A/N: This is my favourite chapter out of all of them so far.

I kinda like it :)

Hope you do too…

SagaLover

Xxxx

We spent the next couple of hours having a girl chat, catching up. It had been ages since she had really been herself; I thought it was because they were twins, so it affected her more than it would have the others.

At 10 we decided to call it a night, and climbed into our temporary bed. We soon fell asleep, curled up together.

I slid my eyes open and my gaze fell straight onto Edward, lying across the room. He was facing us, and still deep asleep. I watched his chest move slowly up and down, and as he shuffled to get comfortable. This made me so happy because seeing this moving sleeping Edward was an entirely different thing to a still, unmoving Edward.

I crawled out of bed, careful not to jolt Alice, and tiptoed over to the one who held my heart. I knew I should tell him soon, but I didn't want to overwhelm him with decisions… That's such a bad excuse. I guess I just didn't want to let go of the hope I had now; that he may possibly feel somewhat similar to the way I feel.

I sat on the edge of the bed, level with his waist, and ran my f/ingers through his hair again.

"Mornin'" He said, gruffly. A grin spread across my face.

"Good morning, sleepy." I said, brightly but quietly. He shifted round onto his back and lifted up slightly so he was sat up almost straight.

"Are you okay?" He asked, seriously.

"Of course! You're awake. I'm so happy." I spoke quietly, almost but not quite forgetting about a certain sleeping Pixie. He forced a smile at me, then dropped it with a deep sigh.

"I'm so sorry I didn't help you that night. I didn't keep my promise." He watched his hands fiddle with the cup he had picked up, not meeting my eyes.

"Edward, it is not your fault, so please don't feel bad. Emmett and Jasper turned up and I was safe. It was silly to be scared anyway." I said, watching his face turn into a frown.

"It wasn't silly. Don't think that. She's a bully and she hurt you." He shook his head, "I'm just sorry."

"Don't be, please! I'm so glad you're here, and you're alive. To be honest everything before two weeks ago had gone from my mind… All I could think about was you, and how you were, whether you were going to be okay. You're so important to me, Edward. I-I…" I took a deep breath, watching my hands. "I-"

"You love me." He whispered.

"Huh?" I looked up, completely shocked. How did he know? Had I been that obvious?

"You love me." He spoke louder this time. "I heard you, when I was asleep… in the coma. Everything you said to me, I heard. I don't know why, or how, but I did."

"Oh…" I whispered, not sure how to proceed.

"You are so important to me too, Bella Swan. When you rang me, I was so scared for you, that something could happen. The idea that someone was hurting made me so mad… it hurt me so much that you had to suffer because of me. I promised myself after the next time, I would confront Jessica, but each time you begged me, I just couldn't refuse." He reached forward slightly, grabbing my hands in his, rubbing his thumbs in soothing circles on the backs of mine. "You didn't want me involved. You are the most self-less person I know, and you're amazing to me. I can't live without you, Bella. You are everything to me. You are my life now. I love you, too. I'm so in love with you, little Swan." He grinned, caressing my cheek with the back of his hand.

I was crying, again. But this time in happiness.

"Really?" I checked, a small smile spreading across my face slowly.

"Really." He shifted slightly, cupping my face into his hands, and whispered, "Come here," pulling me in close. As our lips met I felt my whole body light up. My blood was red hot, from my head the tips of my toes, feeling every movement of our dancing lips. Our kiss was slow and sensitive, and I could feel the love he poured into it. He took my bottom lip between his and gently sucked, creating a small shiver down my body. I clawed at him, placing one hand on his neck, drawing him in as close as humanly possible, and the other I slid into his hair. His gentle hands had now moved, one in my hair, securing our kiss and the other around my waist, twisting my body to his. I opened my mouth, slowly, and ran my tongue along his lip, which opened underneath. Our breath mixed and our tongues moved in a graceful sequence.

He loves me.

He loves me.

He loves me.

He loves me.

A smile unconsciously spread across my face, tightening my mouth until we could only press our closed lips together, both of us grinning.

