Ch8 Memories

From the last chapter…
Edward's POV.

I was still waiting for my answer and all I could tell now was that Bella's tears were no long unshed as they streamed down her face.

Bella's POV.

This can not be happening, this can not be happening, this can not be happening, This CAN NOT be happening. My mind couldn't grasp exactly what was going on right at the moment but that phrase kept coming to mind. I just kept staring down, blankly at the man that just presented me with the most beautiful ring and asked me to be his. This can not be happening, not to me… Right? I mean this has to be like, some sort of dream … maybe. Maybe I should be saying something now… or doing something. I can't think straight and I can't stop myself from crying… why am I crying so much today? … Crying, I had been crying just a little while ago because of something Emmett had said while we danced.

Flash back:

"Mind if we cut in?" Emmett and Alice's voice called out and Edward stopped spinning us around when Alice tapped him.

"Oh, ok. Sure." I answered but really unwilling to end the dance.

"What are you two planning? Can't you see we were doing just fine without you?" Edward asked teasingly before handing me off to Emmett.

I allowed Emmett to drag me away and soon he was spinning me around the room effortlessly. Emmett was very strong and so it was simple for him to keep me on my feet while at the same time throwing me about the room. It was actually kind of fun to dance with Emmett, even though I really missed having Edward's arms around me. I really loved dancing with Edward because it was one of the rare times when he held me close and it always felt as if he would never let me go. But now I was dancing with Emmett and there was sure to be some teasing at some point.

"So, having fun half pint?" Emmett started in as if on cue.

"You know, to YOU everyone is pint-sized so why is that my fun little name?" I asked only teasing him a little.

"Because you're the one that gets annoyed by it Sis!" Emmett starting laughing but my heart sank to the floor as he twirled me around again.

"Emmett? … Why do you do that?" I asked without thinking.

"Do what Sis? I was just teasing you, know I didn't mean any harm in it." Emmett asked confused.

"THAT!… Emmett why do you call me that?" I really didn't need this right now, it was worse then his teasing some days.

"I'm sorry Bella if you don't want me to call you half pint anymore then I won't. Better?" Emmett asked as he stopped spinning us; long enough to make me feel better I guessed.

"No, no. Not that Emmett. Why do you call me Sis all the time? Its not like we are really related and I'm not your sister in law or anything. SO why do always call me your sister?" I asked a little more forcefully now. " I don't understand why you would keep doing that and its not like I really act much like a sister either, other than I let you pick on me so much."

"You mean you aren't a sister in law YET Bella." Emmett chuckled, teasing me again. "Oh, come on you have to see it. Everyone knows its coming. Little Eddie over there is totally smitten with you!"

"EMMETT! … Stop teasing me! ENOUGH OK." I yelled at him and just took off running.

I didn't want anyone to see me crying but I couldn't take it anymore. Emmett was always teasing everyone for one thing or another but this time he had gone too far. Alice was the only one that knew how I really felt about Edward but over the years Emmett had guessed and continued to tease me from the moment I started blushing. So I had, had enough, I couldn't take anymore!

:End flashback.

I can't think straight and I can't stop myself from crying, why had I been crying so much today? OK, I have to think. I started to shake my head and tired to wipe away the tears only to have more fall to replace the ones I removed. I continued to shake my head slightly to try and clear away the confusion. Think, … I'm stand in my bed room, by my bed, with someone kneeling… NO, not someone. EDWARD! … Edward was kneeling before me and presenting me with a ring. Edward Cullen had just asked me to marry him.

Snapping out of my daze. "OH, Edward! … I, I can't believe this!" I said with a shaky voice from crying.

"If the answer is no, I'd understand Bella. I just, … I just had to ask while I could." Edward's smile had long ago faded but he never took his eyes off me or removed his hands from mine. "I probably should have seen this one coming. … I mean its not like anything else that I ever tried ever worked out right. Our first kiss was because of a stupid fungus plant, because of a date my mother made you say yes to. Alice always forced you to hang out with me because she couldn't help but be a noisy person. Emmett constantly teases you because he knows its cute when you blush. HELL, even when I tired to tell you that I loved you, YOU never even got to hear it because my luck is so cruel. Everything just told me to forget the whole thing so I had long ago given up on any chance of this happening but some how, here I am; asking you. So just say what you have to say and lets move past this. Shall we?"

