Still don't own it.

I have been overwhelmed with real life this week and have been awful at review replies. Please know that I read and treasure each one, and I promise to try and do better. Thank you so much for your love for this story.

Sunflower3759 is amazing!

"Does that feel like you're losing me? I love you so much, Bella."

Edward gently brushed his lips against Bella's, tasting the salty moisture from her tears. She met his eyes, searching deeply for any sign of insincerity.

"You love me?" Her whispered question brought a tender smile to his face.

"I do. I have for a long time, Bella."

"I love you." Her words were breathless, imploring, begging him to believe her.

"I know. I've been waiting for you to catch up." He wasn't sure if he meant his words to be cocky and playful or gentle and endearing. Either way, she could not doubt the sincerity in them. His eyes dropped to her lips and she couldn't keep away from him any longer. Launching herself against him, Bella grasped the sides of Edward's face, consuming his mouth with her own.

Edward felt as though his entire body had been set ablaze. His hands fisted her tank top, holding her tightly against his body. It was only when her fingers tangled in his hair that he felt the cold, wet tendrils on his neck. Reluctantly pulling his lips from hers, Edward pressed his face into her neck, feeling her heart pounding the same increased rhythm as his own.

"I need to shower."

Bella shivered at the feel of his lips as he spoke against her skin. Lifting his head, he met her uncertain gaze.

"I'm sweaty from my run, and I smell. I promise I'll be quick. Will you…" Glancing at her open suitcase, his brow furrowed, "Will you wait? Please."

Bella dropped her eyes and gave a tiny nod. Edward lifted her face and brought his lips to hers, once again whispering his love for her before pressing a gentle kiss against them and turning toward the bathroom.

She watched him as he moved, pulling his shirt over his head as he walked. He glanced up just before closing the door, offering her a small, almost shy smile.

Edward made quick work of his shower, and when he walked out into the living room, he found Bella sitting in the middle of the couch. She held a bottle of water in her hands and was staring blankly at the floor in front of her. She looked up as he came closer, reaching for a bottle of water that sat on the table in front of the couch, offering it to him as he sat beside her.

As he opened the bottle and brought it to his lips, Bella couldn't help but take in the sight of him. He wore khaki shorts, a snug red t-shirt and was barefoot. His hair was damp from his shower and he hadn't shaved, so his morning stubble drew her attention to his perfect jawline. When her eyes finally drifted up to his, he was watching her intently, a look of apprehension on his face.

"How long?" Her trembling voice surprised him, but the question did not. He exhaled slowly as he dropped his eyes to the bottle in his hand.

"A few years, maybe longer. I wanted to tell you last summer, but when I came home you were already seeing Jake. I kept thinking it would fizzle out, but then you were engaged. I wanted you to be happy, so I kept quiet." Shaking his head, Edward chuckled as he looked back up to find her watching him, "You can't imagine how torn I was when I found out about Leah. One minute I felt like the luckiest bastard alive because now I had a chance, and the next, I felt sick for being so happy about something that would make you so miserable."

There were several minutes of silence as Bella thought about what Edward had revealed. Unable to stand sitting beside him without contact, she slowly reached for his hand. At her touch, Edward immediately twined their fingers together, bringing them to rest on his leg as his thumb stroked gently across hers.

"I wish you had said something." Her words were whispered, but Edward heard the longing in them. He knew exactly what she was thinking… all the lost time, the turmoil and hurt. It might have all been avoided if he had only said something. She broke into his thoughts with her next words, "I wish I had said something."

His eyes shot up to meet hers as he struggled to understand. She held his gaze as she continued.

"I always loved you, but never considered my constant attraction to you as anything more than a schoolgirl crush. It was always too big a risk to think it might be more."

Edward smiled and brought her hand up to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on her palm before bringing it against his chest. "Well, we're here now. Together. And all those other relationships and experiences have just made us who we are today. And I love the girl you are, Bella. The loving, kind, compassionate, smart, funny, clumsy and sexy woman you are." He frowned and looked down at their joined hands, "But I can't let you go, not now. Please tell me you're staying here with me. Don't go."

"I couldn't even if I wanted to," she whispered, but might as well have shouted for the relief Edward felt. "But what happens when we go home? I live in Seattle and you're in New York. And what about Lauren?"

"What about Lauren? She'll be fine with whatever we decide."

