to teenagers it became a backup system to not get into trouble. If someone was having a party and Alice said not to go, we stayed away. She never said what exactly was going to happen but it was enough of a warning to heed and we were usually glad that we did.

There was no reason for me to ask Alice how she knew, she wouldn’t tell me anyway or worse, it would be something simple like she overheard a conversation between our parents. If that was the case it would totally ruin the mystic she had going on. Instead I smiled at her repeating the word ‘Sapphires’ to let my sister know I had gotten the message.

“Do you want me to come with you?”

Shaking my head at her hopeful expression I told her “No”

Picking out a ring for Bella was something I wanted to do on my own. Besides it wasn’t going to be any run of the mill engagement diamond that could be found in hundreds of jewelry shops. I wanted something special that would symbolize my love for her along with our relationship. Demettri would be all the help I needed and I was positive that together we would come up with the perfect ring. The only thing I would have to worry about was finding the precise opportunity so that Bella would say yes.

The bathroom door opened as Alice stepped away from me to look over at Bella “Hurry up because I won’t be able to keep Vinny out of the water.”

Bella nodded and I could only surmise that Alice was referring to whatever they had in store for Emmett. My mind couldn’t totally comprehend because one look at Bella told me that she had been crying. Not very much but her eyes were excessively glassy, with a slight trace of pink around the edges.

Before Alice could completely leave the corridor I had Bella in my arms holding her tightly to me as I kissed the top of her head. “Are you going to tell me what that was about?”

Tilting her head back Bella looked up into my face “Not right now, later”

At her assurance that the discussion would take place I decided to finagle more information out of her. Running my hand down her side I palmed her bottom pulling her tightly against me as I asked “Can it be at the same time as when you tell me why you called my Aunt?”

The conversation that took place between the two of them would be documented in Bella’s journal and I could have waited to read it but I really wanted her to tell me about too. Bella smirked with a slight twinkle in her eye “I’ll have you know Jane called me, but since it concerns you too, then yes I suppose I’ll have to tell you all about it.”

“Is that so?” I asked with a grin, spinning us so that Bella’s back was against the wall and rubbing my check along her jawline while speaking quietly against her ear “You suppose? I seem to remember that was a major condition”

“Con…dition?” Bella whimpered as I placed a line a kisses down her neck.

“Mmm…yes” the word came out in a hiss against her throat as I let my nose skim up the other side of her neck “full disclosure, remember?” Bella’s hands came up around my neck gripping the back of my hair as I ground my dick into her thigh while speaking quietly against her ear “I would hate to think of my girl as being intentionally deceptive. Are you being naughty Isabella?” at the sound of her name she whimpered.

Pulling back I looked into her face waiting for her eyes to open. As they fluttered to life I stared into the deep brown for a long moment before asking “Do you need a spanking?”

Biting down on her lip she shifted her hips around looking for friction, finding none she let out a small sigh. Lowering her chin she looked up at me innocently through her lashes “Not like the last one”

She was referring to the maintenance spanking I had given to her in the motel room after the run in with James. Even though it had left her ass tender for a rather long time it had been a necessary evil that served its purpose however I had sensual spanking in mind. Shaking my head I agreed with her “Not at all like the last one”

I totally was not expecting the shift in Bella’s body as she attacked my lips with hers or the way she wrapped her leg around mine to grind her hip against my dick. The low groan left my throat just as the excited voice of my nephew came from behind me. “Uncle Eddie, come see my trick!”

Bella’s hands released the hold she had on my hair as the rest of her body straightened while Vinny uttered his disgust at finding us in such a precarious position “Ewwww…”

Taking an experimental step away from Bella I wasn’t sure how much I would be able to walk with the massive hard-on I was sporting. After a deep breath I grinned as Bella giggled at the knowledge of my rather large problem before throwing some interference with the insistent five year old that was pulling on my wrist.

“Come on Vinny, let Uncle Eddie use the bathroom and then he’ll watch” reaching out she took one of Vinny’s hands making him release the hold on me. Standing there still rather dazed I watched as the two of them started to walk away. Just as they were ready to turn the corner Bella glanced over her shoulder giving me a smart-ass smirk “Don’t take too long with little eddie”

At the sound of her giggle my face dropped.

Oh, she is going to pay for that

Standing there in the hallway with my mouth gaping open I heard the door to the ladies room open a second before someone’s hand touched the back of my arm “She just left you hanging? I can take care of you”

“Excuse me?” I had to blink a few times before I realized that Jackie…Jennifer…Jenna, whatever the fuck her name is, was actually talking to me.

“You looked all cozy with that girl, and she left you standing here like that…” she glanced down at my crouch “…I’m very good and it wouldn’t take long…”

My brain finally kicked in and I realized what she was suggesting. I have to say that just the thought of her anywhere near my dick was the quickest hard-on repellant I had ever seen. Pulling my arm away from her hand I stepped away as my eyes narrowed, “What’s your name again?”

Not that I cared one way or another, I just wanted to make it clear that she was of so little interest to me that I didn’t even remember her name.

“Gina”

I didn’t even have the right letter

That thought made me smile which was probably a bad thing as Gina got the wrong idea and stepped closer to me. I needed to set her straight. “I’m sure you can hoover like a pro but I have absolutely no need of your services”

The last thing I wanted to do was show even the slightest bit of interest, so before she could say anything I high-tailed it out of there to join my family. As I came around the corner Rose leaned over to say something to Bella who was sitting on long part of the lounge chair with her feet on the floor. Looking up at me she smiled for a second before shifting her eyes to whom I assumed was Gina following behind me. In an instant the smile that had been on her face was replaced with fury as the two women whispered something to each other. Whatever they were saying had gotten the attention of my mother who gave me a hostile look before letting her eyes roam away from me to the other side of the room.

As I approached Bella shook her head at whatever my mother had said then watched me as I sat down on the floor in front of her. Leaning my back against the lounge chair I stretched my legs out crossing my ankles. Bella cupped my face with her palms, tilting my head back and forming a screen of hair as she looked down at me. She spoke quietly yet still loud enough for the others to hear “I see you made a new friend”

Leaning my head back onto her thigh my hands skimmed up her smooth legs until they reached the back of knees, lifting them over my shoulders I looked into her eyes hoping that the repulsion I felt from the encounter with Gina showed on my face “She’s no friend of mine”

Bella regarded my expression for a long moment before shaking her head with a smirk. “You’re just too dazzling for your own good. I’m going to have to keep my eye on you”

Bringing my hands up around the back of her neck I pulled her face a little closer to mine as I assured her “You don’t have to worry about me nâhtötse. I know where my bread is buttered”

She giggled “Don’t you mean your bread stick?”

“No. I mean the whole damn thing. All of me, only needs you”

Bella brought her lips to mine whispering an ‘I love you’ before she kissed me. It wasn’t a quick peck but we also knew that there were lots of people around so we kept it respectable however it would have been very easy to get carried away. My body was still kind of feeling the effects of our little encounter by the bathroom and even though Gina had disrupted my mood, being with Bella brought it right back. As she pulled back my hand swept through her hair, gathering it to one side of her face. Looking up into her eyes they were dark and glassy while her face was flushed with a pink hue.

My girl wanted me

Knowing that it was going to have to wait I smiled up at her “Upside down kisses. We’ll have to try them later”

“Mmmm…yes we will and maybe some other upside down things as well”

I think a small growl left my throat at the thought of what Bella was suggesting and I would have liked to take the conversation a little further, like all the way up to our room further, however the throat clearing reminded me once again where we were. Bella placed another kiss on my lips as she assured me with a whisper “later”

“Yo…are you done making out?” Of all people Jasper was the last one who I would have thought to say anything. Bella sat back up attempting to remove her legs from my shoulders but I held on to her ankles keeping her right where she was while defending our actions. “We were having a discussion”

“Is it a discussion anyone can join?” before I could come up with an answer Bella blurted out “I didn’t know you were into that Jasper”

The smile on his face turned into a blush at Bella’s words as he shook his head “Touché, sweet Bella”

“Oh she is not that sweet” I assured him with a laugh as Bella chimed in “Yes I am! I’m very sweet and you know it”

“I have never known Bella be anything but gracious” Dad added with a wink in her direction.

