A/N: I know it might come as a surprise, but I've never intended for this story to become a monterous 30-chapters-epic kind of thing. And so you guessed it - this is the last chapter. There's still an epilogue which I hope to be able to post in a few days. In the meantime, I want to thank all of you who've been reading and reviewing (or lurking), and I hope you will enjoy this final chapter as well. I started working on a new Twilight story, but it may be a while before it is finally posted with life coming in the way - just follow these alerts, I promise it will be worth the wait!


Chapter Six

She knew where she was even before she opened her eyes, before she moved her arms and legs to make sure she wasn't hurt or injured anywhere. And then her eyes fluttered open and sure enough, she was right. The meadow wrapped around them, comforting and familiar in its brightness. Edward sat up and she mirrored the motion, still somewhat dizzy, and staring around her in disbelief.

"We're home," she said, barely able to believe it. How was it possible they were home, just like that? Only moments ago their future seemed uncertain, their return unlikely, and now… "How did we do it?"

"I think... you did it," he replied.

She was becoming fond of this new, puzzled Edward, who didn't know everything or figured things out faster than she would ever be able to. It made him appear more... human, in a way. She smiled at the thought, but couldn't help questioning his words. "Me? How could I bring us back?"

She had never seen him smiling so broadly before. "You said yes." His smile got impossibly wider after the words were said. It was blinding. There was wonder in his eyes as he stared at her. "Bella, you said yes."

"I thought you wanted me to," she whispered, suddenly shy against his awe.

"I did. I do. More than anything. But I've never expected..." Something clouded his blissful expression. He took her hand, looking at her intently. "This isn't why you're doing this, is it? Not because I want to? Because it was never my intention, forcing you into something you're not – "

"Shh..." she murmured, placing a finger against his icy lips. "I said I'd marry you because I want to, because I realized I liked being engaged to you, because this is how I would get to keep you forever, but mainly because there's no other way, I think." She laughed softly, suddenly self conscious. She wasn't used to making speeches. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought she would make a speech such as this one. "This is how it should be and we shouldn't fight it."

He was quiet for a long time, which scared her. Was he having second thoughts? It couldn't be the case. He was so keen on getting her to agree before. But still, doubt sipped in and lingered there, distracting her. What if he had changed his mind and she had just made a complete fool out of herself?

He reached for her hand and she let him have it, absentmindedly. She was too tormented by uncertainties to care. He brushed his fingers against her palm. When he smiled at her, she sensed there was something obvious she was missing. She blinked, forcing her mind back on track. "The ring," he told her. "It's gone."

She gasped and looked at her hand. Indeed, her fake engagement ring was no longer on her finger. But how could it be gone, just like that? Unless... "Do you think it stayed behind?"

"I think it's possible."

"Too bad," she shrugged, then grinned at him. "It was slowly growing on me."

"Oh, was it, really?"

"Yes," she replied, and flashed a broader smile at him.

"I'll never get tired of hearing you say this word," he said, and leaned over to capture her lips with his. She was the one breaking the kiss first, which earned her a husky chuckle from him. She didn't stop to tease him back though; there were more urgent things on her mind.

"Do you really think this is what brought us back? Me saying yes?"

"I'm beginning to think that the reason we went in the first place had to do with your resentment. I think we were meant to learn something." He flashed a crooked smile at her. "Have you learned something?"

"Only one thing I think I already knew," she said, returning his smile. She took him completely by surprise as she threw her arms around him, knocking him over on the grass with her on top. Then she leaned down until her lips were right next to his ear. "I'm never letting you go."

"Sounds like a good plan to me," he nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. He pressed another kiss to her waiting lips, but pulled away shortly afterwards. "How about we go home, though? Your father will be glad to see you, and to be honest, your finger looks a little bare without a ring."

He looked downright amused now. She cocked an eyebrow. "You say it as if you already have one to replace it."

"I do," he said, not missing a beat. He paused as though he was sure the words would scare her.

A moment or so later she smiled, batting her lashes dramatically. "I guess I brought it on myself, huh?" She stood up and pulled at his hand, helping him up as well. "Get us home then," she said, but wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer.

"As you wish, Miss Swan."

"What, not Mrs. Cullen?" she pouted. He burst out laughing, a sound so rare to her ears that it made her laugh as well. Soon afterwards he hoisted her on his back, and she held on to his neck as he raced through the forest, homebound.

xoxox

Esme and Jack returned shortly after Alice had barged into Carlisle's den with her surprising news. They were all sitting in the living room for about an hour or so now, waiting in tense silence.

"Are you sure this is what you saw?" Esme asked Alice for the third time.

