Sigh ... I wish this were mine, but alas it is not. It belongs to Stephenie Meyer.
To answer a few questions in the first chapter's reviews ... this story is loosely based on Into the Storm. Granted, I made some changes to the plot, improving it as it were. Adding romance (citrus!) and finding out what happened after the tornado.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this story, especially Nancy who asked for me to write this story for Ashley's Auction. Also, thank you to Clo and Magda for the beautiful graphics they created for Dr. Heatwave and Principalella! I truly appreciate your graphic design expertise!
I hope you all enjoyed the rollercoaster of a ride that we had ... see you on the flippity flip!
The greater your storm, the brighter your rainbow.
Epilogue
March 28th, 2022
Las Vegas, Nevada
Bellagio Hotel
"Will you calm your tits?" Angela laughed. She'd quickly become one Bella's closest friends. She taught drama, introduction to public speaking and Brit Lit. "You're going to sweat through your dress. You don't have cold feet, do you?"
"Hell, no! My feet are toasty warm," Bella retorted. "I just never imagined being here. I never thought I'd be married again."
"You're not married yet, bitch," Angela smirked. "Dr. Heatwave is still single at this moment. Do you think he'd go for me?"
"I don't think so, Ang. Besides, you're married, woman! I love you and I love that you helped me come out of my shell," Bella snickered. "I never realized how much I hid my personality. You know?"
"You were pretty quiet when I first met you. Then, I drew you into my world. Thank you for being my assistant director for the play. You were awesome. You're doing it again, next year," Angela proclaimed. "If you're not knocked up."
"I'm not pregnant, Angela," Bella sighed.
"Then, why the rush to the altar?"
"Because, when you know, you know," Bella shrugged.
On New Year's Eve, Edward and Bella were spending the night in their Elmhurst home. Riley and Alec were out with friends, celebrating the New Year at a party. Lily had already crashed. They were curled up on the couch, watching the ball drop in New York. It was a perfect, quiet evening.
"Do you make resolutions?" Bella asked, sipping her wine. "New Year's resolutions?"
"I think my resolutions the past few years have been the same," Edward replied. "Be a good human. Be a good father."
"You are the best father, Edward. I can see how much you love Lily and my boys, even though they're not yours biologically. You're almost superhuman with how awesome you are," Bella said.
"I do love your boys. They're just amazing," Edward breathed. "What about you?"
"The typical resolutions, lose weight, be happy, don't kill my boss," Bella quipped. "Though, my boss at York is pretty amazing."
"You do not need to lose weight, beautiful. You're perfect the way you are," Edward breathed.
"So are you, Dr. Heatwave," Bella quipped. "But, this year, my resolutions are more geared to us as a family. I want to be a better mother to the boys and to Lily. She still keeps me at arm's length."
"Lily loves you, Bella. But, her mother ... she ingrained an inherent distrust of women who are not her into my Bug," Edward sighed. "It's going to take time and let's just say that Lily trusts you more than my mom. She's just afraid that you're going to leave like Jessica."