"I'm sorry," I giggled, leaning my forehead against his, "I'm just so happy!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms around him. He squeezed me tight.

"That makes two of us, love." He replied, into my hair, causing my smile to get impossibly bigger at his nickname. I felt his grin against my neck, his breath warm and sending shivers down my spine. We pulled back and I slid up the bed, sitting beside him and leaning into his side, resting my head on his warm chest. He wrapped an arm around my waist, and I laid my hand on his chest.

"Bella?" he asked, after a few minutes of silence. He was fiddling with my hand as he spoke.

"Yeah?" I said, looking up at him.

"You know in the car, on the night we met, I agreed to play the guitar for you?"

"Yeah…" Unsure of where this was going…

"Well, didn't we agree that you'd hear me play in exchange for something…?" He sounded slightly nervous.

"Yep… I remember. Have you thought of something? Because don't forget, I get one veto." I grinned.

"I really hope you don't veto this," He murmured under his breath. After an audible swallow, he continued: "Will you be my girlfriend? Officially…"

I looked up at him, meeting his lush green eyes. "Okay." I replied, with a massive grin. He grinned, crookedly, and bent down to place a gentle kiss on my lips, wrapping his other arm back around me. I leant into him, my hands shifting into his silky locks as we pressed out lips together again. I wasn't going to spoil it with a smile this time…

"Oi oi! Put him down, Little Smurf! I must say though, it's about damn time!" Emmett bounded into the room, followed by the whole crowd. We pulled back, and a deep red blush spread up my face, knowing they had all seen. He kept his arm around my waist, but let the other go, leaning back. I resumed my place, leaning my head on his chest, snuggling into him.

Xx ~ x ~ x

Edward stayed awake for 4 hours in the end on Sunday, and I couldn't believe how long we'd had. We spent the rest of the day chatting and enjoying being close, which I did enjoy very much. I was so happy; so happy that he was okay, and so entirely over the moon that he was my boyfriend. I still can't get over it. He actually feels the same. He loves me.

It was Monday today, which meant back to school. It also meant that we had to leave Edward all day. I was certainly not pleased about that.

"Please, Esme, can't you ring up and say I'm not feeling well?" I whined from Edward's side, burying my face into his neck. It was 8am and the others were already at home, getting ready. I was having a last attempt at getting the day off… by any means possible.

"Bella, I'll be right here, in this exact same place, in 7 hours… Just come back as soon as you can." Edward encouraged, rubbing my back with his hand. We were lying on the bed, where we had been since 7am when I had arrived.

"Yes, listen to Edward, honey." She reached over and squeezed my hand, from where she was sat on Edward's side of the bed.

"But I never skip school… please can I just this once?" I begged.

The Doctor had come to speak to us all yesterday, whilst Edward was awake. He'd told us that Edward would need to stay in hospital for a week more, and then he'd be able to go, but only on the terms that he was very careful. His spleen needed to heal, and the less movement the better. Also, his ribs couldn't shift so any sudden or strenuous movements were off limits. This was fine by all of us, who were already prepared to dote on him, but he found it slightly constricting and annoying.

Esme sighed, shook her head, and muttered "Never again," under her breath. She reached into her bag and retrieved her phone. "I'll be right back." She said, smiling but rolling her eyes.

I squealed and jumped out of bed, giving her a big hug. "Thank you!" I heard Edward chuckling behind us.

"Thanks, Mom! We owe you one." He smirked, pulling be back into his side and kissing the top of my head.

She shook her head once more, and walked out to make the phone call.

"I love your Mom." I grinned, reaching up and placing a kiss on his jaw. He squeezed me.

"I love you." He smirked back, reaching down and kissing my forehead. "We need to buy her a big present, I think…"

"Yep," I agreed, popping the 'p'.

"How is school, anyway? Back to normal?"

"Meh, it's alright. To be honest I haven't been paying much attention recently…" Thinking back to only three days ago was painful. Not knowing if he was going to be okay… if I'd ever see his beautiful eyes… it scared me.

