Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its original characters. No copyright infringement is intended with the posting of this story.

A/N: Thanks so much for returning! I do hope this update finds you and your family well. I'm sure for a lot of you each day feels like a continuation from the last, but please stay safe during this time and hang in there.

I'm not going to lie, finishing a story has always been the hardest partof writing for me, so these last few chapters have been tough. There will be one more chapter of R0ADiES after this one, and then you can expect a short epilogue to follow. *tear* I didn't get to cover everything I'd hoped to get to with this chapter, but it will *all* be there before I type the words, 'The End'. Promise.

I want to thank Maplestyle and Lunaeclipse17 for pre-reading this chapter for me. They helped settle my nerves since 'nothing but fluff' seems to make me nervous, and constantly question myself, lol.

My ever fabulous beta, BPlemons... there aren't enough words to express just how grateful I am to have her in my life.

Any and all mistakes are mine thanks to my twitchy fingers right before I hit that update button. *wink*

One last thing, please check out the A/N at the end. I'll have some more news to share with you down there.

.o0O0o._R0ADiES_.o0O0o

Chapter 29

Tick-Tick-Bloom

.o0O0o.O.o0O0o.

...Bella...

Today is the day.

In six hours and twenty-five minutes, thanks to one layover in Chicago, I'll be meeting Edward's family.

This also means I'll be freezing my ass off in a cabin surrounded by snow just outside of Lake Michigan.

Oi, the things we do for love.

More importantly though, I'm less than an hour away from being on the road again. That is exactly where these wings of mine belong, just so long as I have Edward by my side navigating and Emmett not too far behind.

As soon as we pull up to the airport, my former boss - turned - boyfriend kisses my good hand with his perfect smile and pushes the car door open so we can start grabbing our things from the trunk.

He knows better than to speak actual words.

Not right now.

My mother?

Not so much.

"You're absolutely sure you've got everything? We could always run back home —"

"Yes, Mom. For the hundredth time, I have everything I'll need for the next four weeks of my life living as a nomad in a van with these two guys. Matter of fact, this also includes all of the things I don't technically need, since for once in my life I had the luxury of being able to over pack."

"Birdie ain't' lyin!" Emmett taunts, before giving me a playful shove, "She's even got CD's with their actual sleeved cases and some empty photo albums just waiting to be filled!" My best friend winks in my direction, then slides me to the side so he can give my mom one of his bone-crushing hugs, "Seriously though, thanks for everything. As always, you're the bestest substitute mom a grown ass man could ask for and I long for the day you and Charlie will finally adopt me."

Mom laughs with traitor tears forming in her eyes. She hugs Emmett once more before standing on her toes to pull his face down and plant a loud kiss against his cheek, "Our door will always be open to you, Emmett McCarty. Always. Now, don't let Birdie drive you crazy in that van. You deserve this vacation too. Though, I imagine sharing some responsibility with Mr. Cullen here should help with that this time around."

"Mother!" I gasp, pretending to clutch an invisible strand of pearls at my neck, "What exactly are you insinuating?!"

"You're no easy charge young lady! This is fact, and anyone who's traveled with you sans schedule or active clock knows it!"

Everyone but me laughs as if my mom's just told the world's greatest joke. I'm grinning on the inside though, because I know she's one-hundred percent right. But admitting it out loud? That will never happen.

Without hesitation Edward wraps me in his arms and kisses the top of my head, "Bella will be in good hands, don't you worry. I'm sure she will do her part to keep Em and I in check as well. It's a team effort when it comes to the three of us. This I've learned and accepted."

"Oh I don't doubt that one bit, and I do hope you'll survive this next adventure in Birdie's book of life, Edward. It should go without saying, but I'll be very disappointed if we don't see your smile for Christmas."

He grins bashfully with an affirming nod, then releases me from his arms to hug my mother, "If all goes well and I don't get pink slipped by your daughter before we reach our final destination, there's no other place in the world I'd rather be for the holidays."

The honesty in his eyes when he glances my way sends an electric current down my spine, all the way to the tips of my toes until my cheeks tingle and I'm rocking on my heels thinking about our first New Years together.

Dad clears his throat, instantly redirecting my love-drunk gaze with his terrible timing. "Y'all better get moving or you'll miss your plane and I'm not doing this again at the butt crack of dawn. Text me when you land, Birdie. I should have some newer news for you by then."

It's impossible to miss the way Edward's brow raises with interest at my father's cryptic request.

As per usual my former boss misses nothing and I smirk, playfully rolling my eyes knowing it's something else he'll notice.

Emmett, on the other hand... he's currently busy stuffing his bag with baked goods my mom is now forcing onto him.

