Still don't own anything, but Edward completely owns me.

Thank you to all of you who are reading this story. I am thrilled to hear how much you are enjoying it and what your thoughts and theories are.

So, I am excited about this chapter. I hope you are too.

BPOV

I could not sleep. I had expected him to be angry at my being late to arrive for supper. I did not expect his worry and concern. He was insistent about my welfare, even going so far as to nearly demand that I travel by carriage when leaving the estate. I could not fathom his kindness and generosity. It was stirring in me things that I dared not dream. Being cared for and cherished by him was not something I could allow myself to hope for. When this ended, I would return to my father's cottage and he would be free to marry the woman of his choice. Even if the annulment was not granted, he would grow to resent me for forcing him into this marriage. I could live with either outcome as long as I did not hope for him to love me. Hope can be a dangerous and deadly thing.

The trouble was that I wanted to hope. I wanted to hear his sweet words and know his kindness. I had so wanted him to kiss me when he sat with me by the fire tonight. I had thought for a moment that he would. He caught himself before he did something he would regret, and I was glad he would not have to live with that mistake. But it did not change my disappointment.

The words and thoughts seemed to spin constantly in my mind and would not allow sleep to come. Finally giving up, I rose from the bed and went to the kitchen to perhaps find some warm milk to soothe and relax my mind and body.

The house was quiet and mostly dark. The hearth was ablaze in the kitchen and Mrs. Cope was sitting by the warmth of the fire peacefully working her needle through a piece of fabric. She stood as soon as I entered the room.

"Is there something you need, Mrs. Cullen? Perhaps something to eat?"

"Thank you, Mrs. Cope. I am only looking for a cup of milk."

She immediately sought out a cup and set it on the small work table. She poured milk into a small kettle and set it over the fire. Moments later, she poured it into the cup and offered it to me. It took her very little time to prepare and set it before me.

"You are very efficient in your duties."

"I try to be, Ma'am. It would not do for me to be slowing down you supper."

"Mr. Cullen asked me to confer with you regarding the menu for the Ball and for the regular household meals. However, you are most competent and I am certain I could not offer any thing of importance to your abilities."

"Mrs. Cullen, I would be thrilled to settle these responsibilities with you. I am sure it is only guidance he wishes you to offer. He is a kind and sincere man and it is a pleasure to be in his employ."

"Very well, perhaps you could list what you have settled so far and I will offer suggestions for the rest. How would that be?"

"Thank you, Ma'am. I look forward to it."

The room was quiet then as she went back to her needlework and I found comfort in my soothing drink. It was late and there were no sounds in the house. Believing everyone to be asleep, I made my way from the kitchen and to the windows in the conservatory that overlook the rose garden.

My mother spent hours in that garden. I had often worked beside her, pruning and training the trellis into beautiful bushes with more blooms than should have been possible. It was sad to look upon now. It was overgrown and spindly. I was certain it would take more than one season to bring it back to its former glory.

"It has incredible potential. It just needs tender hands to care for it."

The sound of his voice stunned me. I had not heard him approach. Turning, I took in his appearance. His shirt was untucked from his breeches and his feet were bare. His hair looked as though he had been running his fingers through it nonstop. Looking up, I caught his amused smirk as he observed me scrutinizing his very casual attire. However, his words struck a chord with me and I could not determine if he were speaking of the roses or our relationship.

"The thorns may be too much for one to bear to have nothing of beauty in the end."

He seemed amused by my response. "There will always be thorns, but the beauty is there as well. It only takes one whose patience and determination are strong enough to help it bloom."

I knew we were no longer discussing the roses. I could not meet his eyes. He would see in them the wish and longing that I could not admit. He did not wait for me to respond.

"Bella, I am a patient man, and I want nothing more than your happiness. You must decide if I am worthy of your trust. Thorns do not frighten me."

When I looked up, he was already walking through the doorway leading out of the room. My mind was spinning and I was suddenly overwhelmed with the need to sleep. I made my way back to my room and settled myself in bed. Sleep came quickly, as did the many dreams featuring vivid green eyes.

* * * A H R * * *

When morning dawned, I rose from the bed and made preparations for the day. Opening the door to make my way to the kitchen, on the floor at my feet lay a single white rose with a folded slip of paper. Inside, I found a simple note.

