Jacob took a long look at the small box that sat before him, knowing the contents were his last effort at saving the girl he loved. He'd bought it a week ago but only now did he have the courage to admit its existence.

Jacob's hands shook with anticipation as he opened the small velvet box. The smallest ring was inside. It caught the light and sent prisms across the ceiling. He laughed at their resemblance to the one person that stood in his way.

He lifted himself to his feet, feeling a hundred times heavier now than before. He felt his knees buckle just slightly, but righted himself. This was such a grandiose way of proposing, but knew that nothing short would stop her in her tracks.

Jacob knocked on Bella's front door with more force than necessary. He was happy the door didn't just cave in. He had barely any control over himself. His eyes were flitting back and forth from the door to his car. He still had a few seconds to rush back and pretend he'd never been here. But his legs were locked into place. It was as if they knew his purpose and wanted him to fulfill this one thing.

The door opened before him and Bella stood in her pajamas. She pulled a robe around her tight as the cold air brushed into the foyer. Bella smiled to see Jacob again, but suddenly punched him in the shoulder.

"Ouch, Bella. What the hell?" Jacob rubbed his shoulder, pretending this was a mortal wound.

Bella crossed her arms and shifted her weight, "I've not heard from you since you ran off and I was sure you'd forgotten all about me."

Jacob couldn't help but smile and Bella leapt into his arms and hugged him tight. "I missed you, Jake. Really missed you."

Bella looked into Jacob's eyes and could see the worry. Naturally, this caused her to get anxious and she pulled from his grasp.

"Jake… what is it? Why… are you.. you're not crying?"

Jacob looked away, "Of course not. Um… can we go for a walk or something?"

Bella chuckled, "I'm in my pajamas, Jake."

"It doesn't matter. I'll keep you warm," Jacob winked.

Bella threw on some old shoes and grabbed Jacob's hand. Jacob let his other hand go to his pocket, fingering the small box he wanted to give her now, but wanted the perfect moment to arise.

"What have you been up to?" Jacob asked with a nervous laugh.

Bella could sense something was up. She knew Jacob too well to wave this away. His hand was nearly crushing hers, but she didn't have the heart to let go. "Jake… what is up? Seriously. Why are you acting like this? I actually think you're sweating."

Jacob took Bella's other hand and held both while he positioned himself in front of her. He looked into her eyes, moving quickly from their hands to his face. Jacob wanted this to be perfect. He feared if it wasn't, then she'd be lost to him forever.

He let go of Bella's hands for a moment to find what he'd been carrying around for days. He crouched to one knee and saw the tears begin to fall down Bella's porcelain skin. His words fell against the air, and before he could finish he had his answer.