This story is rated MA for language and adult situations. Not Intended For Those Under 18. Any Recognizable names, brands, ect. are the sole properties of their owners. This story is intended to be solely a work of fanfiction, never profit.
The Gift by wizardtho
I was in hell. I had to be. That was all there was to it... raw, flaming, torturous hell. It was supposed to be my small hideaway to mourn in peace. That's what I had decided after the funeral. Just a few weeks in the Montana cabin my dad left me in his will.
It was his favorite place in the world -what with the acreage, lakes and streams on the property, and the hunting- though most never knew that about him. They all thought Forks was his only love.
The problem was, with the shock of Charlie's death, the funeral, and all of the chaos of the constant stream of people in and out of his Forks house, I forgot that fuck-hot single Dr. Carlisle Cullen always rented the cabin from Charlie for 4 months out of the year. Four whole months... November, December, January, and February. He had even confirmed with me at some point during that week, stating he could postpone if I needed to do anything at the property. I was so numb with the sudden loss of my father, though, that I don't remember much from the moment I was notified to about a week ago.
That was when my mother, Renee, decided to give me her two cents... and I subsequently gave her mine, plus some. She snapped at me for over an hour before I even heard her, then it was all about how I'd only lived with Charlie for 4 years, how I couldn't have really known him that well, and how we could just split the insurance/savings/house selling money, since there was no way I would need it all. That snapped me right the fuck out of my haze, and I rounded on her.
The best part about the whole thing, is that she did all of that in front of several of Charlie's cop buddies that had come to check on me. They were very protective of me, since I always met up with Charlie at the station to bring all of the guys lunch or dinner a few times a week, and they had all come to think of me as family. Less than 7 full days after Charlie was buried, my mother made her intentions for staying close to me all these years known.
To say I got pissed would have been the understatement of the fucking century. Before any of the guys could even regain their speech, I got from my curled-up position in Charlie's old arm chair, stood toe-to-toe with Renee, and full on decked the shit out of her, seething in my rage, "I knew him better than you ever did, Renee. I actually spent time with him -every summer, all summer- until I moved in with him my junior year of high school. Then I got to know him even more, respect him even more, when I spent the next four fucking years of my life with him... every goddamn chance I got. He was more of a parent to me than you ever fucking were! I may have lived with you, but from the moment you found out I could balance a check book and keep house, you've been off partying with every male that would take a second look at you. I took care of you, not the other way around. I paid the bills so we had electricity, and I made sure there was food on the table and you had clean clothes to party in. How is that any fucking life for a child, Renee?! I was 10, for Christ's sake!"
The boys all looked horror-struck at my admission, but I was too far gone to backtrack now, so I just let it all come out. "That's why I finally took control and moved here. You had married Phil, so there was no need for me to take on your shit-storm of a brain-fuck anymore. Now you come here and tell me I don't know my own father? That I couldn't care that much to grieve for him? Who the fuck are you to think I'll split anything with a self-centered, scatter-brained, egotistical, bitch like you, who I have the mis-fucking-fortune of sharing DNA with?! You can try to contest the will if you want, Renee, but I have a house full of Forks' finest that will testify to everything that happened, and see that you don't get one red-goddamn-cent. Pack your shit and get out of my fucking sight within 20 minutes, or I'll have you forcibly removed. You are no longer welcome in my presence... fucking ever. I'm done with you."
I was visibly shaking in my rage by that point, and Mark, one of Charlie's best Deputies, guided me out of the house as he said to the others, "I'm taking Hells Bells for a walk to calm down. Make sure that bitch is gone before we get back, and see to it that she knows she is no longer welcome in our town."
Needless to say, I was shocked so far out of my numb state by that, that I wasn't able to find it again. Mark had walked me to the renovated victorian down the street that he shared with his girlfriend Megan, then he held me on the couch as Megan curled into my other side, and I just whispered over and over as I trembled, "He's really gone. My Daddy... he's really not coming back. What am I going to do without him?"
That was the night I decided I needed out... I needed to get away... and the only place I wanted to be was the Montana cabin. Over the next week, I settled everything with the insurance company, got the guys from the station to keep an eye on Charlie's place in Forks, cleaned out the fridge of perishables, and assured the guys no less than a dozen times that I had all of their numbers and would call at least once every other day to check in.
The drive ended up being too quiet, with Charlie's absence being severely noticeable, but I made good time. When I closed the high gate behind me and made my way down the private road to the cabin on the evening of the 3rd of November, my body began trembling and my throat started closing up. By the time I entered the clearing the cabin was in, I was gasping for breath and shaking violently. I yanked the door of my Dodge truck open, not waiting to turn off the engine, and staggered towards the cabin, while the first tears since I heard the news started falling silently down my face. My legs buckled under me half way to the house as I screamed out my emotional pain to the sky, "WHY? WHY, DAMN YOU? HE WAS ALL I HAD. ALL I HAD, AND YOU JUST HAD TO TAKE HIM FROM ME!" I barely recognised that the gut-wrenching screams echoing through the clearing were coming from me until just before the blackness settled over me. Sweet relief.
CPOV
It was nice to finally be settling in to the cabin again, but this year it was bittersweet. God, how I missed Charlie already. I may have been only 28, but Charlie treated me like his equal. He was my best friend. I didn't know if his daughter, Isabella, would be keeping the cabin or not, but she had stated that my rental term for this year stood. I ached to comfort her, but it was hard to, knowing that I was grieving too... and having the feelings I did for her. She's stunningly beautiful, with her hip length chestnut hair, soulful chocolate eyes, and her god-given sinful curves. That wasn't all, though. She had the absolute most beautiful personality I had had the privilege of being near.
My position as Charlie's close friend made my feelings for her difficult, and I just didn't have the confidence to approach her. So I was shocked beyond belief when Charlie's last words to me on that cold sidewalk were, "I know you love my Bells, Carlisle. I can see it. I've been a cop for too long not to notice the little things. Promise me you'll tell her... that you'll keep loving her, and that you'll take good care of her. Love her, let her love you, and don't ever let each other go." I shook my head and choked back my sob as I said, "It's unrequited, Charlie. She doesn't even notice when I'm in the room, and when she does, she always finds a reason to leave. She could never love me in return."
He was coughing up blood and gasping harshly as he choked out, "Trust me... my friend. If you've ever... believed anything... I said, trust... me now. Tell her you... love her. Be... with my Bells... and love... her... fiercely." He was gone then, the life bled out of him onto the cold sidewalk. There was nothing I could do, since the gunshots had been through-and-through, and in places that I knew would take his life quickly.
Shaking myself out of my musings, I finished up my supply and food shopping quickly, wanting to be back at the cabin before full dark. It was the 3rd of November, only my second full day back at the cabin, but the fresh air and peace that came with this little slice of land made it my favorite place on earth.
As I pulled into the clearing, I gasped at the sight laid out before me. A custom pearl blue Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Edition -that I recognised immediately- sat near the center of the clearing, engine still running, and driver-side door wide open, spilling a warm light out onto the ground. The headlights were focused on the woman I love, and she was on her knees, clutching the grass in her hands, and letting out the most agonizing screams.
