Buying Love Teaser

“Is he on his way?” I groaned, gripping my belly. “I need Edward to be here, Dad!”

“He just texted. He’s on his way,” Dad replied. “He said that he didn’t trust himself to drive and he’s sprinting across the quad.” I snorted. That made sense. Edward had to focus 100% on driving. Stressing about me and nugget would make him an anxious mess. “Bella, do you want something?”

“I want Edward,” I whimpered.

“I’m here, bellissima,” he panted, gripping the edge of the door. His face was pink and he was breathing heavily. Tossing his bag on the floor, he moved closer to me and sat down. He took my hand, kissing my knuckles. “Are you okay, Bella? Is the baby okay?”

“Fine, but the baby is coming today,” I said. “I thought I was having Braxton-Hicks but when my water broke in the shower, I knew I had to come to the hospital. You were taking your tests so I called Dad.”

“It’s okay,” he smiled, his fingers tucking an errant damp curl from my face. “Nugget is just anxious to meet us, baby.”

“But, it’s too early,” I sniffled.

“Dr. Rollins said that our baby might come early. But the baby is fine,” he said, leaning his forehead against mine. I gripped his hand, pressing it to my chest. As we shared that moment, another contraction hit. I cried out, wanting the pain to stop. Edward soothingly helped me through it. But, once the contraction was done, he hit the call button. “I know you wanted a natural birth, but I can’t stand seeing you in so much pain, Bella.”

“You won’t think I’m a wimp?” I asked.

“No,” he said. “I think you’re an amazing, strong woman.”

A nurse walked in, Rebecca. She had checked me in and was very sweet. “How are you doing, Ms. Swan?” she chirped. “Do you need ice chips?”

“No, I need drugs,” I said. “I thought I could do this without them, but …”

“I’ll have Dr. Rollins paged and page the anesthesiologist on call,” Rebecca smirked. “You lasted longer than most.” I nodded, wanting Dr. Rollins and the epidural man to magically appear. Dr. Rollins came ten minutes after Rebecca left. She examined me and said that there was enough time to administer the epidural, but by the end of the night, Edward and I would be parents.

Within an hour, I had the epidural and felt no pain. It was strangely reminiscent to when I was dealing with my spinal shock, but I was grateful for the lack of pain below my boobs. The only way I knew I was having contractions was the beeping on the machine to the right of me.

Once Edward arrived, Charlie stepped out to call Elizabeth, Rose and Alice. They wouldn’t make it to the hospital on time, but would at least know that the newest addition to our family was on the way. “We haven’t finalized names,” Edward said, his hand pressed to my belly and our fingers threaded together. “We still have a list that’s a mile long.”

“We should come up with our favorites for both a boy and a girl,” I said, munching on some ice chips. “I still love the name Ava. It’s so pretty, classic.”

“Don’t you want to honor your mom?” he asked.

“I loved my mom, but not her name,” I replied, wrinkling my nose. “If I do use part of her name, it’ll be as a middle or baptismal name. Ava Renee Masen?”

“That’s pretty,” he said, his eyes misting over. “I think we’ve got our girl option of the way. Now, boys?”

“What do you think for a boy’s name?” I asked, picking up his hand and kissing his palm.

“There’s no way in hell I’m naming him after me. Edward is so stuffy,” he said, wrinkling his nose. He pushed up his glasses, having removed his contacts after he’d arrived. “How about Jared? It’s pretty modern and a fitting tribute to my friend.”

“What was your dad’s middle name?” I asked. “If you don’t want to use Edward …?”

“Same as mine, Anthony,” he shrugged. “Jared Anthony Masen?”

“His initials would spell JAM,” I giggled.

“Nope. Not that. He’d be tormented,” Edward chuckled. “Carlisle Jared Masen?”

“Meh,” I shrugged. “Or, we could use Carlisle’s middle name: William?”

“William Jared Masen,” Edward murmured. He narrowed his eyes and then a beautiful smile spread over his face. “I love that. William Jared Masen or Ava Renee Masen. Both are gorgeous names. Now, we just have to wait to see what we have.”

“I love you, Edward,” I said. “You’re going to be an amazing father.”

“I adore you,” he breathed. “You’re already a phenomenal mother.” He kissed me and then moved down to my belly. “Don’t take too long, kiddo. Be kind to your beautiful mother.” 