I rolled my eyes at dad while rubbing my thumb against Bella’s ankle “Oh yeah gracious and yet still buh-SAY digetsinatlai wisatsu”

Bella gasped at my calling her my naughty slave girl while I laughed and dad shook his head “I don’t even want to know what that means” and mom admonished me “Edward you shouldn’t say stuff like that”

“What did I say?” I asked with a chuckle. Mom had no clue but must have figured from Bella’s reaction it wasn’t sweets words of love. Looking up at my girl her face was bright red I wanted to see the love in her eyes. “She’s also uwohiyuhi, uwoduhi, and akuatseli”

The smile lite up her face at me calling her devoted, beautiful and mine, earning me a kiss from Bella and praise from my mother “That’s much nicer Edward”

“You don’t even know what I said” mom glared at me “I don’t have to know I can tell by Bella’s reaction”

Smirking I asked my mother “Are you sure you don’t want to know what I said the first time?”

The resounding no from both my parents was underscored by Emmett’s – who had been unusually quiet – “Hell yes”

Winking at my brother I assured him that I would tell him later as dad called over to Alice “Are we going to see a trick or not?”

“Yes, I need to get tape, I thought I brought it down but”

Bella spoke up “I have band-aides Alice”

“Oh that’ll work”

Bella gave me a triumphant smile as she moved to retrieve the band-aides from the bag she had packed with almost every necessity you could imagine. We had a major discussion the day before about the need for all that stuff, it had gotten to the point where I was questioning her on every item and she became so frustrated that I was sent to the car. With the usefulness of the band-aides coming into play she was feeling rather smug.

“That doesn’t count” I told her as she moved to her legs off my shoulders to stand.

“Yes it does” she countered turning her upper body to look at me as I pushed myself off the floor to sit on the chair she had just vacated.

“No it doesn’t, no one is bleeding, there is no big gapping wounds that needed to be covered”

Bella shook the band-aides at me “Did I have to take them out of the bag because someone asked to use them?”

Sighing I raised my hands in defeat while Bella just had to rub it in “Say it, come on tell me what I want to hear”

When she packed the bag I had questioned her on the necessity of all the stuff she was putting in there and before sending me to the car she said that I would eat my words. That the things in there would be needed and then I would have to say that she was right. Thanks to Alice I not only had to do that but I was also sure that for the rest of my life I would have to remain quiet whenever she packs one of those bags.

Thank you very much Alice.

If I had to do it I was going to ham it up, dropping to my knees with my hands in a praying position I looked up at Bella reverently “oh wise and wondrous woman, you were so insightful at your forethought to bring band-aides”

She giggled through the whole thing then bent down to give me a kiss “You’re a nut”

“Just doing it right nâhtötse” getting to my feet I realized that every member of my family was staring at me but it was Emmett who laughed.

While Bella went to give Alice the box, Rose stood from her chair to make her way back to the bathrooms. As she departed Emmett sat down in her spot, stretching his legs out as he leaned back with his hands clasped behind his head looked at me and laughed again.

I didn’t care, shrugging I sat down in Bella’s chair waiting for the comment to come, it didn’t take long “damn dude you are wrapped. We might as well cover you with lettuce and smother you in Ranch dressing.”

He could think I was wrapped around Bella’s finger all he wanted to. I was happy and more important my girl was happy too.

“Speaking of which, mom, are we doing anything for dinner?” While Emmett’s focus was changes I glanced over at Jasper who was staring at me.

As our eyes met he smiled giving me nod which I could only take as some kind of approval. I guess our talk at the golf course must have had some kind of an effect on my brother-in-law. It’s not that I was expecting an instant change I just didn’t want there to be any point of contention between us and I certainly didn’t want it cause Bella any distress. Time would be the telling factor in that equation, Jasper needed to see how Bella truly is not his mental picture of an abused woman. I thought about Bella’s volunteering to help with the kid’s party, which might be a good thing. It would give Jasper time to get to know her when I’m not around; then he can see for himself what kind of woman Bella really is. .

“Your father said something about a Steak House” mom answered sitting back down after re-filling her cup from the pitchers of ice water on the table behind us while Jasper pulled up a chair next to dad asking. “The one we passed this morning?”

Mom had sat back down in her chair and while they talked about the plans for dinner my attention went to Bella. She had taken Mia from Alice so that my sister could make some kind of cone out of pages from a magazine while Rose was using the band-aides as tape to secure it together. Once that was done Bella came back over with Mia perched on her hip, as she passed Jasper to get a cup of water her held out his hands “I’ll take her Bella”

Mia laid her little head on Bella’s shoulder while she continued sucking her thumb as she clutched her slightly greying blanket to her chest. Bella shook her head assuring him that she was alright and after pouring herself a cup of water sat down next to me with Mia on her lap.

“Hi Mia” smiling at my niece she smiled back shyly burying her face in the valley between Bella’s breast.

Oh if only I were two again, I would live in that spot.

Bella was digging around for something in the tote bag and once she found it, she slipped her hand under Mia’s head to tuck it inside the top of her bathing suit. I wanted to ask what it was but she stretched her legs out hooking her toes on the edge of the Emmett’s chair. As he looked down at her feet he started laughing “I can’t believe your wearing those things”

Bella regarded him for a second before looking at the rings on her toes, that she started to wiggle “Why wouldn’t I? They’re pretty, aren’t my toes pretty Mia?”

Nodding her head Mia pointed to Bella’s feet “you got wrings”

“I know, Uncle Eddie gave them to me” Mia looked at me for a brief moment as Emmett laughed “Did Uncle Moneybags tell you how much he spent on them?”

“No, why would I ask that? Besides it’s the thought that counts, and I love them” Bella gave me a smile as my brother laughed some more “Oh you are going to really love them when your toes turn green. I hope he spends more than twenty dollars on the next ring he buys you”

Shut the fuck up Emmett

From the corner of my eye I could see Bella openly regarding Emmett expression along with the comment he made. I wanted to say something to change the subject and was very glad when Vinny announced that he was ready to start. “Ok, watch what I can do”

Mom, dad and Jasper who had been listening to our little exchange with intense interest, all turned their seats around to face the pool. We all watched with undivided attention as Vinny took the cone the women had made and stuck it inside the waist band of his board shorts. Standing with his hand clasped behind his back he tilted his head back while Alice placed a quarter on his forehead. Vinny moved his head slowly at first, then quickly jerked his neck so the quarter fell forward landing in the cone.

Vinny was proud as a peacock as we all clapped because that’s what you are supposed to do – positive reinforcement and all that shit. Dad encouraged him to do it again, and I’ll be damn if the quarter didn’t land in the cone. Dad got up to try it and after four times of failing decided it was harder than it looked. After Jasper tried and also failed they all figured it must be a kid thing. Rose went next, getting the quarter inside the cone on her second try.

“That doesn’t count her belly sticks out” reminding his wife that her stomach was indeed growing was not a very smart move on Emmett’s part. Rose glared daggers at him to the point where he almost became speechless as he stammered out an apology.

“B.baby, I..I didn’t mean it like that. Y..you know the little guy in there, he’s just helping you, that’s all. I didn’t mean you were fat” I had to admit he wasn’t helping himself at all. Rose continued to glare as we all snickered while he persistent in trying to make the original point “The baby’s in there and this is a kid thing, so he was helping you. That’s all I meant.”

Rose gave him an understanding nod as he finagled his way out of the situation, letting out a sigh as Alice told Bella to try. Reluctantly she handed Mia to me while going over to take a turn. Giving Rose the red plastic cup with her ice water in Bella put the cone –that was starting to loose it’s shape – in place. Once she was in the correct position, Alice placed the coin on her head and Vinny talked her through the process. As her head snapped forward the quarter dropped into the cone. Vinny clapped giving her a high five as Bella smiled victoriously.