I shoved my car in park, grabbed my doctor's bag from the passenger seat floorboard, and ran straight for my love. After quickly scanning her for any visible injuries, I tried to speak to her, but all that came through her gut-wrenching cries was, "He's gone... why did he take my daddy from me... he's all I had." Not wanting for her to suffer more, and knowing that she had not been sleeping nearly enough, I explained that I was giving her a light sedative injection. I held her closely as I gave her the injection, and mere seconds later, her eyes were fluttering shut and her screams were dying out.
I immediately cradled her bridal-style in my arms and rushed her into the cabin, gently laid her on the couch, covered her with the throw, then set about lighting a fire. Who knew how long she had been out on the cold ground, and I certainly didn't want her to become ill. Once the fire was tended, I went back outside and shut off her truck, closed the door, and then drove my car up close to the house. I unloaded all of my supplies and groceries, then pulled my car into the garage. I knew how Isabella only ever let Charlie drive her truck, so it would stay where it was until she gave me permission to move it.
It took me an hour to put everything away, then another thirty minutes to make both myself and Isabella a decent dinner, and just as I was turning the burner off, I heard Isabella whimpering. I rushed to her side, kneeling down to stroke her cheek, and whispered softly to her, "Isabella, you're safe. You're here with me at the Montana cabin." Her eyes fluttered, a small tear escaped her lashes, and then she bolted upright in confusion? "Dr. Cullen? What... Did the guys at the station have you come here?"
Huh? Now I'm conf... ohh, she must not remember agreeing to me being here for my rental time. "Isabella, I'm here for my four-month rental. I arrived on the first of the month, and was out buying food and supplies when you arrived. I found you outside, collapsed on the ground. Do you not remember okaying my regular stay?" She stood abruptly and started pacing the floor, talking to herself. "Shit... shit, shit, double shit. Not how this was supposed to go... just needed to be close to him... needed time away... and Renee's fiasco in front of the boys... but then I forget through the numbness... can't intrude..."
Then she stopped and said in a monotone voice that scared the hell out of me, "I'm sorry, Dr. Cullen. The week of... it's all... hazy. I didn't remember that it was your time here, and I'm sorry for just showing up. I'll be out of your way once I have an hour to regain my bearings." I shook my head, "Please, Isabella. You came here clearly distraught and needing to be close to your father. You shouldn't be driving now anyway, since it is full dark. If you wish me to leave you in peace, I will gather my things and leave first thing in the morning." She shook her head adamantly while biting down on her full bottom lip, "No, Dr. Cullen. Daddy... he'd want you here for the four months you always stay here. Please don't leave on my account. I just..."
She let out a harsh breath, and I turned to sit on the edge of the couch, knowing she was trying to gather her thoughts. She looked back at me with tears in her eyes, and I very much wanted to hold her in my arms, "It's just that Renee, my so-called mother... well things happened, and she showed her true colors. I needed to get away from the never-ending streams of people coming by... to be near Charlie... to take time to grieve. I had gotten things settled in Forks, and planned to spend a few weeks out here before heading back... but I don't want to intrude." I stood and took her hand in mine, "You could never intrude, Isabella. The cabin is plenty large enough for us both to be here, and I promise not to get in your way. Please stay and continue with your original plans. Knowing that you had a long drive, I prepared dinner enough for both of us, if you are interested."
Just then, her stomach growled, and her cheeks flushed a beautiful shade of pink. She nodded, "Thank you, Dr. Cullen. My stomach and I both appreciate the offer. I was planning on going into town tomorrow to shop for food and other necessities. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to cook for you while I'm here. It's the least I can do for invading your peace, and well... IreallymisscookingforCharlie." She mumbled the last bit so fast and low that I almost didn't catch it, but instantly I remembered that she always cooked for Charlie, and he raved about her wonderful meals. I smiled softly, "As long as you don't mind cooking for me, I would greatly appreciate it, Isabella. My culinary skills are severely lacking. I only know how to prepare a few dishes."
I held my hand out in front of me, towards the kitchen, to indicate she go first. She smiled softly, then we both walked over to the bar. "Why don't you have a seat, and I'll just plate up dinner for the both of us. I had just finished preparing it when you started to wake. We're having my mother's recipe for chicken alfredo, unless you would rather-" Isabella stopped my nervousness there, saying, "I love chicken alfredo, Dr. Cullen, so that would be perfect. Can I do anything to help?" I smiled and nodded, "Yes, you can call me Carlisle, please. I'm on leave, after all. Would you mind terribly placing some of the Caesar salad in bowls and getting our drinks?" Her small smile brightened, "Of course, Carlisle. Is there anything special you'd prefer to drink?"
She walked gracefully to the cabinet containing all manner of glasses in the cabin, and I said, "There's a selection of both red and white wine in the wine cooler chilling, so which ever you prefer would be fine." She pulled down two wine glasses as I started plating the pasta, then hummed as she opened the cooler door, "Nice selection." She decided on a nice bottle of pinot grigio, then set the glasses and bottle on the counter, and turned to the Caesar salad.
We worked in companionable silence while getting everything ready, but it only served to give me several opportunities to watch her from my peripheral vision. I really wished for Charlie to be right about telling her, but it would crush me if she rejected me. I did notice that she was having trouble deciding whether to set the bowls at seats right next to each other at the bar, or leaving a seat open in between, and it gave me a shot of hope when she set them next to each other.
As I finished plating our main course, I turned to set the plates on the bar and smiled at her. "Thank you for helping me get the bar set. The dining room's just a bit large unless having a party, and I never have them here." She nodded as she bit her full bottom lip again, and I just wanted to release it from her teeth and suck it into my mouth. I set our plates down as she got silverware and a wine opener out, and she said casually,"Yeah... I know what you mean. I never liked eating in the dining room unless there were at least 3 other people eating with me. This looks delicious, by the way."
Handing me the wine opener, she placed the silverware at each setting, then pulled out the bar stool to the right and sat down. I opened the bottle, poured two glasses, then gave her hers and sat down in the seat next to her, noticing the small smile playing at her lips as I did so.
BPOV
He wanted me to stay? He was just being polite, that's all. There couldn't be anymore to it... could there? I mean... he's a successful doctor, and all of the nurses at the hospital fawn all over him. He could have anyone... Carlisle was so gorgeous, that he could have been a male model. Not to mention, he was Charlie's best friend. So yeah, he was being polite. I'd just retreat to my room after dinner, deal with why I came here in the first place, and hope like hell I didn't step on his toes while I was here.
Dinner was delicious, and I couldn't help the tiny moans and hums that slipped out of me every once in a while. It was like I was tasting food for the first time in a very long time. I don't think I'd really tasted anything since the moment I got the news. At one point I thought I heard him groan and shift in his seat, but I was most likely imagining it.
I did notice that he didn't bring a girlfriend, but maybe she was just meeting him here later in his stay. I'd have to leave before she got here, though, because I definitely couldn't handle seeing him with someone. Best to try and find out now, so I know when I'm leaving. "So, ummm... I noticed it's just you here. Is your girlfriend going to be coming later in the week?" Please say no. He looked at me confused, then shook his head, "Bella, I don't have a girlfriend. I'm single, and haven't dated since I moved to Forks. What about you? I would have thought you would have brought your boyfriend for support."