Dad tugs on my good arm to bring me in for our own goodbye hug and I feel his heavy sigh rush across the top of my hair, "I swear it, Birdie. Every damn time we set you free it's harder than the last," he whispers, loud enough for only me to hear.

"And you say that every damn time you have to do it, old man." I tease, hoping my baited sarcasm might help him find his smile again.

"Stop making this easy for me, smart ass."

I can't help but laugh beside his ear as I hug him a little tighter, "Who, me? Never! Seriously though, I'm leaving here wiser than I was when I arrived. I'm in a good place now. I mean it. I'm ready for take-off, with zero regrets lingering over my head that threaten to pull me back down with manipulated bullshit."

"Oh, you'll land and recover just fine wherever you are. That's never been my worry. It's the shadows that lurk… those storms that creep up out of nowhere... that's what makes these goodbyes a hard pill to swallow."

I force a smile and nod my head, "I know, but no worries. Four weeks away with nothing but free time on our hands. What could possibly go wrong?"

My dad chuckles at my rhetorical question, but he doesn't return my sarcasm or release me from his hug.

"Plus, while we're gone you'll have plenty of projects to keep you busy. I expect a giant ass Christmas tree and a yard full of cheesy decorations when I get home."

His sudden spastic gasp causes me to lean back and look him in the eyes, "Jesus! Are you having a stroke?!"

"You… you just called Austin your… your home! That right there is progress, little bird! We're wearing her down, Mom! It's finally starting to happen! There's hope on the horizon! I can feel it in my bones!"

I laugh loudly into the air and smack his arm hard with my hand, "Oh stop! Wherever you and Mom are, that's where my home will always be. Please don't be lame. It's really not a good look on you, Pop. Tisk-tisk." I tease back, then increase my grip around him for one final embrace.

His laugh against my ear causes my smile to soften and I sigh when I hear him suck back his own quivering breath.

"Now that you've mentioned it, I guess we'll have to spring for a real tree and actually attempt some legit house decorating this year. Maybe put some lights up around the old nest and sync it to some Black Sabbath?"

"Pft! You sure as hell better! I also want to see a HoneyBaked ham with all the trimmings! Mom, take care of him and please make sure he stays out of trouble."

"Yes, yes. You just worry about taking care of you. I've got plenty of projects around the house to keep your father busy for the next ten years."

At this point all I can do is nod and bite down on my trembling lip.

If I try to produce any other words I know they'll kickstart my emotions.

Once that happens, I'll be drowning in my tears.

Edward notices.

He takes my hand and pulses my fingers between his.

Without saying anything else, I blow my parents one last kiss and silently mouth the words 'I love you' before I grab my bag from the sidewalk and head toward the airport's entrance.

Edward is quick to catch up and seconds later Emmett is following close behind, whistling 'On the Road Again', knowing it will give me an excuse to grin.

Walking away will never get easier, but with Edward by my side this time... holding my hand... the weight of my parents absence seems a little less debilitating, and for that I'm thankful.

I also find myself loving him even more for his ability to be here with me without making it awkward or all about him.

"Thanks, boss."

He smirks when he finds me staring his way, a crooked grin slowly lifting his brow with perplexed confusion, "For what? Come on now, don't hold back. I could use a little ego petting this morning."

I roll my eyes and bump him with a sudden shift of my hip, "You sure know how to ruin a moment, Cullen."

He laughs and pulses my hand, then lifts it to his lips for another tender kiss, "Sorry, that was a pathetic attempt to make you smile. I'll behave. Seriously though, what's on your mind?"

"Fair enough. Smiles are much appreciated, but the moment's passed now. I'm just not feeling it."

"Oh come on woman! I'll hold Puppy on the damn plane!"

His reminder of my potted companion sends an exasperated sigh past my lips, "Fine, since you've offered to orchid-sit while I sleep… I'm thankful for your perseverance and for paying attention when it's mattered most... without it being suffocating."

His gaze instantly softens.

Again, he squeezes my hand.

"Pft. I've known you'd be worthy of my time since day one. Dirt sandwiches and all, Swan."

I grimace at his reminder of the very first prank I'd pulled on him, back when I'd hated everything about his existence and wanted him gone.

"You're never going to let me live that down, are you boss?" I question after taking a deep breath.

"Nope. Scaling your wall has been one of my greatest life accomplishments, and I'm ready for whatever may come next."

"I mean, you've certainly leveled up and learned a lot since the first day we met, so I guess there's some truth in your words. Congrats on seeing something you liked and getting it done, boss."