“See not a kid thing, it just takes skill”

“Skill?” Emmett questioned standing to his feet “Let me at it, I’ll show you skill”

Bella came back over to me taking Mia from my lap as the girls gave Emmett a new cone. Rose was still holding Bella’s cup as she stood on her tip toes to put the quarter on Emmett’s head. As he stood there with his head tipped backwards he kept asking Vinny for more directions. While they were discussing strategy Bella moved to Vinny’s side, taking a hold of his hand as the girls started to bait Emmett.

“Come on already, show us your skill” Alice chided while Rose became more impatient “On the count of three”

“One…two...three” As she said three both of them poured the contents of their cups into the cone.

Emmett scream like a bitch as the water with chucks of ice hit his junk forming a puddle at his feet. Before he had a chance to react Rose and Alice pushed on his shoulders making him fall into the pool while we all laughed.

Bella giggled as she quickly spoke to a stunned Vinny “Come on let’s go get a Popsicle”

My girl was doing her job

Never one to turn down a treat Vinny accepted, as they walked out of the pool area Emmett broke through the water sputtering “What the hell!”

“I’ll what the hell you!” Alice was leaning over the water with her hands on her hips “Do you know what my son said today?”

Emmett was still in shock but didn’t look over at any of us who were still laughing. Alice proceeded to tell him the ball sac story then added “It’s embarrassing enough when your child says something they come up with on their own. But when he says something that a five year old shouldn’t know, it’s worse. Now if you don’t stop teaching him all those expressions, I’m not going to let you play with him anymore.”

“You froze my nuts off because Vin-man said ball sacs?” he was still bewildered

“I mean it Emmett! You wait until you have a kid and see how embarrassing it is.”

“Alright…alright, I’ll talk to him” Emmett admitted defeat as he pulled himself out of the pool taking the towel Rose was offering.

“This whole damn thing was a setup” he commented while drying himself off as we all continued to find it humorous.

“Mom? You too?” he sounded hurt while mom got apologetic “I’m sorry dear you needed to be taught a lesson”

“My own mother” he muttered pulling up another chair to sit in “damn diabolical women” he looked around the group “where is the little voice box?”

“Bella took them to get a Popsicle”

“She was in on it too? I should have known with the skill thing” Rose laughed along with Alice

“We knew that one would get you” Emmett shook his head at his wife glancing over at mom remorseful “I can’t believe you turned my own mother against me”

“Now you know how I felt, jerk” I said nudging his leg with my foot

“That was different, it was spare of the moment and mom was acting for the good of the team”

“And now I was acting for the good of my grandchildren. You can’t say stuff like that around children Emmett; he’s just a little boy. Children imitate what they see and hear, especially when it comes from someone they love and admire, they want to imitate that person. The world we live in, with TV, internet and music videos, makes it hard enough for parents to help their children retain some innocence. Vinny will learn enough dirty talk ridding on the school bus, he doesn’t need to hear it from you. Nurturing a child to be a respectful requires that you are always aware of your actions and words. Your father and I never went around cursing or using derogatory slang, because it wasn’t acceptable to us for our children to talk that way. And it won’t be acceptable for your child either, so the quicker you learn to watch your mouth the easier it will be.”

“I didn’t mean to…” Emmett stated to justify himself but mom stopped him “I know you didn’t, and you might think that because it’s not full out curse words that it is acceptable. It’s not and you are doing that child a great disservice as well as undermining Japer and Alice’s authority.” Mom gave him a piercing look “That cannot continue to happen, do you understand?”

I think I just discovered where my Dom tendencies came from.

Emmett nodded in agreement knowing that mom was right. Alice was mad as she condemned Emmett’s frequent usage of colorful language and I wasn’t so sure that he had taken her seriously. Mom was more insistent in her explanation making sure that he understood the ramifications of what he was doing. Truly it’s not like he taught Vinny to go around calling women bitches or saying motherfucker when he was angry yet it still was inappropriate language for a five year old or any child for that matter.

A few minutes later Bella returned with children Mia had a blue freeze pop with a napkin wrapped around the plastic to protect her hands from the cold while Vinny was sporting a red mouth from the half eaten popsicle.
Bella once again declined giving Mia back to her parents saying that she was already all sticky so she would just keep her until she was done and then wash her off.

Vinny was more concerned with Emmett “They got you all wet then pushed you in the pool”

“I know, that’s because your mom was mad at me” I wasn’t so sure that was a good thing to say. I could just see Vinny getting mad at his little sister and thinking that it was alright to push her, but Emmett seemed to have it covered. “But pushing someone is wrong and you’re not going to do that right?”

Shaking his head in contradiction to his words Vinny answered with a resounding “Right”

“That’s good” Emmett continued “Just because someone else does something wrong doesn’t mean you can do it too, or say things. There are something’s that I shouldn’t say and it’s bad of me to do that but just because you hear and know what they are doesn’t mean that you should say them”

Vinny looked kind of confused as Emmett seemed to be trying to make sense of what he was talking about “Like say you’re in school and you are sitting next to an ugly girl…”

“Emmett!” Alice interjected while I snickered under my breath and Emmett blew her off “I got this”

Giving his attention back to Vinny he went on “So the girl has glasses and funny teeth…”

“Oh my word” Bella muttered under her breath but I really wanted to see where the conversation was going “…you wouldn’t call her four-eyes or beaver-teeth, because that would be mean and hurt her feelings. See what I’m saying?”

The look of uncertainty still clouded our nephew’s face making Emmett reach deeper “What I mean is, just because you know the words doesn’t mean it’s all right to say them. Like today when you said ball sacs. That wasn’t good dude…”

Vinny looked like Emmett had just told him his puppy died. His hands dropped along with his face as he started to cry “But I didn’t say nooky”

There was a collective gasp as Emmett was momentarily speechless before he looked at our sister - who had the widest eyes I have ever seen - and pointed a finger in our direction “It was Bella”

Chapter 71

EPOV

The phone vibrating against the wood brought me fully awake. Up until that moment I was drifting in a half-sleep state, conscious of my surroundings yet unwilling to completely rouse. My body was wrapped around Bella’s so tightly that with every breath she took I could feel the expansion of her back against my chest. Our legs were entwined with her wrapped in my arms as we lay spooning one another.

Turning my upper body I reached to get the phone, my movement disturbed Bella and as I hit the answer button she twisted slightly reaching out towards me while making a soft whimper, “Edwa…”

“Hold on a second dad,” the sleep in my hushed voice coming through.

Taking a hold of the arm that Bella was reaching out to me with I tucked it back under the blanket, giving her a feeling of security while whispering in her ear, “Shhh…sleep my love….sleep.” At my words her body relaxed while I gently slid my other arm out from underneath her head and moved to sit on the edge of the bed to talk with my father.

“What’s up dad?” my eyes went to the clock and I wondered why he would be calling at seven-o-two in the morning.

“Sorry if I woke you Edward, but I was hoping to be able to talk with you for a few minutes before your brothers arrived.”

Oh, this wasn’t going to be good

“Would it be alright if I came down?” Dad asked yet I knew there was no denying him.

“Ahhh...” my hand ran over the top of my head letting the hair flow through my fingers until it reached the back of my neck where I vigorously rubbed in an attempt to rid myself of the sleep that was still on my brain. My eyes shifted back to clock making sure that I hadn’t misread the time as I answered, “Yeah give me ten minutes to shower.”

“I’ll bring you a coffee.”

A coffee, he better bring the damn shop
I didn’t know what was so important that dad felt the need to come here so early. I had an idea that it had to do with what he saw on the balcony the day before. Even though we had spent the whole previous night together and there were times when dad and I were alone, the subject never came up. Then again, perhaps he was right and it would be better to talk one-on-one where there was no chance of being disturbed. I didn’t have time to ponder what he wanted and there was no reason to speculate, he would make his purpose known very soon.