My Bella,

Please enjoy your day and know that I am looking forward to this evening.

Your patient Edward.

I folded the square of paper and tucked it into my sleeve, and placed the rose on the small table in my room. I had thought that the meeting in the conservatory might be one of the many dreams from last night. Realizing that it was indeed real, I found myself nervous for this evening's conversation. Steeling myself for the day ahead, I made my way to the dining room where Tyler was waiting beside my seat. As I sat, he uncovered a very large portion of food. Looking down, he smiled and shrugged one shoulder.

I shook my head and laughed. Edward must have had something to do with this.

"He is worried that you are not eating enough. Please enjoy your breakfast and if you desire an outing today, I would be happy to have the carriage at the ready."

I simply nodded in response. I quickly ate and then bundled a healthy amount to take to my father. There was still more food on the plate than I could have eaten when I was fully hungry and I could not help but think that it was a ridiculous amount to begin with. Running back up to my room, I gathered my shawl and basket. Placing the bundle inside, along with some sewing supplies, I headed back down the stairs and out the door. I was careful to check around corners, not wanting to be spotted by Tyler. I was sure I could return today before Edward even knew I had been gone.

The air was cold and damp as I walked to the cottage. It would not be long now until the first snow. I wondered how I would manage this walk in that cold. In the last few years, when the winter snows had come, Pastor Webber would allow me to ride with him into town each week to sell the eggs. He would often arrange a ride home for me if he could find someone traveling in the right direction. I could not even remember the last time my father had been in town. The trip to Justice Clearwater's home was the first time he had left the cottage in more than two years.

Arriving at the cottage, I noticed immediately that there was no smoke coming from the chimney. Suspecting that the fire had dwindled, I gathered some kindling, placing it into my basket before entering the cottage. Once inside, I quickly worked the fire into a blaze in an effort to warm the rooms as well as to start water to boil for cleaning and laundry.

I assumed my father was taking a morning walk. It was something he had done for years. I could remember going with him on occasion as a child. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed early morning walks in the brisk winter air. I set out the meal I had brought with me and was pulling the kettle full of water for tea off of the fire when the cottage door opened.

"Isabella! How was your rest, dear girl?"

"Fine, Papa. Have you an appetite this morning? I have bread with jam, hard boiled eggs and even some bacon to enjoy."

He smiled and kissed my cheek before seating himself at the table. I poured tea for us both and sat with him while he ate.

"Will you not eat?"

"I have enjoyed my breakfast already, Papa."

"Then what are your plans today, Isabella?"

"I have a great many things to accomplish today. But none that I wish to bore you with. Will you excuse me while I set about my tasks."

He simply smiled and waved me off as he bit into another slice of bread. I picked up my basket and went to the barn to gather the eggs and feed the chickens. While in the barn, I gathered some potatoes, carrots and onions from the root cellar and placed them in my basket to carry into the house.

Once inside the house, I used the vegetables to prepare a soup that I hoped would last a few days and set about making dough for bread that could rise while I cleaned the cottage. The items that I had purchased in the market on that fateful day had been delivered and needed to be put away as well. By early afternoon, I had finished most everything I had set about to accomplish today and sat down to mend one of my father's shirts. He had dozed off in front of the fire and was snoring softly. In that moment, I felt a comfort I had not felt in days. It was the simple relief of not having to worry whether I was disrupting someone else's life.

Once finished with the mending, I folded the shirt and placed it back in my father's room. Knowing it was getting late, I went to the kitchen and ladled soup into a bowl. Setting it on the table, I also sliced some freshly baked bread and set it on the table as well. Glancing one last time in my father's direction, I determined I would gather the linens that were drying on the line before waking him for an early dinner. Stepping outside, I gathered them quickly as it was getting cold and opened the back door to enter the cottage. It was only then I could hear Papa's voice, clearly addressing someone inside the cabin with him.

EPOV

"Mr. Banner, I presume?" I asked the older man standing behind the counter. He was the only other person in the store and it was clear he was either Banner or one of his employees.

Reaching out to shake my hand, he nodded vigorously. "I am the same. I do not believe I have had the pleasure, Mr. – "

"Cullen, Edward Cullen. Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir."