"Hey," he whispered, placing a finger and thumb on my chin, lifting my eyes to his. "I'm here. You don't need to worry, okay?"

"Okay," I answered, quietly. I reached up and cupped his face, bringing it down to mine. I leant forward so our lips were almost, but not quite, touching. "You know what I wanted to the most, when you were asleep?" Our lips brushed at each word.

"What?" He breathed.

"To see your eyes. They're so green, and deep, and have some many different shades. They're like emeralds."

"Your favourite gem stone…"

"Yeah," I smiled. "Can you kiss me now, please?"

"Urm…"

"Hey!"

He chuckled, "How can I not?" and our lips fused together. Every time the intensity surprised me… I couldn't believe how by only touching my lips and my waist, my whole body was on fire. I couldn't get close enough to him…

"All do- oh…" Esme had walked back into the room, and interrupted our moment. She cleared her throat, looking around the room, waiting for us to untangle ourselves. "I hope this isn't what you'll be doing all day..." She smirked, as we sat up. "I rang the school... Bella, you currently have a headache and nausea, so you'll be should be sleeping for the rest of it." I giggled.

We lounged around for the rest of the day, jus the three of us. It was nice to spend some time with just her. Some mother time.

"So, how are you feeling, Edward? Honestly, please." She asked, perching on a chair beside the bed, about 3 o'clock. I leaned back and just held his hand, wanting to know myself as well.

"I'm okay, body wise, and ecstatic every other way," He said, sending me a grin, "I'm still a bit sore, especially around here," he ran his hand down his left side, along from where is belly-button would be. "But it seems to be lessening each day."

"Good. Well you'll be strapped to the bed when we get you home!"

"Moooom, I don't need to be lo-" He started to whine, but I clamped a hand over his mouth.

"Yes you do, so be quiet please." I smiled, sweetly. He rolled his eyes and bit my hand, much to my shock. I ripped my hand away, my face surprised, "Heyyy!" I exclaimed. He smirked in reply.

"As I was saying," He grinned at me, before re-facing his Mom, "I don't need to be looked after."

"Yes, you do." I argued.

"Nope."

"Yep." I poked my tongue out at him. He laughed out loud.

"Your adorable," He grinned. "I love you."

Esme gasped loudly, making her presence known in the room, because I for one had definitely forgotten. I'd also forgotten she hadn't heard us profess out love yet... none of them had. So it must have been a shock for her!

"I love you, too." I smiled, leaning in and kissing his cheek.

"AWWW!" Alice.

We turned towards the door to see the whole gang watching us.

"I knew it. I knew it. I knew it!" Emmett exclaimed, rushing in to grab me up in a bear hug. "Awesome! You're gunna be my lil sister officially!"

"Okay, Emmett, bit ahead of us there..." I grinned.

Everyone else was smiling, and Alice was holding her lips closed... about to burst.

"Go one, Alice. Give it to us." I asked, snuggling back into Edward's side.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, this is sooooo exciting! Yay! We can triple date now! And I get to buy you nice things to show Edward. How cool is that? Ooo and I think we can get you some make up at the same time... Oh and can I just say how I was the first to know this was going to happen! Cuz I'm sooo awesome. Didn't I tell you, Jazzy?" She didn't give him time to answer. "This is going to be so much fun! And that means you'll be my sister too! Cuz you luurrrvveee him and he luurrrvveess you. Oh and I am sooo going to be your wedding planner... and christening for your first baby, which I know if it is a boy or girl already... It's gunna be so cute! I think you should name h-"

"Ali?"

"Yes, Jazzy?"

"I think you should wait until Bella's actually married, let alone pregnant until you start talking about this..." He reasoned, touching her arm. Her whole body relaxed from his one touch.

"You're right. Well, I love that you're together!" She squealed, running over to give me a hug.