Bella whimpered and shifted around on the pillow when I moved away from the bed. It was as if her body was responding to my absence and in a sick sort of co-dependency - that thought made me happy. However, we were up late the night before and the women had a long day of shopping planned so I wanted Bella to sleep as long as possible.

Leaning over her sleeping form, I tuck the blankets tightly around her body and placed my pillows behind her back in hopes that she would stay asleep. Once she seemed to have settled I went to start my morning routine. We still had not had a chance to make use of the massive shower for anything other than cleaning our bodies. That would change, but for the time being I let the water wash over my skin as my mind went through the memories of the previous evening.

After calling about the floating fairy Bella and I had changed to meet with everyone for dinner. The hotel had a small pavilion area with a fire pit off to the side that was surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Mom had ordered pizza, salads and even brownies for desert. After eating we sat around the fire toasting marshmallows, drinking beer and talking.

Emmett was still gloating over winning the whiffleball game and no matter how many times Jasper or dad asked exactly what Bella had done I wasn’t telling. Alice however laughed the hardest, “Oh my god Edward, you should have seen your face,” she snickered. “I thought you were going to have heart attack!”

Emmett laughed along with our sister, “The best part was when he kind of swayed…” he drew out the word while moving his shoulders in an exaggerated motion. “I knew that was the moment to strike.”

“Yeah, yeah…I think it’s pretty bad that you turned my own mother and the woman I love against me, just to win a silly game.”

Jasper was slightly more despondent, “You all cheated and worse than that you taught my son to cheat.”

“There was no cheating,” mom insisted. “It was a simple distraction that worked in our favor. I’ve seen it happen hundreds of times on TV.”

“You’ve seen somebody…” my voiced raised several octaves as my eyes went to Bella who was quietly sitting on the edge of her chair helping Mia toast a marshmallow. The glow of the fire enhancing the chagrin on her face as her eyes shifted over to mine. I grinned thinking back to what my family had put her up to, and even though it was a dirty trick there was no way I could tell exactly what she had done. Instead I placated my family.

“I’ve witnessed a lot of games in my life and never have I seen anything like that on TV,” I was absolutely positive that there was no woman off to the side making sexually suggestive motions with the sole intent of sending the opposing team into a turmoil. I was also pretty damn sure that was against the rules.

“What are you talking about Edward? Isn’t one of the functions of a catcher to distract the hitter?” Nodding at mom’s question I had to admit that was one of his duties. “yeah but…”

“But nothing,” Mom was sure of her stance. “It’s the same concept.”

“What?” dad, Jasper and I all said in unison as they tried to cram us with the crap they were spewing at us.

“Yeah little brother just face facts, you were out played.” At Emmett’s statement Bella glanced over at with the warmest blush coloring her cheeks mouthing, “I’m sorry.”

Oh, she was going to be sorry alright.

“I say we get a re-match and next time, I’m keeping my eye on her,” Jasper pointed to Bella who was still attempting to act innocent. “Any funny business and you guys forfeit.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Emmett sat back causally in his chair tipping back the bottle of beer, “you can beat us all you want, but in the back of your mind you’ll always know that today, you got whooped. Right Team?”

Emmett was trying to use that psychological coaching bull-shit on us and it was working, at least for the people on his team because everyone except Bella agreed with a hearty, “Yes!” The talk then went to the suggestion of gold leafing the whiffle ball and using it as a trophy that the winning team could keep from year to year. I sat forward taking Bella’s hand, licking the melted marshmallow off smiling as she giggled. They could do whatever the fuck they wanted but there were two things I knew for sure. First, from that moment on Bella was always going to be on my team. Second, when we got back to the room I was going to tease the shit out of her.

That’s exactly what I did.

We stayed outside until well after midnight, mom and dad had taken Mia and Vinny to bed amongst protest from my nephew. He wanted to stay up and he kept grumbling about having to go shopping with the women. He tried his hardest to come golfing with us but it was no use, he just wasn’t old enough. His last and final try had to do with going to the bathroom; he found it unnerving that he had to use the ladies room.

“But I got Gahonies,” he whined making us all snicker.

Alice didn’t find her son at all funny and glared at Emmett who she was sure had taught him that word while explaining. “You have little gahonies and you can’t go into the men’s room by yourself because I can’t go in there and help you.”

“But I don’t need any help! It all comes out and I can flush by myself.”

“Stand outside the door Alice and let him use the men’s room.” Jasper was given a death glare that had me cringing.

“Yeah, he can reach the wall Johnny. The little guy might have to stand on his toes and stretch the monster out but he’ll be fine,” Emmett was met with four women staring at him disbelievingly while he just shrugged it off “What?”

“We’ll see,” Alice mollified her son, but I was pretty sure that Vinny would still be marking his territory in the ladies room.

Poor little guy

With the kids gone Bella had moved to sit with me. She sat between my open legs leaning back against my chest. We sat laughing and talking, a few other guests had come to join us including a couple who were on their honeymoon. It seemed to me a strange place to come for such an event and I found myself wondering where Bella and I would go. She wanted to go to Egypt and Rome, those would be great places to see and I knew she would enjoy them. I however, would prefer something more personal and private. The idea started to formulate in my mind, and when the time came I would speak to Aro.

Once we were alone in the room I exacted my revenge on Bella, teasing her body with my hands and mouth over and over again until she was practically crying as she begged me to make her cum. When I finally gave in and allowed her the release she sought, Bella screamed loudly as her body shook while she spoke incoherently. All I could do was watch in fascination as her raw essence took over making her the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. It was the second time on our trip that I had wished I brought the video camera. Because although the memory was etched in my mind, I would love to show Bella how spectacular she truly is.

After a few seconds of recovery time Bella pushed me down on the bed, straddled my thighs and rode me. She tried to go slow with small smooth movements but I wasn’t having that. With my hands on her hips I guided her motions to meet my upward thrust until we both came and fell into an exhausted sated sleep. That was where we stayed until my father’s wakeup call disturbed any chance of a morning replay.

Stepping out of the shower with the towel around my waist, I wiped the foggy moisture from the mirror to finish my grooming. While I shaved, soft sounds of Bella’s sleep murmurings came through the door that led into the bedroom. She wasn’t saying anything tangible, just muttering, but it told me that she was still sound asleep and I hoped she would remain that way. If dad wanted to talk about what he saw, I didn’t want Bella to overhear and feel any sort of embarrassment from it.

I dressed as quietly as I could, opting for khaki shorts and a white polo shirt, taking my sneakers with me to put on in the other room. Just as I walked out of the bedroom dad knocked softly on the door.

Perfect timing

He said a standard good morning as he entered handing me cup of coffee with a black plastic lid on it. Dad followed me into the small kitchen area, where we made small talk while I proceeded to make a pot of coffee, Bella would want some and I could refill the cup before I left. Taking a look at the bedroom door it was still open a few inches and I didn’t want to disturb Bella so I suggested that we move to the balcony. Dad sat down taking a sip of his coffee while I stretched my legs letting my toes touch the rod iron railing while taking the lid off my cup. I didn’t mind drinking from a paper cup, but unless absolutely necessary I hated the way the liquid flowed through that little hole. After taking a large gulp the curiosity of what dad wanted got the better of me and I needed to know, “What’s up dad?”

He sighed, “Edward you know your mother and I try not to get involved in your business but I just can’t sit back watching and wondering anymore. It’s your mother’s request that I stay out of it, let you make your own decisions and she’s right to a point. You’re a grown man, who can do what you want within the letter of the law. Normally I would let you be, but I see you moving forward with your relationship with Bella and it just makes me wonder what you’re doing.”

What I’m doing?

I didn’t know what he wanted me to say, the vagueness of his question left a lot of room for interpretation. Did he want to know what my intentions with Bella were? Was he questioning if she was my submissive and where that relationship was going? Did he not approve of our involvement or did he think that we were moving too fast?

I hadn’t mentioned to either of my parents or really anyone from my family that I was contemplating marriage, so I didn’t think that was a problem. Besides, if I wasn’t mistaken dad was in on that little bet they all had going on for when I would be proposing.

