DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended. Additionally, "Light Breaks Where No Sun Shines" belongs to Dylan Thomas. No copyright infringement is intended.

Previously:

"I can't believe you see this as a starter home," she said after I'd commented. "I'd be embarrassed to show you where I grew up."

"Hey," I said as I gently took her arm and turned her toward me. "Never be embarrassed of your past. It made you who you are. And I, for one, love who you are."


Fuck. I hadn't meant to say that to her. I closed my eyes afraid of what I would see. God, how bad did I screw up? Love? Why did I have to use that word? It was too soon. I didn't want to scare her away. It would scare her away; wouldn't it? She'd been through so much already. Now she was working on healing, putting together her life – a life that she was in control of, a life that was her own. She didn't need me complicating it. She didn't –

"Thank you," her quite voice broke me from my thoughts. I peeked to find her smiling at me with shining eyes. She pressed onto her tip toes and kissed my cheek. Before I could enjoy the sensation, she moved back, cleared her throat, and turned around. "Can I see the back patio? I got a glimpse, and I'm intrigued."

"Of course," I told her enthusiastically. I stepped forward and placed my hand on her back to guide her toward the living room. When we reached the French doors, I opened them then gestured for her to precede me.

"Oh, Edward!" Though I could hear her excitement, her voice was quiet, awed. "This is…I'm not sure I've seen a more beautiful view. The water…the mountains…goodness, you have it all." Pride swelled at her comment. She made me see it with fresh eyes. I'd owned the home long enough that the awe had worn off. I didn't spend much time on the island, and when I did, I was working. I had forgotten how wonderful it could be here. "How do you ever leave?"

"That's a very good question. I guess I just get so caught up in everyday life that I forget what I have." She stepped back until she was beside me and leaned her head against my shoulder. I moved my arm to hold her close. It was October after all, and the weather was dropping into the 50s. I needed to keep her warm.

"Can we just enjoy this for a few minutes?" She took a deep breath and released it. I felt some tension ease from her shoulders. "I just…I feel…safe here." Unable to resist, I turned and kissed the crown of her head.

"We can stay as long as you want. Come over and sit down though; get comfortable."

I moved us to the patio furniture and sat down before she joined me. She crawled next to me with her feet tucked under herself then leaned against me once more. We spent the next few minutes in silence, just enjoying the view and each other's company. The repetitive sound of the water lapping against the dock was calming.

More than that though, being with Bella like this relaxed me more than usual. I usually couldn't sit still, couldn't keep my mind from being on overdrive. With her though, I wanted to be here in this moment. It made me want to be with her all the time. When I was with her, she brought me perspective. She reminded me to slow down and smell the flowers if you will. She made me realize there was more to life than just the office even though she cared about that as well.

"Sunsets are beautiful, but I think I might like sunrises more. The way the light breaks through; it's just so hopeful." I completely understood. There were moments her genuine smile appeared, and it was like the sun breaking through the clouds. It gave me hope that she'd be able to heal from the horrible years she had. "That's not an emotion I feel often anymore."

"You'll have to come back to watch a sunrise with me. It's pretty spectacular on the water." We lapsed back into silence as the warmth of her against me filled my heart with warmth too.

"How did the meeting with Mr. Lindell go?" she eventually asked. I chuckled at the memory.

Arthur Lindell was a businessman considering selling me his company, and we'd had a meeting on the books for a few weeks. Earlier this week I'd taken Bella to dinner, and as we were leaving, Mr. Lindell approached me to say hello. I introduced him to Bella, and he insisted we have a drink with he and his wife, Lydia. I tried to apologize to Bella, but she'd waved me off with a smile. I could see her uneasiness, but she refused to let me back out. She understood that deals were often made outside of the office. Lydia had started off stilted in her interactions, but soon she was smiling and laughing genuinely with Bella. Mr. Lindell, well, if he wasn't so in love with his wife, I might have worried I would have competition for Bella's heart. She had gone and charmed both Arthur and Lydia in a way only she could.

"I owe you a bonus," I told her and she looked up at me in surprise and confusion.

"I don't work for you."

"A consultation fee then."

"What? What are you even talking about?"

"You clinched that deal for me. Mr. Lindell shook my hand, sat down, and asked where you were." I turned so that I was still seated but facing her. "He signed the paperwork today. MC Inc. is now officially in the sports management business." She smiled widely before throwing her arms around me.

"That's wonderful, Edward!" She pulled back before I could wrap my arms around her. "We should celebrate. You've been trying to break into sports management for two years. This is huge! Come on." Without giving me a second to process, she took my hand, stood quickly from the loveseat, and pulled me inside.

"We don't have to-"

"Of course, we do." She threw a smile over her shoulder, and I'd never seen a sight more beautiful. I tripped over my foot as we stepped into the wine cellar because my focus was on her. She looked around at the racks of bottles with trepidation. "Now it's your turn. What's good for a celebration?"

"Bella, I've never seen you drink." She shrugged one shoulder.

"I know. I just…the thought of doing that in public makes me nervous. I like to be alert, have a clear head. Here though," she shrugged once more. "Like I said, I feel safe. You make me feel safe, but this place makes me feel safe too. You won't let anything happen to me here." I was shaking my head before she finished speaking.

"Never. As long as I can, I'm going to take care of you."

"Then pick something, something worthy of a celebration." Since she was still holding my hand in hers, I pulled her toward the far wall where the champagne bottles were stored. I reached for the top shelf and pulled down a bottle. I handed it to Bella as I retrieved the appropriate glasses then joined her at the tasting table. "Krug Clos D…"

"Krug Clos D'Ambonnay 1998." She squeaked when I popped the cork and giggled as I poured each glass. She lifted both and handed me one before holding hers up and clearing her throat.

"To you, for doing such a brilliant job and getting what you deserve. Congratulations on growing your company even further." She softly clinked her glass to mine and raised it to her lips. With a dainty sip, she closed her eyes and hummed. When her eyes opened and met mine, she tilted her head and smiled at me. "Why aren't you celebrating? Do you not want to drink it?" I shook myself out of my stupor before taking a sip and savoring the taste. I had three of these bottles I was saving for a special occasion. This time spent with Bella was definitely special to me. "This is so good. What is it?"

"A special champagne I ordered a few years ago. You like?"

"Special?" She held a hand to her heart and looked at me with trepidation. "Oh goodness, should we not have opened this?" I placed my hand on her arm to calm her.

"This is special. Thank you for being here with me tonight."


AN 04/20/19: Well, doesn't seem like she freaked out! But it also doesn't seem that she took it as a confession of love either. She's very comfortable with Edward though. She says ahe feels safe on Bainbridge, but more importantly, she feels safe with him. *insert big, cheesy smile* Let me know what y'all think. For those of y'all on Facebook, give about an hour and I'll have pictures of the Bainbridge home loaded to my page.