"Thanks, Ali." I grinned.

x ~ x ~ x

Edward was released on the Sunday, just in time for school, with his ribs strapped up securely. He couldn't twist at all, and had trouble bending, because of the shape of the encasement. He was so independent as well, so he found it hard to rely on others and often got frustrated. The only people he hadn't snapped at were Esme and I. I think it's because he knew deep down that Alice and Rose were tough enough to fight back... whereas Esme and I would, but it would hurt us more to fight with him. Even in frustration, he was unconsciously thoughtful.

"This is ridiculous..." He complained. He'd been out of the hospital two weeks now, and we were at his house with the gang. Every so often, Edward would try to move something or do something and find himself restricted and it was getting on his nerves. "Do you want to go for a walk with me, love? I need some fresh air."

"Yeah, let's go." I replied, smiling at the nickname even though it was commonly used.

We ambled out of the back of the house, our hands linked together. We walked down the grass of the garden and onto the path at the bottom, which was surrounded by forest. We walked slowly through the trees is silence, enjoying thinking in the quiet. It was so peaceful and separate from any civilisation, we could have been hundred miles from Forks, not just one.

"You're so beautiful, Bella." He said, quietly. I looked at him to find him watching me and blushed, stopping beside a tree. I reached up and gently cupped his face, drawing him close.

"Thank you." I breathed, before linking our lips together. Our kisses had always been slow and soft, but this time we met each other with force, pressing as closely together as possible. My body curved into his, feeling every dent, curve and muscle, against me. My hands ran up to his hair, delving in and pulling him impossibly closer, as he grabbed my waist and squeezed me tight. He walked me back a few steps, until my back hit the tree, as our tongues snaked out. He nipped my bottom lip between his teeth, running his tongue along my lip making me shiver.

My hands left his hair and ran down his chest, where I linked my index fingers into his belt hoops, yanking his hips to mine. I felt his hardness at his groin against my lower stomach, making a small moan escape out of my mouth. In response, his hands fell down to my bum, squeezing and rubbing as he pulled me against his body. Suddenly, his right hand dropped lower and lower, until it reached my thigh, hitching it up and around his waist, rubbing underneath slowly with his warm fingers. My hands slid around his neck as his lips moved to my neck, his hips grinding with mine when I wrapped my leg around his back. The tree reminded me where we were when my head fell back as I felt his tongue and lips worship my neck.

I reached down to grab his waist, and as I did, felt the material cast strapped around his ribs, making me drop my leg and pull back quickly. Well, it was more like a push, seeing I was against an unmovable object...

"Edward, we shouldn't do this here, not when your healing. I don't want you to hurt yourself." I whispered against his neck, gently rubbing his side.

"I'm okay, but I suppose you're right." He agreed, running his hands up and down my back, relaxingly. "Come on, let's get back." He pulled me away from the tree, and wrapped his arm around my shoulders as mine fell around his waist. He held me close as we walked, kissing the top of my head or my temple every now and then. I felt so special.

We got back around 5, so still had a couple of hours until dinner. After walking up to flights of stairs, we made our way into his room.

"Can you play for me?" I asked, gesturing to the guitar. "It's been so long since I last heard you."

"Sure." He smiled, giving me a peck on the lips. "I love you, Bella."

As he started to play, I closed my eyes and listened to the beautiful music he was producing. I rested my head on his shoulder as he played, leaning back against the headboard of his bed.

"I love you, Edward."

x ~ x ~ x

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.

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8 years later...

"l love you so much. You're my other half and I wouldn't be me without you. You bring out the best in me, in everything. Thank you for putting up with me for this long, and I hope you can bear it a little longer... All of the things we've been through, and the memories we've shared, they are so special to me, and I'll never forget them. I promise I'll be there for you and we'll face things together. I love you with everything in me. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife?"

He spoke quietly, only to her.

"You don't have to answer now... I have something for you first."

A/N: I wasn't ready to part with this yet, so I've added a whole new plan to my old one. I hope you don't mind :)

I love this chapter, and I hope you do to! Review pleaseeeee

Thank youuu!

Saga Lover

xxxxxx