"Edward, … Do you want to marry me? Really!" I asked still a little stunned.

"Of course but I'm not stupid Bella. I know you probably don't won't to spend your life with me when you could find someone way better for you." Edward answered.

"DON'T SAY THAT!" I snapped at him. "OH, sorry… but Edward. I couldn't possibly find anyone better for me than you!"

He looked up at me with a smile again. "Really? … Bella are you saying yes?" Edward asked a little hesitant still.

"YES! … Yes Edward. I'm saying yes. If you'll have me I would love to become your wife!" I was so thrilled at the thought.

Edward's eyes were practically glowing and his frown had grown into a full ear to ear smile that I couldn't help but smile back at. Edward was so happy and he was asking me to be his for the rest of our lives. I couldn't believe this was happening! I didn't really have the chance to get used to the idea either because Edward suddenly jumped up from his kneeling position, pulled me into his arms and spun me around in the air before passionately attacking me with his sweet lips. This was nothing like the kiss we shared all those years ago, this was much, much better! So much better because this was Edward and he loved me but not only did he love me but we both loved each other. We both KNEW we both loved each other! We were going to get married, I couldn't be happier!

"ALICE!" I said shocked as the thought hit me as soon as Edward placed me back on my feet.

"Well that's not exactly what I was expecting but ok?" Edward teased between chuckles, I hit his shoulder lightly.

"HA, HA. … No, Edward. We have to tell Alice!" I said to explain. "If she's not the first to know she will kill us both!"

"Huh,… you know what? My sister does a lot of killing." Edward joked again, this time I was really laughing.

"Yeah, I guess she does. … But really we have to call her." I was rushing about and trying to remember where I left my phone.

"Umm Bella, its like five in the morning and she was up all night with the party and planning and celebrating? … Do you really want to wake her for this?" Edward asked doubtfully.

"You really don't know your sister very well, do you?" It was my turn to be teasing him now.

"Alright … But you're the one calling her. I would like to keep my head in tack for the wedding and if its me calling, this early, she'd kill me for sure!" Edward said while handing over his cell phone with Alice's number on the screen.

I pushed the call button. "THIS SO BETTER BE IMPORTANT EDWARD CULLEN OR YOU WILL SOON FIND A NEW MEANING TO THE WORDS …" Alice was yelling but I ended up cutting her off before too long.

"Hello Alice, I have some news I think you'd like to hear." I said in a pleasant tone, I couldn't hide my happiness.

"OH! Bella what's up Sis? Why do you have Edward's cell out at this hour?" Alice asked a little more calm now.

"How do you do that?" Edward asked me incredulously in a whisper.

"Well Alice, I'm not exactly your sister but if you're willing to plan another wedding I could be a sister in law very soon!" I said into the phone with another uncontrollable smile plastered on my face.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEE! OH MY GOD! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! GREAT JOB EDWARD!" Alice squealed into the phone and even when I had it at arms length away I could still hear her on the other line. "I can't believe it finally happened. Congratulations! I love you both so much and I would be honored to plan your perfect wedding Bella! I can't wait to get started."

I hang up shortly after she started squealing wedding ideas at me because, honestly right now that was the last thing that I wanted. I just wanted to know that Alice would plan the perfect wedding and Edward would be the one standing at the end of the long walk. I handed Edward his cell phone and smiled again at everything that's happened. Edward was smiling as well and I hoped it was for the same reasons. Edward had asked me to marry him and I said yes so now all we had to do was figure out how we would spend the rest of our lives together. Only really together this time, as a couple! It didn't take too long before I started to feel the late hour creeping up on me and my eyes begging to be sleeping again. Edward, seeming to find me dead on my feet, helped me back into bed and I soon fell back asleep in his arms with a smile on my face. This was going to be another memory to add to my book. My favorite night!