Maybe he had a later date picked out

That thought almost made me smile but my mind just kept coming up with more possibilities of what dad was referring to. It was better to take the safe route in giving an answer. “I’m not doing anything dad.”

“I know Edward, that’s the problem, you haven’t done anything.”

Looking into my father’s icy blue stare, the seriousness of his reply showed in the small wrinkles around his eyes. Deciding that he really wanted an answer, I told him what my plans were. “I’m going to the jeweler when we get back for the ring.”

That answer seemed to surprise him for a second and then he smiled, “Well, that’s nice to know son. Bella is a lovely girl however given that you’ve only know each other a short time I would recommend at least a six month engagement. I know that you have…sown your wild oats but from what I can tell Bella hasn’t been in very many relationships.” He contemplated his words before adding, “Then again that could a good thing, because who wants a wife who has…been around the block?”

All I could do was stare at my father who narrowed his eyes at me, “Is that the hesitation with your future? I’ll admit it is more difficult with a wife but since children aren’t in the picture yet…” again he stopped to consider his statement then asked, “Are they?”

“Are you asking me if we have to get married?” My eyes narrowed while dads became wider as he asked pointedly, “Do you?”

I smiled at him, “No, I assure you that my decision is based only on wanting to spend the rest of my life with the woman I love.”

At my words dad relaxed while taking a drink from his cup, “Good, then back to my original statement, having a wife is an added worry but it shouldn’t discount your work.”

The more he talked the more confused I became, “Dad what are we talking about?”

“The residency program Edward,” He said as if it should have been obvious.

Oh

Internally I groaned as dad went on, “I told you that your letter of intent needed to be in by the middle of June, as of last week it still hadn’t arrived…”

“Dad, I’m not sending in a letter.”

“Edward, your whole life you talked about being a doctor. You’re mother and I sent you to school at a great cost for the pre-med program not to mention the first two years of med school at UW…”

They did do that, and I was grateful; however, I didn’t want that thrown in my face and I became slightly indignant. “Do you want the money back?”

My father looked like I had just wounded him, “Don’t be ridiculous. Your mother and I consider it an honor to pay for your education. I’m just trying to understand why you would throw it away.”

“I didn’t throw it away,” I countered. “I just decided to use it in a different direction.” He didn’t seem happy with that answer and I wondered, “Are you saying that being an educator is a worthless career? Because that’s all Emmett ever wanted to be and he was encouraged every step of the way.”

“Yes your right about Emmett that has always been what he wanted out of life. And of course being and educator is a very essential and worthy occupation. However you always wanted more for yourself. I worry that in ten years’ time you will look back on your life and be sorry that you didn’t proceed with your dream simply because it was too demanding.”

I laughed dryly and for some reason looked down at the palm of my hand letting the words that Bella had said come to my mind. Tracing the fate line I showed it to my father, “See this line?”
Dad looked at me like I had lost my mind but I continued, “That’s my fate line and right here this little piece breaks off into nothing.”

He was watching me trace the line on my hand with apt consideration before meeting my eyes, “That was the point where I decided not to continue with medicine. You’re afraid that in ten years I’ll be remorseful about not pursuing the profession because I didn’t want to deal with the challenges. My fear isn’t the hard work dad; it’s the regret I would feel being stuck in a profession that makes me miserable.”

My father believed in what he did and I certainly didn’t want to make it seem like I didn’t respect him. After all, there have been seven generations of Cullen’s who have been doctors, all amassing a great fortune that has been passed down to me. I’m grateful for that and maybe if times wouldn’t be what they are, my love of medicine would have carried me to that point. As it was, my opinion of the modern medical establishment was at best distorted. I knew that dad wanted to know my reasons – other than because the line on my hand says so – but I didn’t want to get into the same arguments with him. I had explained most of my reasoning shortly after I decided not to reapply for the residency program.

At that time I rationalized my points about how the establishment has forgotten the care of the individual to make room for what I consider to be socialized medicine. The insurance and drug companies have more to do with patient care then the physician who is treating them. I saw very quickly how persons other than the patient and their doctor call the shots with what is happening in the care of the individual. How certain treatments or pharmaceuticals are denied because they are not cost effective. It’s become a system of bartering for time and resources; we have exchanged quality of care for quantity, all in the name of making money for big businesses.

There was a part of my decision that had to do with fear; I didn’t want to be the one to look into the eyes of a child’s mother and tell her there is nothing we can do to save them. The other part had to do with integrity; I wasn’t going to be the one who gave false hope by having the mother give over her child to be used as a Guiney pig for some experimental process. Humans, especially children, deserved more dignity than that.

If I had at that moment said all that to my father, he would (as he had before) called me naïve, when in fact I considered myself a realist. I saw how things were and I wanted no part of it, I also didn’t want to rehash all the same arguments, so I remained quiet.

Realizing I wasn’t going to actually voice my reasons again, dad surmised that we were at an impasse. “There is no way you would change your mind and go back?”

“No. I’m content with what I’m doing and all the reasons I gave you before still stand,” I tried to lighten up the conversation. “Besides my hours are better.”

Dad smiled disheartened, and I knew that was not the answer he was hoping for. “If that’s your final answer then I won’t continue to badger you on the subject.”

I appreciated that, even though I knew he didn’t fully agree with my decision he was going to let me live my life as I wanted to and I respected him immensely for that. Dad followed me off the balcony, and while I got us each a real cup of coffee he sat down on the couch eyeing the roses on the table. The loud knock on the door startled me and I moved quickly to answer it before –I was sure it was Emmett – could knock again and wake up Bella.

Both Emmett and Jasper came into the room carrying matching coffee cups and I had to know, “Why are you here so early?”

“Well good morning to you too sunshine,” the sarcasm was not appreciated at seven-thirty in the morning. Jasper however gave a legitimate answer; he wanted to get out before Vinny woke up.

Apparently it was better to have Alice deal with a dismal child than for the both of them to put up with a full out tantrum. I didn’t think that sounded fair to my sister but as it was explained to me there was a good chance that with Jasper being already gone, it wouldn’t even dawn on Vinny to want to go golfing until much later in the day. By that time it would be too late and he would already be immersed into the shopping experience so he would never know the difference. Jasper called it a trick of the trade and evidently it works, most of the time.

Emmett looked at the roses, picking up the card that was folded in front of them as he went on to explain how they had arrived at my door. “I called dad to let him know that we were in the coffee shop and mom said he was here sooo…” he held the card out to dad, “did you read this?”

Shaking his head dad answered, “No, but I heard about the roses,” he raised his eyebrows at me. “I had to explain to your mother why she didn’t get roses and then I made damn sure there will be a delivery truck at our front door Thursday morning.”

“Dude your making us all look bad,” Emmett accused as Jasper took the card out of his hand to read it.

“Did you write this?” he wondered while I shook my head, “No it’s a quote, I looked it up.”

Jasper narrowed his eyes at me while Emmett chuckled, “Damn, who the hell are you and what have you done with my self-absorbed brother?”

I shrugged, “I like to make Bella happy and if all that takes is some flowers and chocolate…”

“You bought her chocolates too?”

“Shhh,” I had to shush Emmett’s loud voice again. He lowered his tone looking around, “Where’s the candy?”

“I’m not giving you Bella’s candy,” she hadn’t even had any yet.

Taking dads and my empty mugs over to the sink I filled up the travel cup dad had brought me and was just putting the lid back on when the bedroom door opened. Bella came out wearing a pair of turquoise cheeky panties and a small white t-shirt with pink writing that said ‘take me I’m yours.’ She looked rather groggy and the shirt that barely covered her navel rose up as she arched her back and yawned while she talked.

“Edward I thought you didn’t have to leave until eight?” her right hand went up to her shoulder as she stretched out her back while adding, “come back to bed, I’ll send you away happy.”

“That is why the man never goes out for breakfast.”