"Yes. I thought it meant they were close, but I might have been wrong." Alice frowned. She seemed frustrated, as though she was not used to being wrong.

She had accepted Alice's ability to predict the future with calmness that surprised even herself. Perhaps this was another unknown attribute of the future. Some people could just do that, she supposed. Neither Carlisle nor Esme seemed surprised by Alice's words. They didn't doubt her conviction for a moment. They seemed to trust her implicitly. She must have been reliable.

"They're safe. That's the most important thing," said Carlisle. He seemed relieved.

"Shall we notify Charlie?"

"Only when Bella arrives. I don't want to alarm him for no reason. The best thing to do is just wait."

Jack, who was sitting next to her, was squeezing her hand. She smiled to herself, proud of her ability to hold back her blush. It was quite normal to do this in this world, she reminded herself. If they were about to stay here, they better practice its ways.

Knowing that Edward and Bella had somehow made their way back was an enormous relief. More than anything, it meant that she and Jack didn't have to go back in order for them to return. She couldn't even begin to imagine how it was possible, but she thought it best not to dwell on it. There was no point. Carlisle was right. She would better focus on the future.

"Is anyone hungry?" asked Esme. It was another thing she had found strange here. The Cullens seemed like a wholesome, united family, and yet they had never had dinners together. Somehow they had always missed one another, held back by their various engagements and occupations. At some point it just stopped bothering her altogether, but it didn't surprise her when no one wanted anything now.

"How much longer will we have to wait?" asked Alice, sighing with exasperation.

She had to admit she agreed. She was just as eager for Edward and Bella's return as anyone else in the room, curious to meet the couple she had heard so much about. Esme seemed equally anxious. Carlisle shook his head. Patience, his eyes said. She felt almost compelled to contain her excitement.

The television was on and as she had done only that morning, she found herself staring at it again, absentmindedly listening to Jack and Carlisle's conversation. The flickering images on the screen made her dizzier with each passing moment, and the dizziness lingered even as she looked away. It was warm in the room. It was so easy to just lean back, close her eyes and drift. Impolite, for sure, but so very easy, and so tempting –

"They're here!" Alice exclaimed and was at the door before she could blink. They could all hear her excited babble as she welcomed her brother and friend by the door. Their replies were not as loud. She and Jack exchanged one look, then laughed softly at the same time. His eyes reflected the same giddy excitement she could feel fizzing within her. Her impatience was getting more potent by the second, and she struggled to contain it. There wasn't much to do at this point, but wait.

xoxox

They were home for barely two minutes and she was already dizzy. Alice was unrelenting, squeezing each of them in turn, all the while talking non-stop about how worried they had been and how happy they all were they were back safely. If it wasn't for Edward's arm, which was somehow still wrapped around her, her legs would have given way ages ago. Alice was clearly making efforts to confirm her vision regarding their engagement, but Edward managed to intercept each and every attempt. She squeezed his waist gratefully. She was too exhausted to handle Alice's enquiries in the matter at the moment.

"Come in, come in, you wouldn't believe what happened while you were gone!" Alice's excited prattle was finally cut off as she took in a huge breath. She and Edward exchanged the briefest of looks and it was obvious he could already tell what had happened during their absence. She didn't get a chance to ask though. Alice pulled her out of Edward's grip and towed her into the living room.

"Look who's back, everyone!" she chirped.

Carlisle and Esme were by their side in a moment, the looks of concern quickly transforming into much calmer expressions. Esme hugged her. "Thank God you're safe," she whispered, petting her hair. She pulled away gently and put her arms around Edward. "Thank God you're both safe."

"Alright, Bella?" Carlisle asked her, eyeing her with concern before he hugged her as well.

"Yes, fine," she replied, grinning, but it froze on her lips when something over his shoulder caught her attention. There were two strangers in the room. They were definitely human, a young man and woman who looked about her age and were eyeing her curiously. She pulled away from Carlisle slowly, without taking her eyes off them.

As though sensing her sudden hesitation, he cleared his throat. "Edward, Bella, these are Jack and Rose," he said. "Alice found them in your meadow after you disappeared."

"Imagine my surprise!" Alice cut in, giggling excitedly. Then she turned to face Jack and Rose. "I told you they would be just fine!"

Rose, whose hand was clutching Jack's, slowly let go of his hand and walked towards her. Her expression was strange, as though she had somehow recognized her. But then she realized it wasn't exactly the case. "You're wearing my dress," Rose told her, her clear blue eyes wide with awe.

"It must be your stateroom we have found ourselves in," Edward told her, "which makes sense since you found yourselves in our place."

"It doesn't make sense," she countered, looking from Edward to Carlisle. "We made it back. Shouldn't it mean that they must go back too?"