Edward's POV.

I can't believe she said yes! Bella Swan, love of my life and best friend has agreed to marry me? She's going to be my wife and she's going to be a part of my family, forever! From this moment on I'll never have to let her go again and I'll always be here to protect her! Alice will plan the wedding and Bella will be walking towards me in a beautiful white dress. I have thought about this for many, many years but never once had I imagined it would come true. I had long since given up on any idea of Bella and I being together at all, let alone us getting married. But here I was laying in Bella's bed with her in my arms and my family's ring on her left finger! Bella Swan is going to marry me, I couldn't be happier! I also couldn't be more tired in my life. … I had no idea that proposing could take this much out of you but then again I guess it usually doesn't. Just when you act like a total idiot and work yourself into a crazy fit that would have exploded other wise. Yeah, I guess that would take a lot out of a person. Nothing like loosing your mind to help break the ice I guess! Well who cares, Bella said yes and she loves me just as much as I've always loved her! We are going to get married and spend the rest of our lives in complete happiness but for right now I think she has the right idea. Sleep is good and its about time that I get catch up on mine. I wrapped Bella tighter in my arms and snuggled closer to keep her safe while I slowly drifted off into a peaceful deep sleep. As I slept I had this dream, I don't usually dream a lot because I don't sleep long enough to dream most night. This night I had a dream and it was a wonderful fantasy. The very best that I could envision; until…

Edward's Dream:

I was standing in a room full of people. Many of them family and friends all dressing in more formal attires then most days. The room was beautifully decorated in soft colors and there were flowers every where. Everyone was smiling and whispering amongst themselves, it was the perfect setting to a perfect day!

"Here she comes." A voice whispered beside me and I instantly looked to the end of the room.

A row of more formally dressed people filled my vision. They blocked my view but my eyes never left the end of the aisle. I waited until the last of the people filed into their places and then a few moments later I saw HER. A vision in white from head to toe! Her face was covered by a thick lace veil that wrapped around her head and dragged all the way to the ground with her dress covering every inch that the veil may have missed. She was blending in with the room perfectly but for the stunning rose bouquet she held in her tiny arms; along with her father's arm as he walked her down the walk. As they came closer I could see the tears building in his eyes but his smile couldn't be brighter! This was the most wonderful day anyone could ever have. Soon she would be by my side and I would never let her go again.

"Take care of my girl." He whispered to me as he surrendered her to me.

"It would be my honor Sir." I replied simple as I lead her up towards our places.

"Lift the veil so we may begin the ceremony!" The man in front of us said once we were ready to being the rest of our lives together, Forever!

I moved closer and began to lift the veil. I couldn't believe how lucky I was. I was getting everything I had ever wanted and so much more that I never even knew was there. I was going to marry this beautiful women before me. We would spend forever together in perfect bliss and nothing could ruin this moment. We would always be together and no matter what she would love me! As I slowly pulled the veil over her face I realized three things. One: I was watching this all from outside of my body, as if I was standing just beside myself. Two: I was thinking in two different bodies. On the one hand the body I was watching was beyond thrilled that this day had finally come but on the other, this body, MY body was screaming at me to look at the face of the girl before me. Because Three: She wasn't Bella! This girl wasn't Bella. I should be marring Bella! Bella was the only one I would ever marry and yet here I was watching myself marry another girl. I don't even know THIS girl. Well, this body doesn't but that other one doesn't seem to care much! He's too busy getting married and too busy smiling like there is no tomorrow. CAN ANYONE HEAR ME? CAN ANYONE SEE THAT THIS IS THE WRONG GIRL? I couldn't help but feel like a ghost. Nothing I did in this body was able to stop what was happening just beside me.

:End Dream.