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 96 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 96 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 96 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 96 Update on TWCS

Buying Love Chapter 97 Update on Wattpad

Four Months Later

“I can’t believe you’re moving,” Jasper said as we packed up my office in the home that Jared left to me. I had acquired a lot of books, both fiction and non-fiction alike. “I moved back to Seattle to be closer to my best friend. Now, you’re going to Stanford in California!”

“It’s only for a couple of years while I get my bachelor’s degree, Jas,” I said, taping up the box we just finished. “I just have to take classes for my business and information technology major since I did most of my general education classes done online. They’re transferring over. ”

“Where are you staying?” Jasper asked.

“Bella and I found a small bungalow near campus, but that’s close to one of the new boutique bed and breakfasts she’s opening in Palo Alto,” I answered.

Uncle Peter had stepped up, taking over the huge resorts in Swan Hotels. Bella wanted to focus on her newest idea: boutique bed and breakfasts. The first one was opened in San Francisco. It was a cluster of twenty homes that had been decorated chicly. It was a big hit with a personal touch, but for high-end clients. It was almost like the villa we’d stayed in Kauai. One night in that B&B was almost $3,000 and people were willing to pay it. It was private and romantic, but with all of the amenities of a Swan Hotel.

“Alice loves managing the one she opened here in Seattle,” Jasper said. “It’s giving her a purpose.”

“How about you? How are you doing?” I asked.

“Dr. Banner is pleased with the healing in my hands. I picked up a guitar and played a little bit,” he smiled. “Granted, my dexterity is not what it used to be, but I’m getting stronger. On top of that, I’m liking my job working with Rose and Peter at Swan Towers, but I’m considering going back to school to get my degree in psychology. Marina and my therapist, Michele, have helped me so much and now, I want to do the same for victims like me. Like us.”

“What does Alice say about that?”

“Alice is supportive and she thinks I’d be a great psychologist,” he said. “I’ve looked into University of Washington and it’s too late for me to start this semester, but it’s feasible to start second semester.”

“Good for you,” I smiled, giving him a man-hug. 

Bella and Edward's California Home

Stanford University

Buying Love Teaser

Staring out the window of the private jet, I watched as we approached the airport just outside of Seattle. Bella was sleeping next to me, her head cradled in my lap. She woke up sick the morning we left. It was a cold or a sinus infection, but she was miserable. Her loud snores filled the cabin, almost waking up but whimpering in her deep, husky voice, raspy from the sore throat.

“Mr. Masen, I’m sorry,” said the flight attendant. “We’re getting ready to land. If you could wake up Ms. Swan and have her put on her seat belt.”

“Thank you,” I replied, giving her a friendly smile. She moved back to the front of the cabin I shook Bella awake and she grumbled. Begrudgingly, she sat up and put on her seatbelt. However, she did put her cheek on my shoulder and continued to snore in my ear. No human should make those noises. Even a gorgeous human such as my bellissima. Ignoring her obnoxious snarling, I gazed back out the window. My mind was racing about how much my life has changed in almost a year.

I had found love.

I was free of Esme’s almost daily torture.

Esme was found guilty of her crimes and will be sentenced according to the law.

My mom, while my relationship with her was still strained, was getting stronger every day. She was almost back the woman I remembered from my childhood. But, I was still bitter about her retreating into her mind. I probably always will be.

I lived through hell to provide medical care for her and it was all in her head.

Well, and Esme’s deal with the doctors keeping my mom medicated.

On top of all that, Bella’s dad, who had been my dad’s best friend, dropped this bombshell that I’m a multi-gazillionaire. I owned half of Swan Hotels, LLC. Bella and I were business partners.

Once I sign the paperwork that Charlie gave to us prior to our departure to Kauai. If I want to sign the paperwork.

Who are you kidding? You’re signing the paperwork. 

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 93 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 93 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 93 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 93 Update on TWCS

Buying Love Chapter 93 Update on Wattpad

Edward slept so well in Hawaii. He still cuddled around me, holding me close to his body but his nightmares were non-existent. The only time they made appearance was the first night on the island after we’d seen each other naked for the first time since Jacob and Seth’s wedding. I knew that Edward was still coming to grips that I would not hurt him, but after being abused for so long, he was definitely not used to be touched lovingly, softly and with care.