I was shocked. He'd not dated the whole time either? I shook my head, "I haven't dated since high school, so no... no boyfriend." I took a sip of my wine to stop my rambling, knowing he would think I was crazy if he knew why I stopped dating. He swiveled his stool towards me and asked, "Do you mind me asking why you stopped? Charlie mentioned during a fishing trip once that you just stopped all of a sudden, but he didn't seem worried. I remember asking him if he knew why, and he just smiled at me and said he suspected. He never did give me a reason."
Oh. Holy. Shit. Could Charlie have known I was interested in the hot new doctor in town? Carlisle had moved here right around my graduation. I'd tried to go on dates, but after three huge failures, I resigned myself to being hung up on the good doctor. It had been 2 years since then, and I still couldn't fathom seeing anyone other than him... just too bad that'll never happen.
I shook my head, "Oh... umm... I never really talked to Charlie about it, but I was just tired of the failed dates. I decided I was going to concentrate on my art, and take culinary and business classes in Port Angeles. I had mentioned wanting to open up a little bistro somewhere, maybe feature my art on the walls, and Charlie encouraged me to learn all I could before I made a big decision like that. So, I threw myself into my classes and my art." He asked softly, "That was two years ago. Do you ever get lonely? Do you miss dating?"
He was twirling a piece of pasta idly with his fork, and I returned the question, "Do you? I mean... you said you'd not dated since you moved here, and that was around the same time I stopped dating, so..." He nodded his head, "Yes, I get lonely, but not for just anyone. Does that make sense? I don't want random dates that won't lead anywhere, and the one person I do want, doesn't even notice I exist on a romantic level." I snorted softly at that. It was ridiculous to think anyone could not notice Carlisle. "What?" He asked. I shook my head, "That's insane, Carlisle. Seriously? How could anyone not know you exist?"
I was on my third glass of wine by then, and my filter seriously failed me in the next second, "You're one of the most accomplished doctors for your age, you have hospitals around the country begging you to work for them. You're incredibly smart, extremely caring, and the entire female population of Forks drools at the mere mention of you. I mean seriously, you look like a frickin' greek god, you're so gorgeous. If she hasn't noticed you by now, she's not worth your atten... oh, shit. I'm... I think I've had a little too much wine." I gathered my dishes, then hurried to rinse them off and place them in the dish washer. When I turned back around, I whispered, "Good night, Carlisle," and left without another word.
At the top of the stairs, I turned to the door that led to my studio, then remembered that I hadn't unloaded anything when I got here. Fuck, I hope it the weather hadn't gotten bad, or my supplies are ruined. I dashed back down the stairs, and as soon as I rounded the bottom railing, I ran smack into a brick wall... a very good smelling brick wall. "Shit, sorry, Carlisle." He chuckled softly as he placed his hands on my hips to stabilize me, making my breath hitched as I looked up at him, and he said, "What's the rush, Bella? Anything I can help with?"
Mmm, yes and please. No! Get your shit straight, Isabella! "I... umm... my canvas material and framing boards... the weather... I need to make sure they get inside before everything's ruined." His eyes went wide, then he said, "I'm so sorry. I didn't think about that. I didn't want to move your truck without permission, so I just turned it off and closed the door." He pulled my keys from his pocket, saying, "Here. I'll help you bring your things in. It's supposed to rain sometime in the night, but it hasn't started yet. Together, we should be able to get everything in before the weather turns." I nodded, then made my way quickly to the front of the house. He helped me bring in all three large loads, and I went back out to lock up the truck.
Just as I closed and locked the door, the sky opened up on me with a heavy downpour of freezing cold rain. I was in such a rush to get my things inside, that I hadn't worried about grabbing my coat, and in 2.5 seconds, both my white cotton shirt and my equally white cotton bra were soaked clean through. Just fucking great. Well, suck it up and prepare for the disgusted look, Bella. I dashed through the rain and up onto the porch, then called through the open front door, "Carlisle, can you bring a few towels and unlock the laundry room door, please?" He called out that he'd meet me there, and I walked down the side of the house on the covered porch toward the laundry door.
When I got to the door, I decided to ring as much of the water out of my shirt as possible, and I just happened to be twisting out the gathered front of my shirt just under my breasts, when Carlisle opened the door and gasped. My head whipped up, and I swore I saw lust in his eyes for a second before he schooled his features, "Jesus, Bella. Here, let's get you dried off and in front of the fire. You've got to be freezing." I nodded through my now chattering teeth, "Y-yea-ah. The g-gods de-ci-ided to l-le-let lo-oose the hea-heav-enss o-on m-m-me."
He shook his head, wrapping a towel around my shoulders, the wrapping my hair in another before rubbing up and down my arms vigorously over the towel, "Gods? Don't you mean God?" I shook my head, "Gr-Greek Myth-thol-ogy. G-Gods." He smiled, "I've always liked Greek mythology myself. Come on... let's get you dried off." He guided me into the laundry room, shut the door behind me, then asked, "Would you like me to get your bags for you from the entry? I suspect you had me meet you here so you didn't track water through the house."
I nodded and thought, then said slowly so I didn't stutter as much, "The b-black suitcase and the smaller re-ed one, please. I'll get out of th-these while you're g-gone, so just c-call out before y-you round the co-corner." He smiled and nodded, "Certainly, Bella. I'll be right back." As soon as he was gone from sight, I laid the towels on the dryer and started stripping out of my clothes. I was soaked to the bone, so everything came off and hit the floor with a squishy thud.
Before I was able to get the towel wrapped back around my naked form, Carlisle called out, "Bella, I have your bags for you." I snatched up the towel and hurriedly wrapped it around me, saying, "Just a minute, please." He replied right away with a caring voice, "Take your time, Bella. Your movements will be jittery from being cold, and I don't want you to fall or hurt yourself. Just let me know when you're ready for me to bring them to you." While he spoke, I made sure the towel was covering me and tucked tightly between my breasts, then wrapped my hair up in the other one. "I'm covered, Carlisle. You can come in now."
He kept his eyes on mine until he lifted the suitcases onto the washer and dryer for me, then said, "I'll just be in the study when you're ready for help carrying your supplies up to your studio." He left without another word, and I was kind of disappointed that he didn't at least try to look. I mean don't all guys try and sneak a peek? Forget it, Isabella. He'll never want you like that. The gasp was just because he was worried about Charlie's daughter.
With that thought, I opened my red suitcase and pulled out my Abaude 'Arbrazo Tango' lace bra and boyshort set, and a pair of gray socks. Then out of my black suitcase, I grabbed my Ibex 'Izzie' yoga pants and my Daytrip 'Heather' trimmed tunic tee. I quickly made sure I was completely dry, then dressed and towel-dried my hair the rest of the way. My suitcases still laid open on the washer and dryer, so I found my bathroom bag in the red suitcase, took my brush out of it, and ran it through the tangles in my long hair. I twisted it up into a messy bun, then plopped my brush back into the bag and zippered both suitcases closed.
After finagling both of them back onto the floor, I dropped my wet clothes and towels into the washer, used the Swiffer to soak up the water on the floor, and popped out the handles to wheel my suitcases to my room. I left them against the wall by the door, then walked out to the front entry where all my things were. The study door was open when I passed it, and looking at all this stuff, I really did need Carlisle's help if I wanted to get it into my studio tonight.
I walked back to the study door, then leaned against it. It was my second favorite room in the house, only my studio being my favorite, and Carlisle looked completely relaxed reading his book on my chaise. Charlie claimed when he got this place, that the study was my room. Charlie's office was set up in what the realtor called the den, and with my love of books, Charlie wanted me to have a nice space for all of them.