I woke with a start and suddenly found myself sitting straight up and gasping for breath. I had no idea what had just happened or for the moment where I was. All I knew was that I had just experienced the worst imaginable nightmare possible. I thought I was having the best dream ever but it turned horrible. I sat there for a little longer just trying to catch my breath before I started to look around. I wanted to find out where I was so maybe that could help calm my panic. This thought only last until I realized I was in Bella's bed with only one problem; no Bella. My heart was racing much faster than it had been from that dream as I started to panic about where she had gone. I quickly rushed out of the bed and stumbled with the blankets wrapped around my ankles until I was out of bed and crossing the room. I quickly found the door, threw it open and rushed down the hall. I had no idea what I was thinking much less where I was going but right now… Right now I needed Bella. I needed to find her and make sure that she was safe but also I needed to know that she was … I don't know … Real? This dream had me really freaked out and I have no idea what it all meant but at the same time it had me worried that something was wrong. Why would I be marring this girl? Where was Bella and why was I standing outside of my body yelling at me when I couldn't even hear me? … It was all so confusing and with every empty room I found I became more and more frustrated. I needed to find Bella. To know she was ok, that nothing was wrong and to know that she really said yes!

"BELLA!" I yelled as I run into the kitchen and found her sitting in a chair. "Where have you been? Why aren't you in bed and more importantly ARE YOU OK?"

"Wow… Edward calm down. Are you alright?" Bella rushed out of her chair to stand in front of me, running her hands along my face trying to figure out what was wrong with me.

"I need to know that you are ok!" I said desperately as I quickly wrapped her into my arms and held her tightly to me.

"I'm fine Edward. Tell me what happened? You look completely panicked and you're kind of scaring me." Bella whispered as she leaned her head against my chest, allowing me to hold her and also allowing my to breath properly again.

"OH Thank heavens!" Exhaled a deep breath and buried my face in Bella's silky brown hair. "I'm sorry Bella. I know I'm acting a little weird right now but I just had the worst dream and I just had to know that you were ok."

"Oh Edward, I'm so sorry!" Bella breathed as she hugged me comfortingly while pulling us closer together.

"I'm fine now. I have you and I know I can handle anything now." I whispered before another thought came to my mind again, I broke away from Bella just enough to look at her while still holding on as tightly as I could. "Bella? Last night, before we fell asleep? Did I ask you … Did I ask you to marry me?"

She was hesitant and looked down at our feet before answering. "… Yes. Yes Edward you did? Was that a mistake?"

"WHAT? NO! … Bella, of course it wasn't a mistake. … But, but you did say yes right?" I asked, still a little unsure about what was real or not.

"Yes of course, I answered yes." Bella said while looking up again, smiling this time. "I love you Edward, always have."

My heart was racing and skipping around like crazy. This morning had been nothing but a roller coaster of craziness but never have I heard Bella say those words to me before. I had never once heard anything more beautiful, more wonderful! More magnificent!

"Say that again?" I asked dumbfounded.

"I said yes." Bella answered.

"No, not that… Tell me you love me." I asked desperately. "It's the most amazing thing I have ever heard. I need to hear it again, please Bella? I love you so much and I honestly never thought that you would ever feel the same way for me."

"Edward that is ridiculous! How could I not love someone as perfect as you? Of course I love you Edward!" Bella said looking up at me with such strength, such conviction in her eyes that I couldn't help but believe her. "I love you Edward Cullen!"

"As I love you, Bella Swan!" I whispered back before pulling Bella into me for a very soft, very passionate but very sweet kiss.

WELL, it started out that way anyway. Kissing Bella was like nothing else in this world. It was like nothing else anywhere imaginable! Even though this had only been the second time I had ever kissed her, the only times I had ever kissed anyone, I still knew that there wasn't anyone I'd ever want to kiss if it wasn't Bella. Bella was everything to me so it made sense that kissing her would be nothing less than perfection because she was perfection! She was, as she has always been, my perfect angel and more importantly she was going to be mine. Really mine, forever! I would soon be able to kiss this exquisite women any time I pleased, as long as she was willing of course but… still! That is more than I could have ever said before and more than I would have ever thought possible! Perfection! Absolute perfection!