Puppies and Promises

Chapter 7: Ticked Off

Chapter 7: Ticked Off

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. . . . .

Oh, man, even while clinging to her lips, I kept sayin' to myself, don't screw this up, Jake ... don't screw it up. Nice and slow, don't rush her like the leech did. No, no ... slow and steady wins the race. Well, maybe not turtle slow. I'd let her set the pace.

When we finally came up for a breath, an important thought hit me. "Hey, Bells, what time is it?"

"I don't know. I've been busy with other ... things. I'll go look."

She got up from the couch and sashayed into the kitchen. Returning to my willing arms, she said, "It's 9:50, why?"

"Sh ... oh, sorry. I gotta go. Dad has a doctor's appointment, and I need to take him."

"Would you like to come to Charlie's for dinner tonight?"

"Can't. I'll be patrolling with the pack."

"What about after? Can you come to my place later then?"

"Jeez, I don't know. It could be really late. I don't want you to wait up for me."

"Okay, well, just come by, and if the lights are out, you'll know I gave up and went to bed."

"Deal.

"One more thing before I go. Can I get a goodbye kiss?"

"Gosh, Jake. You're so needy."

"Makin' up for lost time, honey."

She lifted an eyebrow. "Come and get it then."

I did.

# # # # #

Out of respect for Carlisle and Esme, I had agreed to a respite of sorts in Alaska, and spent several weeks with the Denali coven. It was time to go home though; Tanya was getting on my nerves. She knew I was married, but that still didn't stop her from lavishing her attentions on me. Did she have no sense of morality?

I'll admit that I, in a moment of weakness, entertained the idea to return Tanya's affections just to spite Bella, yet I couldn't go through with it, notwithstanding my anger at her for leaving me.

My emotions were decidedly erratic ... despondent one instant, hopeful the next, then filled with rage. I had to believe that she would return to me. Only that expectation kept me from going mad. After all, what could she do on her own? She had no money to speak of, no place to live and the shame of desertion hanging about her head. I promised myself that I wouldn't berate her when she regained her senses, and came crawling back to our marriage bed which she had so foolishly abandoned.

Bella was young and inexperienced, and so I would forgive her for the rash decision. I would go to the house, and wait patiently for my prodigal wife's arrival.

. . . . .

When I entered my home, I noted tension in the air, and picked up thoughts from both Rosalie and Emmett. Jasper's mind also mingled with theirs, shouting words of warning, Keep calm, Edward. Don't go all hog-wild on us, now.

Esme seemed to be the only family member who wasn't on edge, however she did appear confused, as my sister, Alice, flit lightly down the stairs carrying a large manila envelope. She placed it in my hands, then stepped back cautiously.

Opening the envelope, I retrieved a letter from a lawyer, and an official looking document stating that my marriage was dissolved. I was stunned into disbelief. It wasn't a dream, because I didn't ever sleep, but this could not be real. It had to be a hoax. Surely she wouldn't throw away something as important as our marriage so quickly. Yet the words on the page seemed genuine.