I don't own the characters of Twilight. I do own this scrambled-up brain of mine… :)


Those Three Words

Chapter 7 - Promises and Goodbyes

EPOV

Two weeks prior to my departure, I had a leave. I was able to stay with Bella until I finally had to go.

"Promise me you'll write me as much as you can," she told me for the hundredth time today. I sat down on the bed beside her, handing her the bottle of prenatal vitamins.

"I'll write you every chance I get," I promised. I already warned her that I wouldn't be able to call and skype everyday, but I'd try my damnedest to write.

She nodded, finally convinced that I'd keep my promise. "And promise me that you'll be careful?"

"I'll be careful, I swear." I didn't remind her that she'd already asked me all of these questions today, but instead I held her hand, rubbing soothing circles with my thumb.

"Promise me something," I murmured, staring into her mesmerizing chocolate eyes.

"Anything."

"Take care of yourself. And our baby. I don't won't you risking anything by worrying and stressing, and I know you feel the same way. So just…promise me?"

She was quiet for a long moment whilst staring at me. I knew that the same thing was running through both of our heads: that we couldn't lose our other half.

"I promise," she finally said. She looked at me with so much determination, and I just knew she'd keep her promise. For me. I touched her cheek, and a single tear escaped her eyes.

We spent the rest of our time together. I didn't go anywhere without her, and vice versa. The night before I had to leave for the airport, she helped me finish packing. Our family was here just hours before. She sat on the bed for a moment, absently rubbing her stomach and watching me pack. After zipping my bag, I met her gaze.

"We'll get through this one day at a time, Bella," I told her.

She nodded. "I know, it's just…I won't see you again until Christmas, and that's six months away!"

"We'll make it, I promise. In sixth months, I'll come home to you, and you'll be very pregnant." We chuckled. "We'll spend Christmas together like always. And I promise I'll love you everyday and every night." She smiled, her eyes glistening.

"Make love to me now. I need you Edward." Sitting the bag on the floor, I climbed over to her, hovering. Our lips met frantically, and her fingers tangled tightly in my hair. She moaned, and I felt myself getting harder and harder.

"God, I love you," she whispered, unbuttoning my shirt. Our lips parted, but I attacked her neck while her hands roamed up and down my back. I nipped and sucked at her neck, causing her to make delicious sounds. I pulled her tank top over her head, revealing her beautiful, round breasts. I licked one nipple, causing her to moan and buck her hips, rubbing against me. I groaned and moved to the other breast.

"Edwaaarrd…" Bella gasped. I tightened my grip on her and bit down on her nipple, causing her to scream. Pulling away, I hooked my fingers to the waistband of her shorts and pulled them down along with her underwear.

Beautiful.

She undid my pants, pulling them down with my boxers. At the rate we're going, I'd never last, so I decided to pleasure her first.

Positioning myself between her legs, I looked up at her. Her eyes were closed, her skin flushed, and her breathing erratic. Her stomach was getting more and more noticeable. I smiled. All in all, she looked so fucking sexy. I kissed the top of her sex before sliding my tongue slowly down the fold. She moaned.

"Oh…Edward…yesss…just like that..." Her hand was in my hair, keeping my mouth where she needed it most. I groaned at the sounds she was making, only causing her to moan even more.

I kissed, licked, sucked, until I had her screaming for release. Still sucking, I added a finger.

"Edward! I'm gonna…I'm about to…" She arched her back.

"Let go, baby," I told her. "Come."

That did it.

I kept sucking on her while she came, lapping up her sweet honey. I kept my mouth on her while she came down from her orgasmic high. She was still breathing heavily as I climbed back on top of her, kissing her, making her taste herself.

And then I entered her.

We both gasped at the feeling. She was so tight, even when she was slick and wet. And warm.

"Fuck, Bella," I groaned, pulling out slightly and shoving in again.

"Edward, you feel so good!" she cried, meeting each thrust with her hips. "OhGodohgodohgodohgod!"

I kissed her with everything I had. Our breathing became more ragged, and rhythm faltering, our moans louder. We were close. My hand went to where we were connected, rubbing her furiously.

"Oh…fuck! Edward, I'm so close!" And then she let go. I exploded inside of her not too long afterwards.

I collapsed beside her. Pulling her close to me, I kissed her forehead. "I love you."

She sighed and snuggled against me. "I love you more." I smiled and lied there for awhile, just thinking. Her breathing eventually slowed, and her light snoring informed me she was asleep. I smiled.

And Bella says she never snores.

I sighed. Tomorrow, I'd be leaving her. Leaving her alone for the majority of the pregnancy, not being able to see her again until Christmas. I told her we'd keep in touch, but honestly, that wouldn't be enough for me. She promised me she would not worry too much, but I knew her. Every second of every minute of every hour, she'd be worrying about me, like I would be worrying about her. I would worry about our baby and their health, and about Bella's happiness. She would be on my mind all the time.