I had imagined Carlisle in my space on numerous occasions, but seeing him relaxed completely here... it was a beautiful and torturous sight all in one. "Do you often spend time in this room?" He smiled and closed his book, then looked up at me, "Yes, every chance I get. I have a similar study in my house in Forks, and this space always seems to sooth me. It doesn't really seem like Charlie, though, and every time he heard me mentioning my time in here, he just gave me a wide smile."
I nodded, a soft smile playing at my lips, "That's because this wasn't his. He was determined from the moment he found this house, that this would be my study. He knew how much I loved books, and wanted me to have this space. He always took the den office." Carlisle stood up and said quickly, "I'm sorry. I didn't know this was your private retreat, or I would have waited for permission to enter." I shook my head and giggled, "No, Carlisle. It's fine, really. If I would have wanted you to stay out of certain rooms when you started coming here, I would have sticky noted the door. I'm actually glad that someone other than me can find peace in this room. Knowing you enjoy spending time in here makes me happy, not upset. Please feel free to spend as much time in here as you wish."
He smiled, set his book on the low table, then asked as he walked toward me, "Are you ready to move your things? You look much warmer now, by the way." I nodded, "I am. Thank you for the help. I just want to get everything situated in my studio so that it's not taking up space and cluttering up the entry. Maybe I'll even be able to get some painting in before I sleep tonight. Oh, I forgot to ask. It won't bother you, will it? I use special paints that don't need the harsh solvents." He shook his head, "No, Bella... it won't bother me a bit. Shall we get your studio set?" I nodded, and we each gathered a load to carry back to the stairs.
On the way up, Carlisle asked, "I've seen one or two of your paintings at your house in Forks and in Charlie's office at the station. You're quite talented, Bella. Do you paint anything other than scenery?" I chuckled, "I paint whatever comes to me, but Charlie always had a liking for the scenery. When I see something that catches my eye, it's almost as if my brain cataloges each detail... snaps an exact picture... for me to recall whenever I choose. I've actually been thinking a lot about painting figures, but that can get messy." He cleared his throat, "How so?" I shook my head, "I don't want them to be shown, so that's not an issue... but well... I only had one steady boyfriend in high school, and the rest never got past the first date. I suppose I could go by what I've seen in tv and movies, or even hire a model, but I want to paint something real. Does that make sense?" He smiled softly as we reached the door to my studio, and said, "It makes perfect sense, actually."
I opened the door and sighed in content at the scent of paint and canvas in the air. I set my load down in the middle of the open space, and Carlisle let out a low whistle, "Wow, Bella. This is an amazing space." My head whipped around, confused, "You've never been up here?" He shook his head, "No. Your father said the only things up here were the game room/gym combo and your studio, and told me which room the game room was. I'd never intrude on someone's personal space, and this is your retreat. I can tell by the sigh when you walked in." I nodded shyly, "It truly is... and thank you. I wasn't opposed to you being in here, but it's nice to know that you wouldn't enter without my say. Just so you know, I'll probably be painting a lot during the day, and I often lose myself in my work. Charlie always had to remind me to eat when I got lost in one painting or another. To appease him, I got used to eating large breakfasts and dinners, so that he wouldn't fuss as much if I didn't eat lunch."
Carlisle smiled, "Now see, the doctor in me wants to chide you for not taking proper care of yourself, but the rest of me completely understands. I often find myself lost in my work at the hospital. Breakfast before I leave in the morning, and dinner late when I get home, are usually what gets me through the day... so I really can't disagree." I chuckled, and he said, "Why don't you start setting up, and I'll bring up the other loads." I nodded, "Thanks, Carlisle. I really appreciate it."
We had a good system going to get everything brought up and put away, and I never had more than a full load on the floor when he brought the next one in. When he brought the last load up, he said, "That's it. Would you like help putting this last bit away?" I shook my head, "I've taken up way too much of your night already, Carlisle, but thank you for the offer. I'm sure you have more interesting things to do than help me set up my studio. I think once I'm done, I'll change, grab my ipod, and let out some frustrations on the treadmill." He set down the last case of paints and said, "I really don't mind, Bella... I hope you know that... but I'll let you get to work in peace. I'll see you in the morning?" With my acknowledgement, he left, closing the door softly behind him.
I let out a breath, not really wanting him to leave, but knowing he needed to if I were to keep even a sliver of self-control. Watching his muscles flex and tense as he carried up the heavy loads was more than I could handle... especially since my brain was cataloguing every detail. I could even see the outline of his ab muscles at certain times through his henley tee, and I couldn't believe how turned on he was making me. I definitely needed to run some of this tension off in the gym. What I really needed was a few good orgasms, but the gym would have to do. I couldn't exactly go fantasizing about Carlisle when he was here in the cabin.
I finished putting my art supplies away, then meandered back downstairs to my room, noting Carlisle was back in the study. After changing into my ruched army workout tank and a pair of charcoal Patagonia 'Tranquil' capri leggings, I slipped my sneakers on and grabbed my ipod. Charlie always kept a supply of towels in the gym area, so I didn't need to worry about that. I stopped off in the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, then headed on up to the combo game room/gym. I popped my earbuds in, then did some basic stretches before climbing onto the treadmill. I set the program for a five-mile run and cool-down, then tried to lose myself in the music.
CPOV
Sweet Jesus, this is torture. Seeing her standing on the porch with her clothes soaked through and her white top and bra completely see-through... I just wanted to lick every single drop of water from her soft skin and suck her enticing pebbled nipples into my mouth. Then the doctor in me kicked in, and I could see she was freezing. That fact got rid of my severely painful erection that the sight of her induced, and I did my best to remain in a professional mindset.
That all flew out the window, when I saw her in only a towel that barely covered her passed her ass. Her creamy toned thighs snapped what resolve I had, and I had to make a hasty retreat from the laundry room. Then... my god... watching her ass as she ascended the stairs to her studio about killed me. It was round and perfect, and I just wanted to bite it. I was officially in hell. I knew I couldn't stand watching that again without becoming a neanderthal and taking her there on the stairs, so I suggested I bring up her supplies while she started putting things away. Thankfully, she didn't mind.
Part of me wanted to be upset when she didn't want further help putting the last of it away, but the rest of me sighed in relief when I quietly made my exit. I retreated back down to the study, leaving the door open as I always did, and tried to lose myself in my book again. My efforts were fruitless, though, because all my mind wanted to do was run through images of one Isabella Marie Swan. She baffled me and drew me to her all in the same breath. I had half a mind to tell her I'd model for her figure paintings if she wanted, though I knew she'd ask if she wanted me to... right?
Christ, I was screwed. I couldn't really even do anything to rid myself of this painful erection now. Not with her in the house. The last thing I needed was for her to hear me calling out her name during my orgasm and think I'm a pervert. She's the only one I saw, though. For the last two years, Isabella was the only one I could imagine being intimate with. And again... I was completely screwed.
After trying unsuccessfully to read for another hour and a half, I gave up and turned the lights out in the study, figuring maybe Bella was done in the gym, and I could release some of this frustration in a game of Call of Duty in the game room. Just as I reached the open doorway, Bella happened to run straight into me again. I immediately reached for her waist to steady her as she huffed out, "Umph." She shook her head to clear it, then said, "Oh, shit. Sorry Carlisle. I wasn't paying attention."
