Edward turned to look at me no longer paying attention to the road, his smile radiant. "My first home. Where my second life began. I figured it would be fitting if we started our new life together here as well."

I was still collecting my thoughts and recovering from my shock as we pulled up to our destination. The house was so...grand. That was the only word I could think to describe it. It was painted a lovely dove white with a large two story porch flanked by tall columns on either side. There were large pots standing sentry on both sides of the stairs overflowing with a riot of multicolored flowers. Sitting on at least half a manicured acre in the middle of Chicago was Edward's family home.

I didn't realize until this moment that I was feeling a little wounded, not having known that Edward still had a house from another life. It must have shown in my eyes.

Edward was staring at me with concern etched on his face. "You don't like it?"

"No Edward. Its perfect, of course. I just wish I had known..." My voice trailed off. I didn't know how to tell Edward on our wedding night that I was unhappy to discover more secrets. Would I always feel like I was just on the fringe of Edward's life? I'm beginning to realize that even though I know Edward almost better than I know myself sometimes, I know next to nothing about his past life.

Despite not being able to read my thoughts, Edward seemed to know just what was running through my head.

"I promise Bella. This is my last secret. I wanted to give you the last part of my life as a sort of wedding present. The last part of me that isn't already yours. I know how you don't like gifts but I hope this one is alright with you."

My eyes were shining with traitorous tears but I could not stay mad at Edward, especially when his eyes were boring into mine beseechingly. I smiled a watery smile. "Then take me to our suite."

With a smile that knocked me breathless, his angel face shone with excitement and anticipation. He whisked me to his bedroom, which I assumed was on the second floor but could not be sure as we arrived there so fast. I barely had time to appreciate the varying jade tones in the beautifully appointed room before my heart kicked into 12th gear. I realized what was about to happen. I was Edward's wife. We were alone. It was his turn to fulfill his part of the agreement.

Edward's lips twisted up as he heard my heart accelerate. "You're not having second thoughts, are you love? Please tell me now before I can no longer restrain myself."

I laughed at the absurdity of his statement. "Of course not. Its just I've never done this before, much less with vampire that thirsts for my blood."

He wound his fingers with mine, his eyes scorching. "Bella, you know I would never hurt you."

"I know. But its still sort of a big deal. Vampire thirst or not." Deciding it was now or never, feeling more self conscious and awkward than usual, I reached up and helped Edward out of his tux jacket. He tossed it to a nearby chair without so much as a hesitation. He painstakingly removed the pins holding my hair in place so that it cascaded down my back in gentle mahogany waves. I undid the buttons of his dress shirt, my shaking hands tearing a few away from his shirt so that they bounced echoingly loud (it seemed to me) off the hardwood floor.

Edward simply smiled as he slid his arms out of the sleeves and added the shirt to the chair already occupied by his jacket. Despite having seen it before, the sight of his faultless marble chest still managed to make me feel slightly light headed. How could anything so perfect be meant for me?

Swiftly, Edward scooped me up and gently deposited me on the bed, my gown swirling around me like some sort of whipped frosting. He sat behind me with a leg on either side of me and ever so slowly unfastened every button on the back of my dress. I didn't realize until now that the bed was covered in a sumptuous emerald and gold comforter that seemed to take its name very seriously. I actually felt comforted as I concentrated on the cool fabric and Edward's even cooler hands working their way down my back.

For me, it seemed like an eternity had passed before all the buttons were undone so I couldn't even begin to imagine how long it must have been to Edward, but he never quickened his pace. That was just fine with me as I was content to spend many more eternities sitting on this bed with my new husband. Edward had other ideas.

Once finished with the buttons Edward lifted me again and placed me back on my feet. Without the buttons to hold it up, my dress pooled to the floor at my feet. All that was left covering my blushing body were my undergarments, flimsy lacy things insisted upon by Alice.

Edward leaned back to admire his handiwork. The moonlight streaming through the multitude of windows illuminated my milky skin, making it appear even paler than normal despite the red flush that seemed to be seeping through every pore in my body. An appreciative smile slowly spread across his face, making me blush even deeper. Edward took a step so we were standing so close we were nearly touching. He exhaled the breath that I didn't know he was holding, enveloping me in his excruciatingly sweet scent. "You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen."

Despite my embarrassment, I almost laughed. "Come on. You live with Rosalie. Even you aren't that good of a liar."

He twined his fingers with mine. "I'm not lying Bella. To me, you are perfect." With that, he reached around and let his pants fall to the floor with my dress. Once again, my heart beat jumped up another notch. He carefully wrapped his arms around me and carried me back to the bed.

The next few hours were spend with the sight, smell, touch, and sound of Edward surrounding me, permeating me. I never wanted it to end, but I wanted it to end immediately so we could do it all over again. Only once did Edward have to step back to allow the thirst that scorched his throat to dull. It went so much better than either of us could have imagined.

Lying in bed after we were finished, me covered in sweat, Edward looking impossibly fresh, we simply reveled in the feeling of being together. We laid that way until the creeping sun began to turn the sky a brilliant deep burgundy and I drifted off to sleep.

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Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Its my first attempt at writing (other than school) so I'd appreciate your comments! Any ideas, praise, or constructive criticism would be valued.