"Apparently it doesn't work that way," replied Carlisle. She had missed his calm, collected tone, she now realized. "While the four of you time travelled at the exact same moment, it doesn't seem to work the same way in reverse. Besides, Rose and Jack decided to stay here, in this time."

She had so many questions, too many to be answered in one night. They were absent for only several days, but it felt as though so much had happened ever since. It was overwhelming. She swayed ever so slightly; Edward eyed her with concern. Esme, who had also noticed, shook her head in dismay. "Come sit down, Bella," she said and gently led her towards the sofa. Edward followed close behind them.

From the corner of her eye she saw Alice, still bouncing in place, waiting anxiously for their announcement. It was very distracting. Blush rushed into her cheeks. It was all so new. She wasn't ready to tell anyone yet, and she knew Edward had shared her sentiments. Alice clearly knew what was going on, but she wouldn't just tell everyone something like that without asking for their permission first, would she?

"Alice, why don't you go and call Charlie? I'm sure he'll be glad to know Bella is back safely," said Edward, narrowing his eyes ever so slightly in his sister's direction. She glared back, clearly displeased, but did as she was told. Only after Alice left the room, she allowed herself to breathe again.

She didn't realize how much she had missed the spacious living room until she looked around her. She leaned back on the sofa with a weary sigh, feeling at home, at last. Edward took her hand in his as soon as he sat next to her, drawing icy patterns on the back of her hand. Carlisle and Esme sat across from them, and Jack and Rose occupied the smaller sofa next to them. She didn't spot Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper anywhere; she figured they probably chose to keep away so long as there were humans living in the house.

"Your father was so worried about you," said Esme. Concern still lingered in her stare.

"I know. I was worried about him, too."

"We're here now," replied Edward, squeezing her hand as though he could sense the guilt that Esme's words had stirred in her. "It's alright."

"Mission accomplished!" said Alice as she breezed back into the room. She came to sit on the armrest of the sofa by Edward's side, crossing one leg over the other. "Charlie is on his way."

She smiled at her friend, realizing she had been holding her breath until these words were spoken. "Thanks, Alice."

"No worries," said Alice, waving her hand dismissively. "What are we talking about?"

"I was just about to ask about Jack and Rose's clothes," said Edward, probably in order to save them from Alice's attempt to expose their secret. "You had something to do with it, of course."

"Sure did," replied Alice, beaming. "They look great, don't they?"

"It's quite a change from 1912," she laughed, looking down at the dress she was still wearing. Even in a size too big, it was still confining, much less comfortable than any top or jeans she would have otherwise chosen.

"I must say I don't think I've ever seen you dressed like a proper girl before, Bella. Well, apart for the time I dressed you up for prom. She looked so pretty that night," she said as an aside to Jack and Rose before bringing her attention back to her. "I have to say I'm impressed. You've done this all by yourself."

"I'm sure there was a compliment in there somewhere," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Of course it's a compliment, silly! I just meant to say how proud I am of you!"

"You should be proud of her; she's done amazingly well, under the circumstances." For a moment there was no one else in the room except for Edward and her and the smile that passed between them.

"Was it frightening?" asked Rose, shaking her out of her reverie. "When you figured out where you were?" She had big blue eyes and they were burning now, as though with curiosity. It was strange to think she was the real owner of the pretty dress that had impressed Alice so much. She had come to think of that dress as her own.

"Frightening and intriguing and incredible, somehow all at the same time," she laughed softly. From the corner of her eye she saw Edward nod in agreement. There was no other way to describe the past few days, really.

"I think we know exactly how that feels," said Jack. He had a nice smile, she decided. He radiated with youth, but there was something in his gaze that made him seem older, wiser, as though in his young age he had already been familiar with the ways of the world.

"It's awful, isn't it? Being thrown into a time and culture you're not familiar with?" asked Edward.

Rose nodded, blushing ever so slightly when her eyes met Edward's. "It's more disorienting than anything else," she replied. "I think I'm still dizzy."

"It's a lot to get used to," she agreed. She barely knew Jack and Rose, but she felt herself warming up to them quickly. They seemed to be adjusting remarkably well to the new life they had stumbled upon merely days before. "So what are you going to do now that you've decided to stay here?"

"I think we'll just take it one day at the time," said Jack. Rose nodded, smiling shyly at him.

"Jack is quite the artist," said Esme. "We tried to talk him into applying into art school."

"There wasn't that much convincing involved," said Jack, looking sheepish all of a sudden. He seemed uncomfortable being in the center of attention. It was something she could definitely relate to. "I'll do it eventually for sure; I just think we both need a taste of this world first or it swallows us whole."