I hummed at the feel of her waist under my hands, and somehow replied with, "If we keep running into each other like this, Bella, I'm liable to think you just like being in my arms." I squeezed her waist gently and she gasped, making me scramble to recover my filter, "I... just meant... oh, God, I'm sorry. That was inappropriate of me." I snatched my hands away from her waist, slid around her into the room, and said softly, "Good night, Bella."
Shit! What the hell were you thinking, Carlisle? Of course she wouldn't want to be in your arms. She can't stand being in the same room with you for more than 30 minutes, and that was during dinner! Jesus, get your head on straight, would you?
I let out a frustrated breath as I set up the game console and tv, then I mumbled to myself as I plopped down in the arm chair, "Isabella could never want me like I do her. I just have to accept it and let go. I've wanted her for two years, now. Charlie, how am I supposed to do as you asked and tell her, when she could never be interested in romantic attention from me? You were right about my feelings for her, but I just don't see you being right about hers for me. Please, Charlie... send me some kind of sign." I thought I heard a faint gasp just then, but when I looked up and the doorway was empty, I knew it was just wishful thinking.
BPOV
His floundering after his statement confused me more than his statement did, and I watched him in confusion as he frustratedly set up the game console and tv. When he plopped down in the chair, his voice was soft and sad, but clearly discernable, "Isabella could never want me. I just have to accept it and let go. It's been two years, now. Charlie, how am I supposed to do as you asked and tell her, when she could never return my feelings? You were right about my feelings for her, but I just don't see you being right about hers for me. Please, Charlie... send me some kind of sign." I was shaking as my gasp left my hand-covered lips, and I dashed into my studio.
After quietly closing the door, I slid down against it, tears pricking my eyes.
Carlisle. Carlisle wanted me? He wanted me romantically? For two years? That's when he moved here and I gave up dating. I gave up dating because I couldn't see anyone but him in an intimate light. Wait... Charlie knew? He said Charlie was right about his feeling for me, but not about mine for him. Charlie knew I had feelings for Carlisle? Charlie asked him to tell me he had feelings for me? Holy. Fucking. Hell. Why wouldn't Charlie tell me he knew? Why wouldn't Carlisle tell me about his feelings? I really need help. This is all so confusing.
I was more than attracted to the handsome doctor, and not just because he was handsome. It was everything about him. How could I risk being rejected by him, though? The only man I could picture a life with... the only one I would ever want. I was in hell. I had to be. Raw, flaming, torturous hell.
I slowly stood and made my way out of my studio and down to my room. After I showered and pulled on my Victoria's Secret navy cami and short set, I climbed into bed and let out a shaky breath. My soft words floated through the air, "Daddy, I need your help. Please... I don't know what to do. I do want him, but I'm not someone who's forward enough to go after him. Please, Daddy, tell me what I should do. I miss you so damn much, and I need your help." A few silent tears escaped as my eyes closed, and I fell asleep surprisingly quickly.
Charlie and I were sitting on the lounge chairs on the back deck, just like any other time were at the cabin together, but there was something different. He looked younger somehow. "Daddy is everything okay?" He smiled sadly and turned to cup my cheek, "It will be, Bells. I know it doesn't seem okay now, but you asked for my guidance, and I'm here to give it." I could see the glimmer of tears in his eyes, and I choked out, "You're dead... and this is a dream... isn't it?"
He nodded, kissed my forehead, and whispered, "I am, Bells. I never wanted to leave you like that. I always figured you'd come here when I passed. Everything you need to know is in the safe in my room. Promise me you'll read the first letter when you wake in the morning. You won't see me all the time in your dreams, but when you need me most, think of me right before you sleep. I'll be there to do what I can for you. You did the right thing with Renee, Bells. Don't ever feel guilty for that." I nodded as my own tears fell, whimpering, "How long... till you won't come to me in dreams anymore? How long until..."
He tilted my chin to look in my eyes, "There's one reason I can come to your dreams now. There's something that was left unfinished, and until I make it right, I won't be at peace. Read the letter, Bells. Promise me, please." When I promised him I would, he started to fade away, saying, "I'll see you soon. I love you, Bells. So very much." When he faded into nothingness, I shifted into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.
I woke just before dawn with one thing on my mind. The letter. Charlie said I had to read it. There was apparently more than one, but I would be keeping my promise and reading the first one this morning. I knew I would need a cup of coffee to get through this morning, so I threw my robe on without tying it. I figured Carlisle would still be in bed, so I didn't worry about being in just a cami and short shorts with my robe open. I slipped my slippers on, then walked toward the kitchen wiping my hands on my face and yawning.
When I hit the kitchen, though, I smelled the heavenly scent of coffee, and my head whipped up to find Carlisle looking at me intently. I blushed and tied my robe, saying, "Sorry, I didn't think you'd be awake yet. I had an... interesting... dream last night, and came out to fix my morning caffeine before getting started. It looks like you beat me to making the coffee, though."
He smiled softly as he pulled my favorite coffee mug from the cupboard and set it on the counter, "It's not a problem, Bella. I never sleep more than four hours at a time. I've been up for about an hour and a half already. I didn't wake you, did I?" I shook my head, "Nope. I'm usually the same way, but last night was the first night I got any real sleep since I got the news."
I poured my coffee as he retrieved the creamer from the fridge, and he handed it to me with a smile, "You said something about a dream... want to talk about it?" For some reason, I knew I would, but I said, "I will want to... just not yet, alright? I need to check some things out, and then I'll talk about it." I placed a small amount of creamer in my cup, then a teaspoon of sugar as I handed him back the creamer. He smiled, "Certainly, Bella. Just know I'm here if you want to talk... about anything." I nodded and placed my hand on his shoulder, "Thank you, Carlisle. I promise I'll come talk to you about it as soon as I find out a few things."
I took my coffee and walked towards Charlie's room. I placed my free hand and forehead against the closed door, then took a deep breath and whispered, "I can do this. I need do this. I made a promise, and I'm going to keep it." Another deep breath, and I slowly opened the door. It smelled like Charlie in the room, and my throat closed up as I closed the door behind me. I decided to go straight to the safe without looking around first. Once I opened the safe, I saw several letters, with the top one having Charlie's scrawled handwriting on it of 'Read me first'. There were also three different pistols with ammo, a small stack of cash, and a few large manila envelopes. I picked up the top white envelope, closed the safe, then curled up with Charlie's pillow at the head of his bed. Opening the letter, I took a deep breath and started reading.
…
Bells,
If you're reading this, you know I won't be able to be here in person for you anymore. That's the purpose of these letters... to tell you things I either couldn't get out or that weren't appropriate at the time. Bells, I need you to know first and foremost, that you were the best thing that ever happened in my life. Until you were born, I never knew I could love someone so completely. I loved every moment of being your dad, Bella, because you were mine. You were my shining star in a midnight sky. I know you might have been embarrassed when you first moved back home with me, but I just couldn't help but be so excited to have you home... finally home again.
These last few years have been the best for me, with really getting to know the extremely brilliant and beautiful woman you've become. You've got so much potential... both with your art and your culinary skills... but don't let that be all that your life consists of. Don't give up on love and make your life all about work, like I did before you came home. Please.