His nonchalance regarding this woman had Bella alarmed. "I've been where she is, Edward. Jake married someone else and left me hanging. Yes, the circumstances were different, but regardless of that, I won't share you with anyone. Either we're all in, or I'm out."

Edward's eyes widened when he realized their misunderstanding. "Lauren is my agent. She called to bring me up to date about some ongoing projects. I don't – there isn't anything between us, Bella."

"Then why did you tell her we were temporary and that you would fly her to Seattle to work it out?"

Edward stared at her blankly as his mind fought hard to grasp what she might have heard. When it finally came to him, he dropped his head and barked out a laugh. "A temporary hiatus. We were talking about a hiatus on some film work that we had negotiated. I wanted to take some time off to spend with you and get settled before beginning work on some new music for a couple of films. I'm flying Lauren in to help me find someone local to handle contracts and business related stuff so I can focus on composing."

Turning to face her fully, Edward placed his hands on Bella's cheeks, holding her gaze with his own eyes, blazing with intensity. "Never once, not for a moment, did I ever consider anything about us temporary. You're my forever, Bella."

His mouth caught the sob that escaped her as his hands pulled her to him, his kiss gentle. She fisted his shirt in her hands as she pulled back and rested her forehead against his chest.

"So, what happens now?"

Edward couldn't help the slow grin that spread across his face as he realized the control that he fought so hard for over the last week could finally be unleashed. He leaned down, placing his lips against her ear and whispered huskily, "Well, Mrs. C., I want a real honeymoon with my real wife. So, what happens now, and for the foreseeable future, is my dedicated exploration of every single inch of your body, on and against every surface in this house."

He felt the shuddering breath she drew and the whispered, "Oh, God…" seconds before his mouth took hers in a passionate kiss. Pulling her fully against him, Edward trailed his lips across her cheek and down the side of her neck as her head dropped back and she arched into him.

"Don't stop this time, Edward. Please." Her voice was breathless and full of need. He pulled his lips from the tender spot just below her ear and took her hands, tugging her to stand with him.

"I couldn't even if I wanted to." Hearing her own words from minutes ago, she shook her head at his smirk.

"You're just a bit too cocky."

"Interesting choice of words." He grinned at her as he pulled her with him toward the bedroom. Closing the door behind them, Edward wasted no time in clearing the bed of Bella's suitcase and clothing.

Turning to face her, Edward offered his hand, but at her hesitation, he closed the space between them, lifting her chin to see her eyes. She swallowed audibly and grasped his shirt tightly in her fists.

"What is it, honey?" Edward brushed his fingers gently across her cheek as he held her gaze.

"Everything has changed, this is the one part of ourselves we've never shared with each other," she whispered.

"Yes, but you're still my best friend, and I'll love you like no other, Bella."

As their lips met, Bella lost herself in the intensity of his kiss. The give and take of their tongues, the tug of hands on clothing, the soft moans and gasps as they began to explore one another. Edward's hand was fisted around the strap of her tank top, tugging it off of her shoulder as his lips descended to the hollow of her throat.

"Baby, this has to come off before I rip it."

Hearing the need in his voice, Bella stepped back and lifted her arms above her head. Edward held her eyes as he grasped the soft cotton and pulled it over her head. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he slid them down her back, unclasping her bra and letting it slide down her arms to the floor. It was only when his hands slid back up to cup her breast and her eyes closed, that he let his eyes drift down to see her beautifully naked body.

"Stunning," he whispered. Her eyes immediately opened and she reached for the hem of his t-shirt. Edward quickly reached over his shoulder, grasping the neck of his shirt and yanking it off over his head. Pulling her against his bare chest, his lips found hers once again as she pushed her shorts and panties over her hips, dropping them to the floor.

She never noticed that they were moving until the back of her legs hit the bed. Bella sat on the edge, pulling Edward with her as her fingers popped the button on his shorts. As she held them tightly, he wiggled free of the remnants of his clothing.

All movement ceased as their eyes met, knowing that everything had been laid bare between them – their fears, doubts, love and now their bodies.

"I love you, Edward."

He smiled that smile she loved so much. "Say it again."

"I love you."

"Again."

The third time she repeated the words, his mouth closed over her nipple as he settled over her. She felt his grin against her body as she struggled to repeat the words when his tongue and teeth claimed her tender flesh. He sucked, bit and licked until she was a writhing mess beneath him. Bella fisted one hand in Edward's hair, holding him to her as his hand cupped her intimately, before sliding a finger into her, stroking firmly.

