Picking up the Pieces

Chapter Fifteen

This story is dedicated to my friend, Pam, who recently lost her husband to cancer. She's a wonderful friend with a beautiful soul who didn't deserve losing her best friend to such a devastating and deadly disease. I love you, girl.

I can't believe that's it been almost three years since I last worked on this story. I know I posted an author's note, but I wanted you to let you know why this story was put on hiatus. In May 2015, I lost my mother to lung cancer. Suffice it to say, this story hits a little too close to home. I tried to work on it, but I couldn't even read the chapters I'd written without sobbing hysterically. I'm to a point that I think I can do the story justice, without being an emotional wreck. You know?

Thank you for your patience and understanding. It may be difficult for me to finish this story. Especially, with the way I have the story planned, but I will never leave anyone hanging. I will finish all of my stories.

Up next will be July Fourth, Phoenix and some drama with one of Jake's sisters...which one? Also, some bonding with Edward and the kids in EPOV! Please, leave me some! ;-)

Chapter Fifteen

EPOV

We returned from Vancouver, picking up John and Grace from Charlie and Renee's. I dropped them off at Bella's home, so I could get some more clothing. I tossed the clothes I'd worn on our trip into the hamper, but I didn't want to. I could still smell Bella's sweetness on the fabric. Memories of our time in the cabin, making love and sharing her body, they came rushing back. I wanted to feel her again. I needed to hold her in my arms, keep her with me forever.

My phone rang, and I picked it up. "Hello?"

"How was the trip?" asked Mom. "Did you ask her?"

"Ma," I grumbled. "It's too soon. I love Bella very much and I want to share my life with her, but if I ask now, she'll bolt."

"But, you have the ring," Mom muttered, her pout evident. "Ask her soon, my sweet boy."

I hummed noncommittally, wanting to do just that, but her trepidation prior to making love the first time was a clear indication that she was not ready for that. Not yet. But, I wanted to give my mother her wish. She pulled me aside at my birthday celebration and told me that her treatments were not working as effectively. She was still doing okay, but it was a matter of time before another opportunistic infection would steal her away. Her one wish was that she wanted to see me married before she died. She wanted Bella to be a part of our family. She wanted to love up on John and Grace, spoiling her adoptive grandchildren, if even for the final few months of her life.

"Edward?" Mom asked.

"Sorry," I replied, shaking my head. "Just thinking about your comment. Your wish ..."

"I don't want to ruin what you have with Bella. Don't push her, Edward," she murmured. "Just love her. She's been through hell ..."

"She still is battling her demons," I sighed. "But, she asked me to go to Phoenix with her after the Fourth. If I can I get the days off from Charlie, I'm going with her."

"Charlie will give you the days," Mom chuckled. "He adores you and I know that he thinks your good for Bella." I blushed, smiling crookedly. "Will we see you on the Fourth? The parade? Fireworks?"

"I think so," I nodded. "Call me if you need anything, Ma. I love you."

"I love you, too, Edward," she said.

We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone. I finished packing and drove to Bella's home. I parked in the driveway but left my bag in the car. I didn't want to freak out John and Grace. They had accepted me into their lives. They loved me, and I adored them. However, I didn't want them thinking that I was trying to replace their father. Jacob Black was a good man and he loved his children. He was their father. I'd gladly be a father figure, but I'd never be their dad. I should be upset about it, but I couldn't be. Seeing Jacob's devotion in the pictures I'd noticed scattered around the house, I knew Jake would have done anything for his kids. I would do my best to step in and do the same.