Bells, I know you have feelings for Carlisle that are more than physical. You always complained about me having the eyes of a hawk when you were little, because it meant that you couldn't hide anything from me. Well, those same eyes have seen the way you look at Carlisle when you think no one is watching. They've seen the extra care you put into meals when he comes for dinner, the twinkle in your eyes when you see he's happy about something, and the need to comfort him when he's having a rough time. I never saw any of that in your mother's eyes, but I see it in yours with just the mere mention of his name.
The thing is, I see it in Carlisle's eyes, too. Every time I see him, he's always looking to see if you're with me, hoping to just lay eyes on you and spend time in your presence. I've watched him practically gouge his fingernails into the side of my boat when he found out you were sick, fighting with his urge to go to you. I've seen him jump at every opportunity to come to dinner, and his eyes lighting up at the thought of being able to see you. I'm sorry I never told you any of this before, but I was hoping the two of you would find your way to each other on your own. Was him being my friend what stopped you? If so, please don't let it stop you for another second. He's truly a good man, and you've got more in common than you know. Tell him how you feel. Please, Bells. I just want you to be happy. It's all I've ever wanted.
The rest of the letters are labeled with when to read them, and the manilla envelopes contain the deed to the property, a copy of my will, and other personal things for you when the time comes. I hope you can find the same peace here that I've found, Bells. Please don't be afraid to make the place your haven, and remember what I said about Carlisle. He loves his time here, so maybe you can come and spend time together here one day. I'll forever love you, Isabella Marie. Never forget that.
Dad
…
Tears were streaming down my face like a waterfall before I even got half-way through the letter, and my only thought was that I'd do as Charlie wished. I'd live my life, and not let it only contain work. I'd love. The only question was whether that love would be claimed by Carlisle or not.
With my tears still streaming down my face, I walked straight out of Charlie's room, leaving the door wide open, and found Carlisle leaning his hands against the kitchen bar with his head down. I placed the letter down in front of Carlisle, then took a deep breath, whispered, "The ball's in your court," and went out back to the lounge chairs on the deck. I hoped by saying that, that Carlisle would read the note and take it as me sharing my true feelings for him.
After sipping the last of my coffee, I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes. It wasn't long before I felt a soft hand brush the lingering tears from my face. My eyes met Carlisle's when they opened, and he asked softly, "How long? Could we have been together sooner?" I bit my lip and nodded, "I stopped dating because I couldn't picture myself being intimate with anyone other than you anymore. Everything about my dates ended up being compared to you, and they all fell flat. I never thought you could feel for me other than a friend's daughter until last night. I... I heard what you said in the game room, and then Charlie came to me in a dream, making me promise to read the letter first thing this morning. He told me he had to finish some unfinished business before he could be at peace, and that I could see him in my dreams when I truly needed him. When did he..."
Carlisle smiled sadly, "Just before he passed. His last words were for me to tell you, to take care of you, and to love you fiercely. Isabella, everything Charlie said in the letter about me is true. He noticed a lot more than I thought... or I was really shitty at hiding it." I chuckled, "Looks like we both were. Is that why to didn't date after you moved here?" He nodded, then stroked my cheek again, "You were it for me from the moment I first laid eyes on you. Not only are you extremely beautiful, but you're smart and witty, very caring of the people around you, down to earth, and I find myself constantly wanting to hear you speak... to know your thoughts and views on everything and anything."
I bit my lip as I looked at my nervous hands, and Carlisle lifted my chin and brushed his thumb along my trapped lip, "And you really don't know what you biting that lip does to me." Suddenly his mouth was on mine, and he ran his tongue along my trapped lip. I gasped, then he sucked it into his mouth, twirling his tongue along my teeth indentations. My hands wove up into his golden locks as I moaned, his tongue sought out mine, and they began the most erotic dance. Our lips and tongues and teeth teased, stroked, and melded... neither of us dominating the kiss, and neither of us wanting it to end. I felt his knee wedging between my legs as the kiss continued to heat, and he ended up settled between my spread thighs, his weight feeling so damn good against me that it made me moan again.
I breathed against his mouth when the kiss broke, "Better than I imagined... God, you feel incredible against me." He hummed as he trailed his lips along my jaw to the soft spot behind my ear, "I've waited so long to finally kiss you, Isabella. You taste so sweet... I can't get enough." He flicked his tongue against the sensitive skin, making my breath hitch, and it immediately turned into another moan as he made a line of open-mouthed kissed down my neck to the edge of my robe.
Bracing himself with one hand on the back of the chair, his other hand slowly ghosted up the outside of my thigh until it's fingers teased back and forth at the hemline of my robe. "Jesus, do you realise how long I've wanted to feel your hands on me like this, Carlisle? Please tell me I'm not dreaming this." His eyes came up to meet mine, "God, I hope this isn't a dream. To finally touch you and kiss you after all this time... to know you have feelings for me, too... it would be the ultimate cruelty to wake up and have this all be a dream."
Just then a loud boom of thunder rumbled overhead and the air cooled significantly. Carlisle kissed my lips softly once more, then said, "Wrap your arms and legs around me, Sweetheart. Let's get inside before you get drenched again." When I did as he asked, he held me to him by a hand on my ass and one on the back of my neck, then lifted and carried me inside. I couldn't help but play with the hair at the nape of his neck when he released my own neck and shut the door behind us.
His eyes fluttered and he moaned softly, and that sound became my favorite at once. I wanted to make him moan again and again, and find out what other sounds I could bring out of him. I gently bit down on the crook of his neck, and he growled, "Isabella, you need to stop unless you're prepared to take this further. I have no qualms about ripping those tiny little shorts off your sexy ass and taking you here and now, though I'd always hoped our first time wouldn't be rough." I moaned as I bit down on his neck again, "Gentle later, I need to feel you too much right now. Please, Carlisle."
He carried me through the house to his bedroom, directly on the opposite side of the living room from mine, and stood me at the end of the bed. He kissed me again, quite passionately, and I could feel him playing with the ties to my robe. I pinched his fingers against the material and pulled slightly, giving him the okay he was searching for, and he moaned deeply as he opened my robe and placed his hands on my waist without breaking the kiss. My own hands found their way to the hem of his slate blue long-sleeved henley tee. He groaned as my fingers found the bare skin of his back, and he broke the kiss, whipping his shirt over his head before placing his hands on my shoulders. I wrapped my arms around him again when I felt him kiss down the side of my neck while slowly removing my robe.
When he licked my collarbone with the flat of his tongue, my breath hitched, and his voice was husky as he said, "Your skin tastes as sweet as your mouth, Isabella. Shall I continue my exploration and find out if you taste this sweet elsewhere?" I clutched his back as I whimpered, "Jesus, don't say that unless you mean it. I've had too many thoughts of your lips on my body to stay sane if you stop now." He growled his agreement as he nipped his way to the top of my cami, "So have I, my brunette goddess, so have I... but I don't want to do something you're uncomfortable with." My bolder side was back, and I took one of his hands and placed it on my waist under the hem of my cami, whispering, "Please, Carlisle. Don't stop. I've wanted you for so long. I need to feel every bit of you that you're willing to give me."