But that's nothing new.

Tomorrow, I wouldn't be Edward Cullen: Husband/Soon to be Father/Brother/Son, I'd be Sgt. Edward Cullen.

And I'd be gone to some place far away to protect what I love.

~TTW~

BPOV

I woke up to an annoying alarm clock, reminding me what day it was. I sighed and opened my eyes to find Edward lying on his back. He was staring silently at the ceiling.

"You're up already?" I murmured, sitting up.

"I couldn't sleep." I knew what he meant. I was tossing and turning all night. I rest my head on his chest, quiet for a moment.

He played with my fingers. "So this is it, huh?" I asked, chuckling nervously to keep from crying.

"I guess it is," he replied, not looking at me. I bit my lip. I sighed and leaned over to kiss his cheek.

"One more time?" I asked. "Before…" I didn't need to finish as his arms wrapped around me, and we made love.

Slow, tender, unforgettable love. I'd savor that until he came back to me.

I stood by the door with Edward while his family packed the car with his things. I placed his hat on his head to complete his uniform. In one hand , he held his carryon.

"Do you have everything?" I whispered to him, flicking away a piece of lint on his uniform. He nodded, mashing his lips into a hard line. "When will you call?" My voice broke.

"As soon as I get to base," He murmured, stroking my cheek. "I won't have long, so I'll only be able to call you. And that'll be enough for me."

"You guys ready?" Esme asked us, smiling sadly. Not at all.

Edward looked back at me. "Ready?" I stared at him for a moment before speaking.

"Yeah," I sighed. "I'm ready. Let's go."

The ride to the airport was very quiet. Our family followed behind in their own cars. Edward never let go of my hand as he drove.

"Nervous?" I asked when the silence became maddening.

He shrugged indifferently. "Not yet, I suppose." He squeezed my hand. "What are you thinking?"

"About you," I answered honestly. "About us."

He kissed my knuckles. "I won't be long."

"A year is a long time, Edward."

"It'll go by fast, especially with a baby." I leaned back against my seat and closed my eyes.

~TTW~

I watched as his family and my parents gave him hugs and kisses. Many families were here, and many men and women in uniforms were with them. Some laughing, some crying, some in their own intimate bubble. There were even some talking about how this was their third or fourth tour to Afghanistan. How did they do it, I had no clue. My dad came over to me, smiling sadly.

"Hangin' in there, kiddo?" He asked me. I looked over to where Edward and his parents were talking. He looked up just in time to meet my eyes. I smiled weakly at him. He winked, causing me to smile wholeheartedly and laugh.

"I'll be okay," I nodded, still looking at Edward. I touched my now obvious stomach. "We'll be okay." He smiled.

"That's my girl. Real strong." I smiled, and Edward walked over to us.

"I'll leave you two to it, then," Dad said, rubbing my shoulders. As he past Edward, he clapped him on the back. He took both of my hands.

"Last call for flight…" I tuned them out as they called for Edward's flight. Many of the soldiers started going to the gates, but Edward stayed right there.

"You better go," I said, my voice breaking twice. And then he crushed me to his chest, holding me tightly, breathing deeply into my hair.

"I promised you, now you have to promise me. Alright?" I nodded, the tears falling from my face for the first time today. I looked up to find his eyes red and watery as well.

"No, I want you to tell me. Promise?" he asked again.

"I promise," I said, my voice sounding more defiant than I felt. He nodded and cradled my face, his lips crashing down on mine.

Nothing and no one else was there. Just me. Just him. He lifted me up and, without breaking the kiss, I wrapped my legs around him. The kiss lingered, and he brushed his lips against mine for a moment. After a minute, we pulled away, crying silently. He gently sat me back down, placing a hand on my stomach.

"I love you more than you know," he murmured, his voice, quivering. I put a hand on top of his.

"I think I have a pretty good idea." With one more kiss, he pulled away, waving to his family, walking backwards to the gate. I smiled and blew him a kiss before waving.

"Take care of yourself," I heard him say.

"I love you," I whispered, and he smiled, turning around and walking past the gates.

When the last of the soldiers filed out, the gate slowly close. I just stood there, feeling cold, and watched out of the window as Edward's flight took off ten minutes later.

And then he was gone.


A/N: This chapter was much longer than the others. So, tell me what you thought, leave a review…anything! I'm currently working on another story as well as this one, and I think that's where all of my inspiration is at the moment. Don't worry, I'm not going to delete this story, but seriously, all of my "creative juices" are on my other story, It Comes With a Price. I seriously love that one, and it's actually a Emmett/Rosalie story! If you haven't checked it out, go now! It's only three chapters in, but it's progressing! I'll be back with this story on Saturday!