Bella sucked in a sharp breath as she arched up into his touch, begging, "Edward, please. Please!"

Shifting his position, Edward kissed her deeply as he settled between her thighs, his hands moving purposefully to align their bodies.

"Open your eyes, baby." When she complied, Bella's eyes locked with Edward's as her hand came up to cup his cheek. She smiled softly at him and he found the trust and contentment he was searching for. "I love you, Bella. So Much."

As he spoke the words, he pushed into her, joining their bodies completely. Bella shifted her hips, but Edward grasped her thigh tightly while burying his face in her neck.

"Don't move. Just – uh – just give me a second." She could feel his struggle for control as his body trembled above her. When his hand loosened and slid down her thigh, bringing it up higher around his hip, Bella rocked her hips upward against him. It was all the encouragement he needed. He pulled back, then pushed forward again slowly. Over and over, their bodies slid together in a slow rhythm, until Bella released a soft moan as her hands grasped his shoulders and her breathing became more labored.

Bella's hands slid down, holding onto his hips as Edward shifted his weight onto his knees, planting one hand on the bed beside her head and grasping the headboard with the other. The new angle and leverage causing her to whimper in pleasure as he reached places within her that she hadn't known existed.

"That's it, just feel." Edward knew by her breathing and the incredible sounds she was making that she was close. He sped up his movements and pressed harder into her as she met his every thrust. "Come on, baby. Let go."

Her legs shook and her back arched as she cried out in release. Bella had never felt anything as intense as the orgasm that rolled through her. Edward growled as her body gripped him. He grasped the headboard with both hands as his thrusts became increasingly erratic before his own release overtook him.

When he collapsed, spent and heavy, onto her, Bella locked her arms and legs around Edward, unwilling to lose the physical connection. When their breathing had slowed Bella turned her head, kissing the underside of his jaw. Edward turned his face toward her, kissing her tenderly.

"I'm crushing you, love. I need to move." Edward tried to lift his body to take some of his weight from her, but Bella wouldn't have it.

"Please don't move. I'm not ready to - I don't…" Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but Edward knew exactly what she was feeling.

"I know, I feel it too, Bella." He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her deeply as he rolled them to the side. Gravity separated their bodies, but he held her tightly against him, bringing her to rest on his chest. He tucked her head under his chin as she intertwined their fingers. She could feel the gradual slowing of Edward's pounding heart as her eyes grew heavy. It was only a matter of minutes before they were both drifting into blissful sleep.

***FTDF***

"How is this not awkward?" Bella asked, glancing over her shoulder at Edward. He was snuggled against her back, one arm under her head and the other draped over her hip, tracing lazy circles around her navel. They had dozed for a while before Edward woke to find Bella straddling his legs, her hands stroking him as she smiled wickedly. They had only just begun to recover from round two.

"We already knew each other inside out, Bella." He couldn't help the smirk that spread across his face, "But now I know you from the outside in. And out, and in, and out and-"

"Oh my God! You are such a guy!" They both laughed, the movement doing delicious things to their bodies as they lay with their legs twisted together.

Edward leaned up, pressing a kiss to her shoulder, "Honestly, baby, I love you. This feels perfect to me."

"I love it when you call me that," she murmured.

She felt him smile against her shoulder before pressing against it, encouraging her to turn her body to face him. He propped himself up on his elbow as he looked down at her.

"I'm staying in Seattle. I know we didn't talk about that earlier, but I am. Mom's looking for a house for me and I – "

"Why?"

"Why what? Why am I moving?"

"No, why is your mom looking for a house? I mean, I know we never agreed to anything, but…"

Edward tugged her bottom lip from her teeth as her brow furrowed. She was suddenly uncertain as she glanced up at him. "I just thought… I mean, if you want… you could stay with me."

His smile was wide and his eyes were shining with excitement, "Really? You're good with that?"

Her cheeks flushed pink and her eyes lowered to his bare chest where her hand now rested. "You're my husband. Why wouldn't we live in the same house?"

Edward lowered his head to catch her eyes, gauging her response, "You're all in? Because I am, B. I don't want to be parted from you, ever again. I want it all – white picket fence, 2.5 kids, a dog – all of it."