Hearing Emmett’s voice Bella froze where she stood as her mouth dropped open while the pinkness from the blush moved down her body. Jasper mumbled out, “I don’t blame him,” and I watched as if in slow motion Bella’s head turn to the left to see who was in the room.

In a flash I was in front of her pulling her arms around my neck as I turned us to use my body as a shield. She gasped against my chest in embarrassment as Emmett just couldn’t keep his mouth shut. “Don’t worry little Bell, I’ve seen it before. Not quite that much, but I’ve seen it; and they’re both doctors so…they don’t count.”

I glared at my brother, who had the nerve to grin back at me, and I was pleased to see Jasper and dad at least had the courtesy to look off in the opposite direction. Lifting Bella up to take her back into the bedroom she buried her face into my neck shaking her head as she asked dismally, “Why are they always in our room?”

Shutting the door to the bedroom I put Bella down on floor and watched as her embarrassment turned to ire, “Why are they here?”

I gave her the rundown of what happened while she slept explaining dad’s appearance and then my brothers. I thought maybe she was going to yell at me for not warning her but truly it wasn’t my fault. I was just glad that she had put something on before coming out of the room.

“Is the coffee done?” she asked while putting on her gray robe and tying it tightly around her waist.

She shocked me by walking to the door stopping before turning the knob she turned to look at me with the most serious expression I’ve even seen on her, “You know by the end of the day you’re going to be short one brother, right?”

Smiling at her declaration I had to ask, “Why?”

Bella squared her jaw taking a deep breath, “Because he’s going to keep making comments, innuendos, and snide remarkes and I’m going to have to kill him.”

Her confession made me chuckle as I wrapped my arms around the small of her back, pulling her close to me. I placed a kiss on top of her head, “Don’t worry nâhtötse, I promise by the end of the day he’ll be apologizing.”

I had an ace in the hold and if that for some reason didn’t work, I’d sic Rose on him. In the mean time I didn’t want Bella to be uncomfortable, “Are you sure you want to go out there?”

“Might as well get it over with, besides that’s where the coffee is.”

I chuckled at the words yet I couldn’t help but admire her for her for wanting to face the situation head on – that was my Bella.

We no sooner stepped through the door when Emmett started, “That was the quickest sendoff I’ve even seen…quietest one too.”

Bella ignored him as she went to get coffee while I went over to the seating area to put on my shoes, giving Emmett a punch in the arm as I walked by. Dad cleared his throat getting to his feet. “Well, if we’re stopping for breakfast then we should be going.”

My brothers both followed his direction while I tied my shoes and then stood checking my pockets to make sure I had my wallet and phone. Dad said good bye to Bella who was leaning against the counter sipping her coffee. “Have a good day Bella.”

“You too Carlisle, get lots of birdies,” he chuckled, “I’ll try.”

“Don’t spend too much little Bell, although you should get some red panties. I think you’d look good in red,” Bella blushed at my brother’s words dismissing him with a cute, “Good-bye Emmett.”

She looked over at me shaking her head as Jasper said his good-bye, “Don’t worry Bella, you showed more skin on the beach yesterday.”

He was right about that, in the scheme of things she was covered more then she had been, I believe the problem had more to do with the fact that she was wearing panties and very lacy, leaving nothing to the imagination, show off her perfect round bottom panties at that.

Bella smiled at him, “Thanks Jasper.”

“What time are you leaving?” I asked not remembering if she had previously told me.

“Eight-thirty.” I smiled at her before giving her a quick kiss, “Have fun shopping.”

“Thanks,” Bella didn’t sound at all enthused. “Have fun golfing,” she answered then asked with curiosity, “Are you good at golfing?”

I shrugged, “I hold my own.”

“But you’re not all-state caliber, like with baseball?”

My eyes narrowed, “Who told you about all-state?” Bella inclined her head towards the door raising her eyes to let me know that it was Emmett, who at that moment stuck his head back inside, “Are you coming or are you going for round two?”

Bella shook her head while I grinned, “I might kill him for you.”

She laughed telling me to go and after another kiss I met up with the men in the hallway. Once we were outside each of us went to our respective cars to get our clubs. With them loaded into Emmett’s jeep Jasper and I climbed into the back seat and we were off. They wanted to eat at the pancake house where they had breakfast the day before. Dad said it was on the way and it was very good. He was right about that.

The menu was nothing but hot-cakes, every kind you could imagine, regular, blue wheat organic, filled, fruited, you name it - they had it. There was even Captain Crunch pancakes and right under that was listed Fruity Pebbles. I decided that before we left Bella would have to have some of them.

The golf course was only a fifteen minute ride and Emery was correct it was great a course. We played our usual game which was a variation of Champagne Scramble. It’s played the same way except rather than every player teeing off at each hole, only the person who had the least amount of stokes on the previous one took the shot. It saved a little bit of time and became a much more competitive match. At the end of the game a stroke was removed from your score for each lead off, it usually balanced out lost balls or penalties.

On the ninth hole we stopped to take a break letting the people behind us play through. Emmett and dad went to the bathroom leaving Jasper and I sitting across from one another at the small picnic table.

Jasper took a drink from his water bottle, letting out a deep sigh before he started talking, “I’m sorry about yesterday; I didn’t mean to be a dick.”

“It’s alright Jaz.”

He shook his head and I thought he was going to apologize more, instead he seemed to become irritated. “I just don’t understand how Bella could…do you know what her ex did to her?”

I nodded knowing exactly the abuse Bella had been through. What I wasn’t aware of was his knowledge of it; I was going to question him when he spoke up, “Alice told me a little bit…did Bella tell you everything?”

What was told to me in confidence was going to stay with me and I wasn’t going to elaborate; however, I did assure him, “I know the worst of what happened…”

Japer cut me off, “It baffles my mind Edward how that beautiful young woman could live through all that she did and then ask for more.”

“More what?”

“More abuse, more subservience, more imprisonment,” my eyes narrowed at his words and I found myself having to defend not only Bella, but my actions as well.

“There is no abuse; she is in no way imprisoned. Bella is free to do what she wants and for her being subservient that is just who she is. You make it sound like I think less of her because of it and you couldn’t be more wrong, if anything Isabella is esteemed above all other things.”

He cocked his head to the side, “I mean subservient in that she is forced to do your will.”

“Do you think I force her?” I laughed dryly thinking of the strong stubborn woman who controlled my heart and life. “You either don’t know her very well or we are talking about two different women because there is not a chance in hell that I could force Bella to do anything she didn’t want to. However, it just so happens that for small periods of time she chooses to relinquish control to me…”

Jasper interrupted before I could finish explaining the need Bella has and the void that is filled by giving into that need.

“Can I ask you something without you getting offended?”

Taking a deep breath I nodded even though I wasn’t sure what my reaction would be.
“The flowers and candy, was that like an ‘I’m sorry, it will never happen again’ gift?”

It took me a second to realize what Jasper was suggesting. I remembered Bella telling me about the three cycles of abuse – the buildup, the blow up and the honeymoon period. He was implying that my gifts had to do with the last phase, like I had hurt Bella and so I was trying to make amends.

Yeah, I shouldn’t have agreed to not get angry

I had to swallow back my rage but I was sure it came through in my voice, “I gave those things to Bella, because I love her and I like to see the smile on her face. I have never, ever, hurt a woman, any woman.” I emphasized that point so there would be no misunderstandings, “…in the way you are suggesting and I really resent that you could think I would do such a thing.”

“Are you telling me that you have never disciplined her?”

“I’m telling you that I have never - nor would I ever - strike her in anger or frustration and that’s all you need to know.”

Jasper stared at me for a long moment judging the truthfulness of my statement before commenting, “But Bella has been disciplined?”

He took my refusal to reply as an affirmative answer, “Why do you have to punish her at all?”

The condescending attitude was getting to me and I lashed out, “Why do you punish your son?”

Jasper looked at me dubiously, “He’s a child, he needs to learn.”

“So does Bella.”