Edward laughs loudly and comes at me with his lips. Together we create a kiss that lasts longer than some might consider appropriate in the middle of an airport, but I don't even care because this is us.

This is us, still discovering us, and it's how I'll want our life together to always be, Living for these moments, regardless of who's around to see.

_.o0O0o.O.o0O0o._

Once we locate our row on the plane, I hand Edward my tiny orchid and slide my carry-on under the seat in front of me.

The moment I buckle the seatbelt, almost as if on cue, my cell phone begins to buzz on my lap.

Half expecting it to be my parents, I smile to myself until I see it's my old landline that's staring at me.

This of course means it's Liam who's calling, since that's where he's been staying while we've been back in Austin.

When Emmett notices, he growls and attempts to snatch the device from my hand, but I somehow manage to swat him away, "Come on, Birdie! Let me answer it! I'll consider it an early Christmas present. I've got questions that need answering and the douchebag shouldn't even be calling you anyways. Not after last night! Who the hell does he think he is?!"

"It's fine, Em! Seriously! I sent him a text. He's more than likely calling about the money I told him he owes me." I explain before losing my phone to him, "The sooner I get this transaction behind us the sooner I'll be able to completely boot his ass from my life for good."

Edward's entire demeanor changes when he realizes what's going on.

"Wa-wait a second. That's Brennan who's calling you? I thought you told him to only text."

I nod one time, clear my throat, then answer the phone on speaker, successfully hushing the both of them.

"I'm on a plane, Liam. Please make this fast since you couldn't just send me a text message for my eyes to read like I requested."

"Hey! Wow! You… you actually answered. That's… that's great."

I grimace at the mixture of relief spun with melancholy I hear in his voice.

"Yup, and you're on speaker for the entire plane to hear so let's not embarrass yourself this morning, m'kay?"

Liam laughs nervously.

He clears his throat with purpose.

"Fantastic. Hi, plane. Pay no attention to me, I'm just the asshole who ruined his life by letting his pretty bird fly free, believing she'd always find her way back to the nest we'd built together, regardless of any hurricanes."

Edward shares a menacing look with Emmett and they both shift anxiously in their seats.

It's impossible to ignore the way their fists are now clenched in their laps, or how their nostrils have begun to flare.

"I'll just get to it then. You'll find your money in our old checking account. I never closed it so what's in there is yours to take. It should be available for withdrawal today, though they might give you a hard time if you try taking it all out at once, since it's well over fifty grand I've managed to save."

Both Emmett and Edward gasp in unison, but neither of them stutters an actual word.

For a brief second I smile, appreciating their shocked silence since I already know it won't last for very long.

"Thanks, Liam. I should have it emptied out by tomorrow."

When I look back over at Edward, behind his narrowed stare I can see his frustration building.

It's clear he doesn't appreciate hearing the news that my ex has never closed the bank account we once shared.

"You um, got plans for it?"

"For the money? Yeah I do, but that's none of your business. This is the last time we'll ever speak, but if our paths do ever cross, if you so much as look my way I will make sure you never breathe through your nose again or walk without a limp."

Before he can say anything in response, I end the call and drop my phone into my carry-on and kick it back under the seat, "The-mother-fucking-end. Now, where's a flight attendant? Bloody Mary's are on me."

Emmett is instantly rocking in his seat like a toddler anticipating a cookie until he gives me an over the top high five that turns into a bear hug I'm unable to escape.

"I'm proud of you, woman! You handled his bullshit beautifully. I mean let's face it, extortion is always a win. What are you going to do with all that money? Inquiring minds would like to know, because I've got suggestions if you need any help."

"You'll see," I smirk, "Let's just say, it's already in the process of being spent."

Emmett looks confused, but he knows better than to press me for more information. I never tell before I'm ready, but eventually I'll be ready and that's almost always good enough for him.

"Okay, okay. Fair enough. I'll let you fly with this secret for the time being since secrets between us never soar on their own for very long. Case in point—"

My eyes go wide as my best friend leans to the side so he can pull his own phone out from his pocket.

Without saying anything else he hands it over to me, with a Hallmark grin now plastered across his mischievous face.

"What… what's this about, Em?"

"Our brief stop at the gas station last night. I'm not sure how you'll take it, but there's a better chance you won't beat the living shit out of me now that we're on a plane."

His not so subtle warning causes me to grimace.

I close my eyes, but reach out to take his phone anyway and peek down at its screen with only one eye open.

What I see...

It doesn't make sense.

"Wait… Jesus Christ! Is that… No! EMMETT is that—"

"Liam Brennan lying on a public bathroom floor with piss all over him? Why, yup. Yup it most certainly is."