He needed no more encouragement, and made sure to brush the backs of his fingers up my body the whole way as he removed my cami. As it fluttered softly to the floor, he pulled me to him, hitching one of my legs up on his hip, and directly lining his very aroused length with my heated core. I was sure I had soaked through the tiny shorts by now, and we both moaned loudly at the contact. Then he grabbed my ass and picked me up, so I wrapped my legs around him and wove my fingers into his golden locks again. He crawled up onto the bed and laid me down on the plush pillows, then brought me into another toe-curling passionate kiss.
Soon he broke away from my lips and left a scattered line of wet kisses and nips down my throat to the valley between my breasts. He ran the tip of his tongue from the bottom to the top, than groaned, "How can you taste so sweet? You have my mouth positively watering to taste every inch of you. You smell as sweet as you taste, and it's making me painfully hard, Isabella." His hands trailed down the sides of my breasts to wrap around my ribs as he kissed down the center of my stomach.
When he reached the low waist of my shorts, he used his teeth to nip at the band as he looked up at me. I nodded and guided his hands down to my hips, making sure his fingers hooked inside the band. He swirled his tongue inside my navel as his fingers started to guide my shorts down. I held his head to me as I lifted slightly, and he immediately took advantage, sliding my shorts down as far as he could.
Backing down off the bed as I settled down again, he placed random kisses on my thighs, knees, and shins. I let my legs fall open, completely revealing myself for him as he settled on his heels and looked down at me. He whispered in awe as he ghosted his hands along my curves, "So goddamn sexy. Christ, you're exquisite, Isabella." He leaned in and kissed me again, this time slowly, then made his way back to my breasts with his lips following in the wake of his fingers.
With his index finger swirling around the outside of my nipple, he whispered, "I had such a hard time last night trying to keep myself from taking you right there on the porch. I could see your perfect pink nipples so very clearly through your shirt and bra, and all I could think about was taking each deliciously tightened bud into my mouth... sucking them deep into my mouth, and laving them with my tongue."
My nipples went rock hard at the combination of his words and teasing fingers, and I whimpered, "Jesus, Carlisle. Stop teasing... please." I tugged his head closer to my nipple as my back arched, and he moaned, "God, yes. I love you showing me what you need... showing me how to please you." He flicked his tongue sharply against my aching bud, eliciting a loud gasp from me as I tightened my fingers in his hair, then it turned into a deep moan when he wrapped his lips around it fully and twirled his tongue.
Suddenly he was nipping kissing, sucking and flicking all over my breast as he palmed and squeezed the other, and I cried out at the pleasurable onslaught. I could feel my wetness on his stomach -as my hips involuntarily bucked against him- when he switched to repeat the process on the other breast, and he moaned, "Christ, Isabella. I can feel how wet you are. Tell me it's all for me... because of me... please." I whimpered, "Only you, Carlisle. Oh, God... more... " He shifted his position further down on the bed, then kissed his way down to my navel again. He flicked his tongue against it, then sucked at the hollow of each hip before nuzzling the top of my bare mound and groaning, "This is so fucking erotic, Isabella. I love that I can see every delectable bit of your pretty little pussy."
He nipped right above my slit, then drew a swirling line up it from my rear entrance all the way to my clit. I moaned loudly as my hands fisted in his silky hair again, "Fucking hell, Carlisle. So good... holy Jesus, your tongue is magic." He chuckled and sucked at my folds, then spread my thighs wider and blew his cool breath against my overheated flesh. I whimpered in need, pulling his face back to me by his hair, and he hummed, "Yes, my goddess? Tell me. Tell me what you need."
When I tried to pull him further into me, he shook his head, "Tell me, Isabella. Talk to me, and tell me what you need." I was way passed the point of begging by then, and my need showed clearly in my voice, "Taste me. Touch me. I want your fingers deep inside me, and your tongue working it's magic on my clit. Make me cum for you, Carlisle." He growled, instantly latched onto my aching bundle of nerves, and sucked lightly as he slowly slid a finger inside me.
He moaned, then slid another finger in as my stomach clenched in anticipation and my breath whooshed out of me, "Fuuck, yes. Carlisle, deeper... oh God, yesss..." He started curling his fingers as he withdrew them, making me tremble and cry out each time, and then Carlisle massaged one certain spot, and growled in a pure sex voice, "Right... there. Yes, Isabella... cum for me. Cum hard on my fingers, My Goddess." My trembling turned into full-out quakes as he bit down on my clit and flicked the trapped bundle, while repeatedly massaging deep against my sweet spot.
Suddenly the coil inside me snapped, and I screamed out as I arched and clutched tightly to his shoulders, my incoherent screams being the melody for my pleas for more and cries of his name. The pleasure and ecstasy that shot through my body was indescribable, and when Carlisle finally slowed his motions and began lapping softly from my entrance to my clit, I shuttered out a breath.
Carlisle kissed his way back up my body, settling between my still spread thighs, and I pulled him down into an extremely erotic slow kiss. When the need to breathe became necessity, Carlisle trailed wet kisses and flicks of his tongue to my ear and whispered, "Your sweet little pussy is my new addiction, Isabella. I'll never get enough of your delectable taste. Do you feel how painfully hard you make me, My Goddess?" I moaned as he rocked against me, and he continued in a raw and need-filled tone, "I want you so badly, Isabella. I want to bury myself within you... become one with you in the most primal and natural way. I want to make love to you, and show you how deeply I feel for you."
I brought my hands to cup his cheeks, then looked deep into his eyes and whispered, "I love you, Carlisle. I have for a while now, but never thought you could feel the same. Show me. Make love to me... show me how much you love me." He wedged his knee under my leg and hitched it against his hip, lining his tip up with my entrance as he whispered, "I love you, too... so much that it chokes me up. I won't waste another day without making you mine, Isabella. Be mine... mind, body and soul. Build a life with me, please."
I nodded as a few tears slipped from my eyes at the emotion, "Only yours... I've been only yours for 2 years, Carlisle. I can't go back to being without you... you're the only one I could ever think about building a life with." His lips descended on mine, and we both poured all of our emotions into the kiss as he slowly slipped inside me. When I felt his hips settle, both of us let out a long moan, and our eyes locked again.
Our love-making was slow, and the only sounds in the room were our moans and sighs, the swish of skin on skin, and our heavy breathing. I lost track of how many times each of us came, but it seemed as if the more we did, the more in synch we became with each other. There was no need for words, as our feelings seems to flow through each other. The culmination of our love-making happened when the afternoon sun shone down on both of our bodies, making our overheated forms seem to shimmer at the height of our mutual pleasure.
As our orgasms faded, so did the sun on our skin, and Carlisle and I looked at each other with wide eyes as we heard the distant echo of my father's voice, "I love you, Bells. Take care of and love each other, and my gift to you both. I'll be watching over you both until you can be with me again." Carlisle's tears mirrored mine as we both said in unison, "Always, Daddy/Charlie. I love you."
One Month Later: BPOV
Carlisle and I decided to both go back to Forks to sell Charlie's house, which the guys at the station had all been hearing offers for. It seems that with it being so well taken care of, the house's value was well above average for the area. There was another purpose for the trip back, though. Carlisle had asked me to marry him, and we both agreed that Forks should be the location.