It was obvious to me that answer did not sit well with Jasper, I was also sure that had Emmett and dad not returned at that moment he would have said more. As it was, when they arrived back at the picnic table they knew that something had occurred. My brother raised a questioning eyebrow which I shook off while dad took a more cordial approach asking if we were ready to continue.

Jasper and I were sharing a golf cart and for a moment I considered acting childish by switching spots with Emmett. Instead, I sucked it up playing through the next three holes in silence as I thought about a way to make things right with my brother-in-law. On the thirteenth hole the people whom we had let play through got held up again so we had to wait. The tension between the two of us sitting alone together in the cart was insufferable. After a short time we both spoke but I backed off to let him have his say.

“Look Edward, it’s really none of my business and as Carlisle said Bella is a big girl who can make her own decisions. It just eats my crawl that you put her in a position to service you in public.”

I knew he was referring to what happened on the balcony and I suppose that it would have been easy to misconstrue what was happening so I figured it best to set him straight, “Bella was not servicing me. We were having a discussion which made her upset and I was comforting her. That is what you saw.”

His head turned to eye me suspiciously, “She had to get on her knees to be comforted?”

“Yes,” I nodded. “Believe it or not, that is the position where Bella finds the most security, where she can let herself go and forget about the entire outside disturbance that threatens her peace. You don’t understand the strength she gains in her daily life by giving into that need…”

“Make me understand Edward.”

I sighed, thinking of the best way to make Jasper see what I was talking about, what I could equate in his life to the submissive’s desire to serve. I thought of something but I wasn’t sure how it would play out. Jasper is a Civil War buff, twice a year he goes out and plays soldier by re-enacting battles for the weekend. He sleeps in tents, wears hot itchy clothes and carries heavy equipment. Personally, I think it’s a silly thing to do just because some long-dead ancestor fought for the south a hundred and fifty years ago. He however likes it, looks forward to going to the meetings and doing the play-acting so much that it must bring him some kind of serenity so I was hoping that might work.

“Why do you go out on those civil war weekend things?”

His eyes narrowed, “What does that have to do with …”

I interrupted his question, “Just humor me Jaz.”

He pursed his lips for moment before getting a forlorn look on his face, “I enjoy it.”

“The heat, the scratchy clothes, the buttoned underwear?” I questioned smirking at the thought of the flannel underwear that Alice made for him with button closures and drawstrings.

“It’s more than that Edward. It’s a connection with the past, my great-great grandfather fought with Walker's Greyhounds.”

“So my great-granddad fought at Normandy, you don’t see me storming the beaches.”

Jasper huffed, “It’s not about the acting. There is just something about connecting with the past that brings a peace in my soul. Regardless of how uncomfortable the clothes are or the nasty way we live for a few days. Not showering, eating dry bread and crackers or shitting in the woods.”

“You shit in the woods?” I asked with a laugh.

“Yeah, they have these portable toilets with disposable bags in them that get buried in the ground.”

“That’s disgusting. It sounds like a lot of trouble to go through to play soldier.” There was a point I was making but it did sound gross and there was not a chance in hell I would be caught dead doing that.

“I told you it’s not about the acting,” I looked at Jasper waiting to see what he would say. His gaze met mine as he spoke with conviction.

“For those three or four days that I’m a part of something so much bigger than my own little world, I can forget about all the mundane things in my life. I have no worries about bills, work, or what new color Alice wants to paint the living room. I could be free and get lost in the role that I’m playing to the point where it’s almost rejuvenating.”

I nodded before asking, “If you could do it every weekend, would you?”

“I think your sister would divorce me,” we chuckled because that was probably the case; but then he thought about it. “Yeah, I would.”

“Now you understand.”

Jasper looked at me in disbelief so I enlightened him, “That feeling of freedom, getting lost in the role, not having to worry about everyday things, that’s exactly what the submissive feels.”

“It’s not the same thing Edward; I don’t have to worry about being punished.”

“Really?” I was the one asking in disbelief, “What rank are you?”

“Corporal,” he had a little bit of power.

“So you have a Sergeant above you and a Captain above him?”

Jasper corrected me, “Sergeant and then First Sergeant.”

Nodding in understanding I asked, “Do they give you orders?”

At his blank stare I wondered, “What happens if you don’t follow them?”

“K-P duty.”

I grinned.

That’s better than burying shit duty

“Bella gets a writing assignment,” at my words I could see his mind working as he was tried hard to dismiss my comparison.

“I can walk away,” Jasper insisted. I looked him straight in the eyes, “So can Bella.”

After a moment of quiet I summed up the similarities of the two very different circumstances. “The roles we play are just that, behaving a certain way to fulfill a desire within us. You choose to do that by sleeping on the ground and shitting in a hole. Bella and I choose to be more civilized; she wears my collar and allows me to control her for a specified period of time. She gets just as much pleasure out of the relationship as I do, along with the freedom and the…” I used his word “… rejuvenation that it brings to her. If she didn’t receive the peace she longs for there would be no way Bella would ever get on her knees, before me or anyone else. And to be honest with you, I wouldn’t want her to.”

Jasper smiled, “Are you sure about that? She did look damn good this morning in those almost not there lacey things.”

The growl came from me without even thinking as he laughed. “Hey I’m a Plastic Surgeon; women pay me thousands of dollars to look like that.”

I couldn’t help but grin because he was right, my girl had it going on; and in that last statement I also knew that Jasper had a slightly better understanding of the relationship that Bella and I share.

The rest of the golf outing was uneventful; Emmett won which meant that back at the club house we paid for his lunch while he boasted the whole way through it. As we were leaving there was a large canopy set up in the parking lot. Two young girls dressed in cheerleading outfits were standing by the walkway. As we approached the blond one stopped us. “Would you like to buy something from our arts and crafts tent to help us go to competition?”

It wasn’t normally something I would do however the girls were insistent and at the mention of bakery items we were headed under the tent. There was only a half dozen tables, Jasper went over to where a woman was selling homemade dolls and other toys. I stopped at a table that was selling toe rings, picking out three of them. One was a simple silver band curved in a continuous ‘S’ shape. The other two were also silver; one was in an antique finish with an infinity insignia and the other was a flower with a blue stone in the center that wrapped around the toe ending with a swirly. They were every inexpensive, even after I included the flip-flop shaped box to present them in. Emmett stood beside me while I paid holding a bag with a picture frame in it, he snickered, “Bella’s toes are going to turn green.”

I chuckled because he was probably right, but hey, it was all in the name of a good cause, besides I knew my girl so I could tell him with assurance, “She’s going to love them.”

He shook his head, “Not when I tell her how much you spent on those little gems.”

I chuckled without worry, “It doesn’t matter, she would be happy if I got them for free.”

The look on my brother’s face told me he didn’t believe me. I suppose he was basing his opinion on Rose who although I love her, she has a taste for the finer things in life. Where Bella was so much simpler, she didn’t want extravagance. To her it was the sentiment that meant more than the actual item. Hell, my girl got emotional over packs of ketchup, I’d lay odds that Rose never did that. No, I was sure Bella would be more than pleased with the toe rings.

The four of us left the tent carrying our clubs and each of us had a bag from the sale along with a pie dad bought. What can I say? We were suckers.

Mom called dad on the way back to the hotel letting him know that they were all going down to the pool. I had assumed that Bella would be with them so after putting the clubs back into my car I was surprised to find her in our room. She was sitting on the couch in a deep blue swimming suit with a plunging neckline that practically took my breath away. The only thing that stopped me from jumping her was the fact she was talking on the phone. As I shut the door she looked up at me and smiled waving her fingers hello. Not wanting to disturb her conversation I gave her a quick peck on the cheek and was going to go into the bedroom to change when she grabbed a hold of my shorts holding me in place while she ended the conversation.

“I think you’re right, that’s a really good idea….no Edward is here now…I will…thanks Jane, I’ll see you Thursday night.”

Jane? Thursday night?

When she hung up I looked at Bella questionably wondering why she called my aunt, or had it been the other way around? She didn’t answer my unspoken question; instead rising up on her knees she wrapped her arms around my neck pulling me to her for a kiss that let me know she was glad I was back.