I bring the phone closer to my face and carefully zoom in for a better look.

"Holy shit! This is what you were doing last night?! This is why you walked back to the car howling like a goddamn lunatic at the gas station?"

Edward grabs the cellphone from my hand to see for himself and he's instantly laughing with tears filling his eyes, tugging at the center of his sweatshirt as if he's having a hard time catching his breath.

"Oh my God! What the hell did you do, McCarty?!"

"What? The universe gave me the gift of revenge which I accepted without hesitation. Don't act so surprised. That douchebag has had it coming to him since the day we met."

"But you… you—"

"I drenched him in my filth. He's lucky I didn't have to take a shit."

"You're absolutely insane!" I gasp, still staring down at the screen in confused disgust, "So, was he already laying on the floor when you went in, or did you help him with that too?"

It's not that I care either way, I just need to know a few more details so I can fully appreciate the set up that went into this completely random and obscene gift.

"He was out cold when I found him. He barely even flinched when I kicked him with my boot to make sure he was breathing. There was an empty baggie with some powdered residue next to him and an opened flask by his face. Guess you finally pushed him to jump without caring how he'd look when he'd land. Kudos to you for clipping the vulture's wings, Birdie. I think we can all agree that this is the finale that was needed."

I grimace at my best friend's words, realizing Liam could have very well overdosed which would have actually been a first for him.

"Who else has seen this?"

Emmett hesitates to answer, "Oh, it's um… it's been shared and re-shared a good couple of times prior to us getting on the plane."

"How many times?!"

I watch him shift in his seat until he casually shrugs his shoulders, "Let's put it this way, the king of douchebags has been demoted to a piss ant and absolutely everyone in our overlapped circles now knows it, including a couple thousand strangers thanks to the World Wide Web, which Brennan LOVES so ever-very-much. Once the asshole catches wind of it, I seriously doubt he'll risk being seen in public for a good couple of weeks at best."

"You're insane, Emmett McCarty."

"Look Birdie, I was not sober and he was passed out in front of the damn urinal where I needed to stand. My aim was shitty, but destiny told me it was okay. Who was I to question the universe? When it speaks, we listen. That's always been our thing."

"You're a liar, but we both know deep down I love you for this. Many points awarded. The only thing that could make this any sweeter would be being there the moment Liam realizes he's gone viral for all the wrong reasons."

Edward is literally vibrating next to me trying to hold in his laughter.

"Oh, is this funny to you, Cullen? You better let this be your warning! Do me wrong and Em might be giving you your own golden shower someday!" I snicker, then release an accidental snort myself.

The next thing I know all three of us have tears in our eyes from laughing so hard that the people around us are no doubt beginning to wonder if we're about to get escorted off the plane.

I feel my heart grow with elated happiness knowing these are the two people I'll be spending the next four weeks of my life with, unchained from responsibility, without a clock to race, or perpetuated bullshit hanging over our heads.

Everyone blooms at their own time, at least that's what my father has always said. With his words as my reminder to appreciate each breath, I've never felt more ready to live life, without worrying about regret.

A/N: Yup, lots of fluff to unpack in this chapter, but we are coming to the end so it's to be expected. I always promise a HEA with a pretty bow at the end of my fics... which is probably why the last chapters are such a challenge for me to write since I live for the drama, the angst, and the cliffies, lol. I'd love to read your thoughts though, and please share with me anything you might hope to see in the last chapter. I'll tell you this much, we will meet the entire Cullen family, and find out how Birdie spends her money. *wink*

***Reviews make me smile***

As thanks for your words, I'll share an outtake from Edward's POV, during their plane ride when he's got all kinds of anxious thoughts involving his future with Birdie bouncing around in his head.

(Because alerts are still so messed up, please be on the look out for the outtake within a couple of days of leaving me your words.)

Now, for some Twi-fandom news. Many of you are probably already aware of this, but one of our own in the fandom, Carey Anne Williams, has been suffering from COVID-19. After spending weeks in the ICU, she's now recovering but has a long road ahead of her. None of us want to see Carey stress over bills while she continues to fight and recover. Because of this, MANY amazing FF authors have come together to invite their readers to join them on ZOOM (for a video call) to talk about fic, the fandom, our stories... anything you want really, to help raise money for Carey's medical costs. I will be holding my own "fire-side chat" via ZOOM on Saturday, August 29th. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in you can join the FB group, Author's 411, for more information or send me a PM and I can explain more about the fundraiser. Like I said, a lot of authors have signed on for this, which makes it extra exciting, and you can find the complete schedule and all other information in that FaceBook group.