"That's probably a wise move," said Edward. He seemed to like them, too. "Do you know how long you will stay here?"

"Hopefully we will be on our way in a day or two," replied Rose. "We've caused your family so much trouble already; we wouldn't want to be a burden for much longer."

"Nonsense, darling, it's the least we could do for you," Esme hushed her. "You're welcome to stay for as long as you like."

They fell into an easy conversation then. Rose wanted to know more about the Titanic, and asked them about one person after another. She and Jack were not so surprised to hear they had met and befriended Molly Brown. At some point it dawned on her that Rose was the young woman Molly had told her about, the one that woman in the lifeboat kept calling and calling for. Rose seemed relieved to learn firsthand that her mother was alright.

A half an hour or so later, Edward squeezed her hand ever so slightly, a subtle motion which had gone amiss by everyone else in the room. Before she had a chance to question it, the doorbell rang. Carlisle excused himself and went to get the door. She sat a little straighter, suddenly tense, and gently pulled her hand out of Edward's. If Charlie was mad at her, she didn't want to give him any more reasons to be even madder. Edward, who seemed to understand what she was trying to do, shifted slightly, putting more distance between the two of them. Alice, who was sitting close enough to notice this change of position, glared at the two of them with dismay.

She heard their voices from their place by the door, Charlie's muffled question and Carlisle's unintelligible reply. She didn't even try to decipher it. She was too busy getting her soaring heartbeat under control. She sat there with her hands on her knees to keep them from shaking, struggling to appear attentive to Esme who was speaking softly to her. She was trying to guess what her father's response would be. The seconds stretched, but finally their footsteps sounded closer and they walked into the living room.

xoxox

It was easy to see that Bella's patience was slipping away as soon as the doorbell rang, announcing her father's arrival. She seemed so anxious; she had half expected her to hurry and get the door herself. On the surface, Bella seemed remarkably in control of herself. Only her dark eyes reflected her tumble of emotions. She seemed equally terrified and expectant.

She lost her cool composure as soon as Charlie walked into the room. She bolted out of her seat and crossed the room in three long strides, nearly stumbling over the hem of her dress. She wasn't distracted by it, though; she threw herself into her father's arms with such force that seemed to surprise even him. His expression was sealed when he walked in, as though he was struggling to control his temper. Now it faded entirely as he chuckled and slowly wrapped his arms around his daughter. "Hey, Bells. It's good to see you."

A soft sound escaped Bella, a cross between a laugh and a sob. He held her a little tighter. It reminded her so much of her own father, her father who was no longer. Her throat felt tight and she could feel the tears that slowly accumulated there. Looking away, she caught Jack's eyes. He smiled at her carefully, encouragingly. As always, she found herself drawing strength from his presence.

Charlie slowly pulled away from his daughter as he caught sight of Edward from over her shoulder. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "You."

She turned back to face them, somewhat anxiously. She remembered how Bella's father felt towards Edward, how he thought he had ruined his daughter, how he threatened to kill him. All these sentiments were still present as he glared at Edward, whose own expression seemed grave, as though he knew exactly how Charlie felt.

Merely a second passed, but the tension in the room was so great it felt like much longer. Everyone seemed to be holding their breaths. Bella was still clinging to her father's side. Her fingers were clawing at the hem of his jacket; an attempt to restrain him, it seemed. A wordless plea was reflected in her eyes as she looked up at him.

She forced back a smile at the image they made. Bella seemed willing to do anything in her power to prevent a confrontation, but she looked as frail as she could be in her girly dress while her father looked quite menacing as he was still wearing his uniform. Still, Bella seemed quite stubborn. Surely she would be able to get her way had she so wished.

His eyes still locked on Edward, Charlie shook his head, as though sending his previous thoughts away. A smile broke on his lips almost despite himself. "Good to have you back."

"It's good to be back, Chief Swan," replied Edward. Despite their many differences, he had reminded her of Jack, mostly in his utter devotion. She wondered why Charlie was looking at him as though he had expected him to do something wrong. She couldn't understand how he could possibly harm Bella. She had barely known them, but it was painfully obvious that Edward would give his own life for her. She wondered if Charlie really couldn't see it, or simply didn't want to. He was just overprotective. He was very much like her own father in that sense.

"Can I get you some coffee or anything, Charlie?" asked Esme, clearly trying to distract him, although it seemed Edward was safe for now. There was laughter in his eyes when they met Esme's as though he figured out what she was trying to do.

"No, thank you, Esme, I..." He cleared his throat and looked down at Bella. "I think I'll take my kid home now if that's okay. Looks like she could use some rest."