Pulling away I smiled at her while running the back of finger along her jaw, “Did you have a good day, or are you happy to see me?”

Bella bit her lip giggling, “Both.”

She jumped to her feet taking my hand leading us into the bedroom. “Come here, I got you something.”

My eyes took in the rest of what she was wearing, it was supposed to be the bottom of her suit but it looked more like a skin tight skimpy skirt, actually it reminded me of a strip of blue gauze. However, my eyes nearly popped out of head at the sight of all the bags on the bed, for a girl who didn’t like shopping she certainly bought enough stuff.

“What is all this?”

Bella looked at me then back to the bed, “Most of it is baby stuff for Leah. The children’s place was really inexpensive and the one store had crib sheets…” she stopped talking, tilting her head to watch me “…do you know that when babies are first born they will go through two or three sheets a day?”

“Really?” that seemed like a lot.

Bella nodded, “That’s what Alice told me. She said they pee and spit up all the time, so the sheets need to be changed, so I got Leah a dozen. I figured that would give her at least four days’ worth of clean sheets.”

“What’s all the rest of this stuff?” there were at least fifteen bags there.

“Well, I told you the Children’s Place was having a big sale, so I got five different outfits for both sexes. I figured if Leah has a girl then I would give the boys stuff to Rose.”

That made sense yet I wondered, “What if Leah has a boy, what are you going to do with the girls stuff?”

Bella’s expression turned slightly dejected as she shrugged, “I don’t know.” I wanted to ask her what was the matter but she started shuffling through the bags. “Anyway I bought you…”

“Well wait, I got you something too,” she gawking at me in confusion. “You went shopping?”

“Inadvertently…yes.”

She went back to riffling through her purchases while I went out to get the little bag off the table, when I came back in Bella was standing there holding several pair of men’s briefs.

“You bought me underwear?”

What, is she my grandmother? Is it even proper for your girlfriend to buy underwear?

“Yeeaahhh” She stretched out the word with extravagant zeal. “These aren’t just any underwear; these are mic-ro-fiber.”

“Ooohhh,” I tried to get excited for her but I just wasn’t feeling it.

“Edward,” she shoved the pair of black ones at me, “feel them.”

I did, they were soft and kind of silky and even as Bella explained what was wonderful about them, the excitement still alluded me.

“They are light weight, airy and breathable, like cotton.” Her excitement started to grow, “But better than cotton. With these, your boys will stay all nice and tucked in without over heating them.”

Overheating? Was she planning to cook my junk?

The bewilderment must have shown on my face because my girl kept talking like she was trying to sell something on an infomercial. “It’s healthier for you, keeps your little swimmers strong. And you know how with cotton you sweat and the moisture just stays there causing chafing?”

All I could do was nod as she became more animated, adding her hands as she talked, “With the microfiber that doesn’t happen, because it pulls all the moisture away from your body and holds it in the material. So you stay all nice and fresh down there and seriously if I had to walk around with that thing flopping around…”she moved her hand like she was dribbling a ball, “I would want to keep it as comfortable as possible.”

I couldn’t take it anymore, the laughter rolled out of me.

“Are you laughing at me?” not wanting to anger her I tried to stop but she kept staring at me like I was the crazy one, when she was the one obsessed with my underwear. “This is serious Edward; will you at least try them?”

“Yes,” I told her with a chuckle.

“Good, because they are better for you and if you like them we’ll change out all the cotton ones for these.”

I had to admit that it was another first for me as well as for our relationship. I have never had a woman-other then my mother- to be so concerned about what kind of material I used to cover my ass with. And even though I didn’t know if it was proper for Bella to be so involved with it I nodded in agreement, “OK.”

Taking the other two pair of briefs from her I tried to hand her the bag with the toe rings. Bella flung her hands in the air in a halt motion, “Wait, I have more!”

“More underwear?”

She tsked, “No.”

Picking up anther bag Bella pulled out two silk shirts, one was a deep maroon and the other was a burnt orange. Neither of them were colors that I would have normally picked out. Bella took the small bag from my hand placing it on the dresser and then held each shirt up to my chest, eyeing me. “I thought these colors would go really good with your hair.”

She turned me around to look into the mirror before once again holding up each shirt, she was right. The colors accented nicely against both my skin tone and hair color. Bella caught my gaze in the mirror, “They look good, thank you.”

Smiling at me she nodded, “Your welcome.”

I turned back to the bed laying the shirts on top of bags, “Did you get anything for yourself?”

“Yup, red panties like Emmett requested,” I growled at her while she giggled doing a pirouette, “and I got this, do you like it?”

“I like it very much, I took notice of it as soon as I waked in the door,” I moved to take a hold of her but she slipped through my hands.

“Now what did you get me?” a coy smile played on her lips.

Ah, my girl wanted to play hard to get.

Picking up the bag I held it out for her, only to pull it back when she reached out to take it, making Bella step closer to me. Holding the bag open she tried to peek inside but I lifted it up so she had to step on her tip toes and then take another step towards me. Once she was just out of arms reach I quickly closed the distance grabbing ahold of her waist and pulling her to my body.

Bella giggled, “That’s not fair seducing me with gifts.”

“Oh nâhtötse, if you can tempt me with what you’re wearing, I can use anything I have to even the score.”

Looking up at me the playfulness was gone, “Is it too sexy to wear down to the pool?”

“Who says we’re going down to the pool?” I wagged my eyebrows.

Using her hands she pushed on my chest breaking the hold I had on her while she assured me, “Oh we are going to the pool.”

As she stepped away her hand quickly grabbed the bag dangling from my fingers, making me chuckle as she giggled in triumph.

“Oh…isn’t that cute,” she pulled out the box biting her lip as her fingers gripped the top. Once she saw the contents she smiled at me with a twinkle of delight in her eyes. That was the look that made me the most gratified. How could anyone not want to shower her with gifts when the simplest things brought her so much happiness?

“Toe rings, thank you,” I watched as she sat on chair putting the rings on her pink painted toes. When she was done Bella lifted both her legs wiggling her toes while she tilted her head from side to side in admiration. Satisfied she stood up walking towards me with a mischievous smile. Just as she stepped into my arms her phone started singing, “Fever”.

“Oh that’s your mom,” Bella quickly left my arms to get her phone off the nightstand.

“Hi Esme…no we’ll be right down, I was just showing Edward some of the stuff I bought…ok, I’ll bring some down…see you in a few minutes.”

Damn I wanted the pleasure of taking that suit off her

If we had to go I might as well get ready, opening up the dresser to get out my suit I didn’t know Bella was behind me until I felt her arms wrap around my waist, “Hey sweetie, can we resume what was started, later?”

“Absolutely,” I guaranteed her.

Bella stepped back letting me stand up, “Good, because I missed you today.”

“What are you going to do next week when we go back to reality?” I asked as she went into the bathroom. Coming out with the beach towels hung over her arm she stopped to watch me take off my shirt before answering. “Go through Edward withdrawals. I’ll be jonesing and will have to call you every hour for a fix.”

I chuckled while I continued to change, her mention of calling me made me wonder something, “You gave my mom her own ringtone already.”

Bella shrugged, “Everyone has their own song.”

“What’s my song?” The only answer I received was a giggle as she walked out of the room.

Well that would be easy enough to find out

Bella pulled the white cover-up she wore yesterday over her head, picked up the huge bag that she had packed for the beach, handed me the towels and we left. I really didn’t feel like going down to the pool. In fact I would have been happy to sweep everything off the bed and spend the rest of the afternoon alone. Bella on the other hand seemed very intent upon getting down there.

“Baby, why are we going down to the pool?” I asked as we stepped into the elevator.

“Because Alice and Rose are going to take out Emmett,” the words were said matter-of-factly, with no emotion or doubt.

“Why?”

“Because Vinny told the guy at Men’s Warehouse that he has a ball-sac, Alice was completely mortified…and Rose peed in her pants.”