Each time we’d fooled around prior to that first time in Hawaii, clothes had stayed on. He’d roll his body against mine until we both climaxed, but we never saw each other’s bodies. But, once the clothes came off, Edward was ashamed of his body, despite the fact that he was physically stronger than he’d been before. He still felt like he was being punished. Since that day, we’d explored more of our bodies but had still yet to make love.

“You know it’s rude to stare,” Edward said, blinking open his jade-colored eyes. They were soft and filled with so much love for me, despite his teasing. “Do I have something on my face?”

“No. You’re just beautiful,” I said, laying down next to him and brushing his sun-lightened hair away from his face. His pale skin was now tanned and gorgeous. His scars almost disappeared with each day we were on the island. “So relaxed.”

“All of my fears are back in Seattle. Here? I feel like I’ve been reborn,” he smiled, rolling on his side. He was wearing only a pair of boxer briefs. I was dressed in a black negligee and a pair of lacy boy shorts. He pulled me closer, tracing the angel’s wings on my back. He was shocked that I had gotten such a larger tattoo on my back. With Rose’s help, starting in January, I got these beautiful wings on my back representing Edward’s freedom and my growth as a woman. It took almost a month, but I was pleased and hearing Edward’s gasp when he saw them, it was worth it. Just like when I had seen his tattoos for the first time. “What’s on tap for today?”

“Whatever you want to do,” I beamed. “We could explore the island. We’ve spent most of our trip here at the villa.”

“I saw something on the computer about a sunset cruise. We could do that tonight,” Edward suggested, his fingers gliding down my spine and making me shudder. “Perhaps, a helicopter tour tomorrow morning?”

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 92 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 92 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 92 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 92 Update on TWCS

Buying Love Chapter 92 Update on Wattpad

Flying … yeah. Not a fan. I think with time, I’ll get better, but flying in the private Swan Hotel jet was an experience that I’d not soon forget.

“Here, Edward,” Bella said, handing me a bottle of water. “You still look super pale.” I took it, smiling sheepishly. “Don’t worry about being sick in the plane. I was not a fan when I went on the jet, either. But, you’ll quickly learn that flying commercial sucks.”

“I’ve never flown. Period,” I snorted, taking a deep pull from the water. The limo was driving us to the villa rental. It was overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a large pool and four bedrooms. It seemed like too much for just the two of us, Bella wanted us to have a secluded location. Our trip was going to be unplanned, with no excursions unless we wanted to do something. We just wanted to be alone and were desperate to reconnect as a couple. I’d worked with Dr. Benson and I felt like I was ready to take that next step, making love to Bella. We’d been fooling around, but had yet to cross that bridge. Who would have thought that dry humping would be so hot? Plus, I wanted to wait until I got the all-clear from Dr. Banner. Which I got the day before we departed for Kauai.

Despite my not-so-illustrious sexual history, I was free of any and all sexually transmitted diseases. I was in excellent health, actually. The only issue were my scars and Dr. Banner gave me a name of a plastic surgeon to reduce the scarring on my back, wrists, and the top part of my ass. I wasn’t sure if I was going to go through with it, but I had the option.

“Edward, you’re spacing out,” Bella said, brushing her fingers through my hair.

“Just thinking and looking at the gorgeous scenery,” I smiled, pulling her closer and kissing her neck. She melted against me, her arm squeezing my waist. “I’m glad we’re here. This is so different from Seattle and Forks.”

“It is and it’s exactly what the doctor ordered,” Bella replied. “With everything that happened, we needed to get away.”

“Agreed. Stepping away from the mayhem was a brilliant idea, bellissima,” I said. “Esme’s conviction, Charlie’s revelation and just the insanity of life. And being here in paradise is ideal. I might not want to leave.”

“You just don’t want to fly again,” Bella teased. The limo pulled up to a gorgeous home in a gated community. “Ooh! We’re here!” The limo parked and the driver unloaded our bags, handing Bella a key. “Thank you.” He drove off and we unlocked the door and were greeted by an open concept villa. “God, this is gorgeous!”

“It is and it smells so sweet,” I said, walking outside to the exquisite lanai and huge pool. Bella walked outside, sighing contentedly as she snuggled in my arms. “Seriously, I don’t want to leave. This is heaven on earth. I’ve got my gorgeous girl in my arms, living in the lap of luxury.”

“Well, this girl is exhausted from being up at the butt crack of dawn,” Bella giggled, tugging me into the master bedroom on the main floor.