Bella clearly didn't like the idea, but Edward nodded and crossed the room towards them. "I think that's an excellent idea."

Charlie's eyes widened ever so slightly as though he was expecting resistance. Then he grumbled something unintelligible and wrapped an arm around Bella. While doing so, he suddenly looked up and found them sitting there. "You're still here."

"Yes, sir," said Jack.

"I thought you said you had something to do with the kids'... disappearance. If you're still here, how did they..."

"We sort of found our way back," Bella told him. There was sort of a secret smile passing between her and Edward, to which her father remained oblivious. Her hand fluttered along her neck and wrapped around the string of pearls that rested there. She gasped as though she only just remembered the necklace was there, and looked up anxiously. "Your necklace. I forgot…" Her voice trailed as she blindly reached for the clasp at the back.

"No, don't. Keep it."

"What are you talking about? I can't keep it, it's yours."

"I think I can live very well without them," she said, smiling. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought it would be so easy to part with any of her jewelries. Jack reached for her hand and squeezed it lightly. He of all people would notice the change. "You can keep the dress as well, although I doubt you would wear it again."

"No, no way. I'll wash it and bring it back to you tomorrow."

"Really, it's fine, Bella. I don't need it. I want to give it to you."

"A hand-me-down," Edward told her. There was a hint of a smile on his lips as though he was well familiar with her reluctance to receive gifts. "I thought those were allowable."

Bella frowned; the matter clearly displeased her.

"How about you go home and get some rest, and you two can talk about it in the morning? Jack and Rose are not going anywhere; not tonight, anyway." She seemed to want to protest, but then she looked up at him and her expression softened. She nodded somewhat wearily. "I'll walk you to the car."

Charlie clearly liked that idea, for he gently prodded her side. "Come on, Bells."

There was a round of goodbyes and goodnights after which Bella and her father had gone, followed by Edward. She found herself staring at them as they left the living room. They really did look very much alike, she thought.

"It will be so strange when you're gone," said Alice, bringing her back to the here and now. Her confession was so sincere it made her heart twitch.

"We'll miss you, too," she said and meant it. From the corner of her eye, she saw Jack nod his agreement. "We can stay in touch, though. Once we get a permanent address, we could write to one another."

"We could get you a cell phone and teach you how to use it and then we could text each other, which is faster than post," said Alice, and then shot her father a pleading look. "Carlisle, we must get them a cell phone."

Esme shook her head and smiled somewhat apologetically. She was obviously well familiar with her daughter's erratic nature and illogical whims. "It's something we can talk about tomorrow, Alice, as we can't get a hold on a new cell phone right now anyway."

Alice giggled in what sounded like an apology. She claimed Edward's vacant seat and leaned back in what seemed like an attempt to calm herself, one which hadn't fooled anyone in the room.

Esme's kind smile slowly faded and she looked seriously at Jack and her. "Carlisle and I have discussed it last night. Since you decided to stay here, we want to help you."

"You've already done so much for us," Jack protested and she nodded vigorously for she agreed wholeheartedly. Who knew what would have become of them if it someone else had found them in the meadow, and not Alice.

"You can't just wander around the country like this. It might have worked for you in the beginning of the century," Esme told Jack, "but in this time and age, you won't get very far."

Carlisle nodded. "Let us give you some money and a few clothes for change."

"Think of it as a loan," Esme added hurriedly as though she had sensed their objection. "I can't send you away without knowing I've done all I could for you. Please?"

She looked up at Jack and shrugged. They didn't deserve to just be given money and clothes, but Esme was persistent, and what's more, she was right. They wouldn't get very far on their own. And once they found their way in the world, they would be able to pay them back. She was certain it would happen sooner than later.

Carlisle nodded as though he had guessed her way of thinking. "Don't worry about it," he promised her, smiling reassuringly. "You can take as long as you need."

"You can stay with us for as long as you want, too," Esme said again. "Tomorrow morning we can get you a cell phone," she said, grinning at Alice who looked pleased. "And we can help you plan out a route for your journey."

"That will be wonderful."

"I think I know exactly where you should start," said Edward, who had just joined them. He walked over and sat beside Alice. His sister put a hand on his knee, beaming at him, as though she knew exactly the place he had referred to.

She smiled, feeling new hope. Edward and Bella were safe and at home, she received confirmation about her mother's safety and she couldn't wait to go out into the world and explore it with Jack by her side.

She looked up at him and her smile widened an inch. She saw her own hope reflecting in his eyes as well, and that fact reassured her. She was certain they could make it, and they would. They had each other now for as long as they would want. No one was going to judge or criticize them. From that moment on, nothing in the world would ever come between them.