Reverend Webber married us exactly one month to the day of the letter, in the beautifully decorated back yard of Carlisle's house, with Mark walking me down the weaving garden path, that was surrounded on each side with all of Forks' residents and Carlisle's family and friends from other places. It was a perfect setting, and both Carlisle and I felt Charlie's presence throughout the ceremony.
To say there was a bit of shock around town when the recently deceased Chief of Police's daughter came back hand-in-hand with the unattainable hot doctor... well that was an understatement. The only people who knew the truth of our relationship were the guys at the station, and only because they were so close to Charlie. The rest of the town was told the story that Carlisle and I were seeing each other secretly, for fear that our relationship would hurt Charlie. After reading a letter that not only did Charlie know about the relationship, but he didn't want us to waste another second keeping it secret, we decided to come out with our relationship. The town calmed down considerably after that, and the wedding planning was on.
Charlie's house ended up selling for $30,000 over the sale price to Mark and his girlfriend Megan. They were more than willing to pay it, and I was happy they were the ones that got it. I knew they would take good care of the house. He asked her to marry him the night they moved in, with the help of a romantic candlelight dinner that I prepared for them before returning to Carlisle's house in the woods.
Carlisle decided to keep his house, for when we came back to visit, and the guys at the station offered to keep up the maintenance on it while we were gone. We both agreed that the Montana cabin would be our permanent home. We both felt more at ease there, and with the large parcels of land, there was a need for a doctor who could make house calls in an emergency. He planned to set up a small practice with office hours on the part of land closest to the main road, with the stipulation that people understood he could get called away in an emergency. I thought it was a brilliant idea, and Carlisle was excited to really get away from the hospital politics and get back to helping people truly in need.
Two days after the wedding, we were sitting around Carlisle's dining room table with his family, which I immediately loved upon meeting them. His brothers Jasper and Emmett, along with Emmett's wife Rosalie, owned a construction and building firm together that was in high demand. Jasper's wife, Alice, owned an interior design firm along with Carlisle's cousin, Esme. Esme's husband, Edward, was actually a doctor, too, but he specialized in Pediatrics with a backup in Obstetrics.
They had heard about Carlisle wanting to start the practice, and we were all sitting around the table coming up with plans. Both of the companies immediately offered their services, and when it was settled that they were all going to take the time off to stay in the area during the building and designing phases, I offered for them to stay at the cabin. They were shocked by the offer, but I insisted that we had plenty of room, and Carlisle smiled widely, "That's a wonderful idea, My Love. The game room and gym will get much more use, with it being more than the two of us using them, and everyone will be able to see the beauty of the land that I've been talking about so much."
He kissed me softly, then turned to his family, "It's settled. You'll stay with us. Each couple will have their own room with an en suite bath, and the dining room will finally get used. It's plenty large enough to fit everyone." I smiled widely as a thought came to me, "And I'll finally be able to cook for large groups again. Oh, Carlisle, it'll be so much fun."
Everyone chuckled, and Carlisle kissed my forehead with a grin. The planning continued far into the night, but by the time we all retired to our private rooms, a rough sketch of what Carlisle wanted was drawn up. The real plans would be drawn up after a site review and all of the zoning and permits were completed.
Two Weeks After Wedding: BPOV
I was laying in bed with Carlisle, talking about Christmas gifts for his family and the guys at the station, when suddenly I sat bolt upright in bed, scaring the daylights out of him. I started counting backwards in my head, then I counted forwards. I repeated the process while Carlisle was rubbing my back and asking me worriedly to talk to him, and when my counting was done, I whispered, "The first time... when we made love... If my calculations are correct, I was ovulating. My period was due two weeks later. With how chaotic everything's been, I didn't even realise I had missed my period. I should have gotten it again yesterday."
I was wringing my hands together in my lap, but Carlisle took hold of them in one hand while he tilted up my chin with the other. When my eyes met his, he asked, "I know we didn't exactly plan it, and you're religious about your pills. Isabella, I can't make myself regret anything that was a result of making love to you. If we find out that we're pregnant now or in 5 years... nothing could make me happier, than to know that our child is growing inside you." Happy tears broke free from my eyes, and I whispered, "Really? It's just that there's so much on your plate right now, and... well... so you'll be happy if I am?" Carlisle nodded and beamed at me, then laid me back on the bed before nuzzling his nose against my belly, "Ecstatic, Isabella. Can we take a trip to the drug store today while we're in Port Angeles Christmas shopping?"
I giggled and nodded as he placed little kisses all over my flat tummy, then we heard a knock on the door. We were both in our pj's, since we had company in the house, so I giggled out, "Come in." Edward came through the door, followed by Esme, and instantly his face lit up at the sight of us, "Oh, I know that look. Would it be too forward of me to ask?" I shook my head, "Nope. I didn't even realise I missed my cycle last month, then the date struck me this morning, and I realised I was supposed to start again yesterday." Esme excitedly said, "Oh, how wonderful! Since Edward and I have been trying, I always keep a few pregnancy tests in my bag when we go away... just in case. Have you tested yet?"
I shook my head, and she rushed out the door. Edward chuckled as Carlisle laid his cheek on my stomach and I ran my fingers through his hair, "I hope congratulations are in order, Bella. With the shortage of doctors near your cabin, Esme and I were actually coming to tell you that if we like the area, we'll be looking into buying a place of our own." Carlisle sat up with a wide smile, pulling me up with him, and asked, "Then you'll consider an offer to be partners in the practice?" Edward grinned, "And we'll both take on the care of Bella and the baby... that is, if you're willing, Bella." I nodded, "There's no one I'd trust more than family, Edward... and with your O.B and Ped background, that makes you the perfect candidate. Oh, but what about Esme and the design firm?"
Esme walked back into the room, then, and handed me two foil wrapped pregnancy tests as she said, "I was considering either retiring fully, to finally try my hand at growing my own vegetables and a flower garden, or dropping back and only making appearances ones a quarter and for emergencies. Now hurry and go take those. Your husband is staring at them like he's willing a positive result to show up without the test even being preformed." I giggled and kissed Carlisle quickly before dashing to the en suite bath.
Three minutes later, Carlisle and I walked hand-in-hand back to the bathroom, with the rest of the family waiting anxiously for the results at the dining room table. He pulled me to him before we reached the counter, and whispered as he hugged me, "If it's negative, what to do think about trying right away? Though it wasn't planned, the thought of my child inside you makes me extremely happy. I don't want to wait to try again if this is negative." I nodded, "Neither do I, Carlisle. All I've been able to picture is little boys that are as gorgeous as their daddy, and little chestnut haired girls with sky blue eyes." He kissed my lips softly, then whispered against them, "It's settled then. Either way, there will be no more birth control." I nodded, and we reached the counter to see two digital pregnancy tests, both displaying the word 'pregnant'.
I immediately grabbed one of the tests and held it to my chest as happy tears fell rapidly from my eyes. I turned and snuggled into Carlisle's chest, whispering, "Parents, Carlisle. We're going to be parents... a Mama and Daddy to a beautiful little baby." He dropped to his knees in front of me, kissed my stomach several times with his arms wrapped gently around my waist, then smiled up at me, "You're amazing, My Love. Simply awe-inspiring. I love you, Isabella." I ran my fingers through his hair and said softly, "As I love you, Carlisle, and I think my father's final gift to us is living proof of that love." His eyes sparkled with recognition, and he said, "It's the best gift anyone could ever receive."