"I'm all in, Edward. I want – " His mouth covered hers, swallowing her words. The kiss was possessive and urgent, his tongue and lips owning her entirely.

"Anything. Anything you want, it's yours," he whispered against her lips before claiming them again. Unfortunately, her stomach made it's presence known, growling loudly at that moment.

They both giggled as Edward leaned back, shifting the comforter off of his body. He picked up his boxer briefs from the floor and stood, sliding them up. He could feel Bella's eyes on him as he reached for his shorts.

"Stop ogling my backside, Mrs. C."

"But it's such a fine backside. And don't pretend you aren't gonna do the same," she giggled.

Edward's jaw dropped open in mock horror, "I'm shocked you think I would behave in such an ungentlemanly manner. I'll have you know, I'm about to do my noble duty as a husband and feed my wife."

"Mmmmm… you're noble duty would be coming back to this bed. There's more than one kind of hunger, you know."

Edward's eyes narrowed and he practically growled, "Oh, you really shouldn't have said that. You will eat, because you're going to need you're strength, baby." He buttoned his shorts and turned to leave the room, wiggling his fine backside as he walked through the door.

Bella laughed loudly, rolling to her side and burying her face in Edward's pillow. For the first time since her father's death, Bella felt whole and loved completely. Was it odd, that on some level she felt gratitude to Jacob for doing what he did? If he hadn't been such a coward, she could very well have been married to him and on her way to an eventual divorce.

The realization that she loved Edward felt like putting on your favorite, well-worn t-shirt. It was always a perfect fit, always comfortable, and you loved it flaws and all. She smiled when she thought that Edward's flaws only endeared him to her more.

"What are you grinning at, pretty girl?"

She looked up to find Edward walking toward her carrying a tray. He placed it on the bed beside her as she sat up, wrapping the sheet around her chest. Bella glanced at the tray and found fresh fruit, cheese, crackers and the rest of the chicken salad she had made yesterday.

"We're still us. The joking, teasing, fun way we are with each other is still there. But it's so much more."

Edward smiled in response and kissed her soundly as he pulled out the bottle of wine he had tucked under his arm and opened it, pouring them each a glass. They fed each other between kisses and smiles and when Edward leaned forward to lick a bit of peach juice that had dripped down Bella's chin, onto her chest, their food was entirely forgotten.

***FTDF***

They had spent the entire day in bed, leaving it only when human necessity required it. Their bodies were exhausted and Bella was more than a little sore, but she couldn't deny that it was more than worth it. They had made plans to visit the aquarium the next day, and they were both ready to get some sleep.

Hearing the doorknob turn, Bella glanced over at the bathroom door just as Edward stepped into the bedroom. She smiled and turned onto her side, ready to snuggle into him once he was in the bed.

Edward immediately noticed her wince at her discomfort and felt a wave of guilt. "I'm sorry, B. We should have been more – "

"Don't. I don't regret a single minute of today and I won't allow you to regret it either. It's just been a long time."

Edward gave her a puzzled look, "You were with Jacob, so it couldn't have been that long."

Bella huffed a humorless laugh, "I was engaged to him. Doesn't mean I was with him. We never… Jake and I never… did."

Edward just sat silently as he contemplated what she had revealed. He had made the assumption that they had slept together. The knowledge that they hadn't made him happier than he thought possible… and relieved. Bella's voice brought him out of his thoughts.

"We were both busy all the time and Jake was, well he wasn't an affectionate person. At least not to me. I think, now that everything is out in the open, he must have considered having sex with me would be cheating on Leah. That's seriously messed up, ya know?"

Edward was gauging her words and body language carefully. She didn't seem upset or hurt, and for that he was glad. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss to her temple, "I'm glad, Bella. He'll never know what he missed."

He lifted himself on his elbow, gazing down at her. After a moment, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her eyelids, "He'll never know the look in your eyes when you come."

He lifted her hand and kissed her palm, "He'll never know the feel of your hands on his body."

He pulled the sheet away and placed an open mouth kiss to the nipple of her left breast, "He'll never feel this harden under his tongue."

He brought his face to hers and sucked at her top lip, gently nibbling at the peak in the center before whispering against her lips, "This is my favorite spot. He'll never again kiss this spot." He kissed her slowly and with all of the love he held for her. When he finally pulled away, her eyes were glassy, but she smiled and sighed.

Edward pulled her against him, wrapping her snugly in his arms as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"Sweet dreams, love."