It's Not That Easy

Chapter 21 - A Revelation

There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem, the more likely one will be to treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity. - Nathaniel Branden

Chapter 21 - A Revelation

Edward's POV:

"Good morning, Cariad. Rise and shine." I brush the hair away from her face, which is creased and swollen from sleep. "What are you doing out here on the couch?"

She stretches and makes the sweetest noise as she blinks and tries to focus on my face. "Dreams. I didn't want to wake up Jillian and Helen, so I came out here."

"Next time, come find me. You're always welcome in my bed." I give her a sexy little smirk, and she laughs and tells she'll remember that.

She puts on a pot of coffee and mugs for everyone, before she changes her clothes. Holden and Elliot were digging through the waders looking for theirs, and Joel was already dressed by the time we entered the mudroom. I watch Addyson pull on her white button down shirt over her tank. She pauses for a moment and begins to braid her hair and grabs her hat off the rack.

"Are you going to go with us?" Holden asks, after he clears his throat to get my attention. He looks in the direction of Addyson, and I know I just got caught ogling. "If you don't get a move on, she'll leave without you."

"Edward, you can use Uncle CJ's or Uncle Michael's rod if you want. I'll show you how to put them together when you're dressed." She calls from across the room.

"Hold on," Elliot's laughs. "You're going to fly fish? What happened to 'never dis the spin caster'?"

Addyson glares at him and tells him to mind his own business, and I smirk at him.

"You hiding behind a girl now?" He asks.

"Yeah, have you seen her fight? She's tougher than you." I tell him and give Addyson a playful nudge.

Addy's POV:

The autumn air is a biting this morning, but as soon as the sun is up it will be nice. Before getting in the water, Edward practices a few casts, trying to get the hang of the lighterweight rod. He doesn't have much trouble going from spin to fly, but his touch is a bit heavy, probably because he is used to the weighted line.

"Lighter touch. It's more in the wrist instead of the elbow." I hold the rod with him, and he loosens his hold a bit. "That's better. Remember it's a four count..."

"If you start quoting that movie, I'm going back and getting my rod out." He threatens, and I give him a wink and wicked little smile.

Holden and Joel move downstream from us, while Elliot struggles against the current upstream. Without my cousins and my friend to get in our way, Edward begins to get the hang of it, and in the stillness of the morning the even whipping sound of the line sounds natural.

I add a fish to my collection, and take a moment to watch Edward. He always tells me he's a lucky man, but I think I'm the lucky one.

I don't think that it's just because he's a sexy hunk 'o man, but it's his heart. I love him, and I love who I am with him. I can't imagine not being with him...everyday. My heart suddenly felt so full as if it were about to burst. I feel my breath escape my body with the realization I want to spend everyday with this man...everyday for the rest of my life.

"Hey, Cara. Are you ok?" Edward asks with a worried look on his face. "Your face just paled. Are you feeling ok? Do you need to sit down?"

I shake off my thoughts. "No, I'm ok. Just lost in my head for a moment. I'm fine."