"Cullen, you say? Are you a relative of the late Mr. Cullen of Collingsworth Hall?"

"Yes, sir. He was my uncle. The estate has fallen to my hands, and I must admit, I find the area and the inhabitants charming."

"Welcome, then, to our small community, Mr. Cullen. So, how can I be of service to you today?"

This would be difficult if he was unwilling to answer my questions. I must be careful to gain his trust. "Sir, I have some questions as how best to win the heart of a young lady."

"Ah, you require a gift, then. Perhaps I know the young lady and could offer suggestions?"

I did not believe him to be a busybody. He seemed to ask out of a genuine offer of help. Taking a deep breath, I spoke the words that would bring the answers I needed or perhaps cause great suspicion. "Sir, I am enamored of one Isabella Swan. I would give her as many gifts as she will allow. Have you any knowledge of her preferences?"

He stared at me for a long time before looking down and away. He gestured that I should follow him toward the back of the store. Making my way behind him, I noticed a few other people in the store being assisted by an older woman I assumed was his wife.

Reaching the storage area, he turned and finally spoke. "Mr. Cullen, I am sure you are aware by now that the Swan family used to inhabit Collingsworth, yes?" I nodded in affirmation and he continued. "Isabella is a dear girl and has taken on more than she should have ever had to bear. She has done so without complaint and at the burden of being shunned by those she had called friends. I cannot help but be concerned regarding your intentions toward her."

I tried my best to put his mind at ease. I spoke the truth, but in a way that would certainly protect her reputation. "Mr. Banner, I fully intend to spend the rest of my life with her as my wife. Please, if you have any information that will assist me, I would be in your debt."

His eyes studied me for a moment before beginning to glisten. Nearing tears, he shook his head and smiled. "She is almost a daughter to me. I can offer you more than information, sir. I can offer you the very items that will guarantee her heart in exchange. Please, follow me."

I followed him into the storage room where he closed the door behind us. Opening a crate in the back of the room, he waved me over. "She began bringing in these items a few months after being evicted from the estate. I purchased anything she brought, in the hopes that I could hold it and return it to her one day. They became increasingly valuable, not always in the sense of currency, but in value to her. The latest she brought yesterday. It broke my heart for her to offer it, but she was determined. It was her mother's." He handed me a box and stepped back as though something would leap out when I removed the lid. I held it in one hand and opened it with the other. What lay inside was stunning. I could not take my eyes from it as I began to ask my question in a whisper.

"She brought this only yesterday?"

"Yes. She usually exchanges for store credit to supply the needs of the household. This she exchanged for currency. I could only assume she had some unexpected expense."

I lifted the delicate pendant from the box and turned it over in my fingers. It was beautiful and I knew it must have pained her to let it go. I knew then where she had gotten the currency to pay for her purchases yesterday. I had caused this. I had caused her to sell it by not seeing to her needs, yet asking her to live at the standard she was no longer able. She had sold items that had not meant as much to her to simply survive and yet she sold this for my request of a new gown. I had caused it, but I could also make it right.

"I will purchase this at any price you choose. You have other items that she sold as well?"

He proceeded to draw several items out of the box. A few leather bound books, a small silver cup set, a set of onyx cufflinks and a jeweled hair comb. I purchased every item and had him wrap and place them back in the crate. I had one last request of him.

"Mr. Banner, I would also like to present her father with a gift. Do you have a suggestion?"

He thought for a moment before walking over to a shelf containing several books. Choosing one, he turned and offered it to me. "Mr. Swan is an avid reader. He used to purchase a few books each week. It has obviously been several years since he has done so. He would enjoy this one."

Purchasing the book as well, I had my driver load the crate into the carriage and instructed him to head toward the estate and stop at the cottage. He looked a little skeptical and I could hardly blame him considering what happened that last time we were there. Climbing into the carriage, I settled in and tapped my hand against the side to let him know I was ready. Once the carriage began to move forward, I relaxed back against the seat. I had no idea how to give her the necklace or the other items, but she would have them. And I would make certain she was never forced to sell another possession to keep from starving.

Pulling up in front of the cottage, I realized how cold it had become. I hoped Bella had taken a carriage today, but I knew the probability was low. Picking up the book, I exited the carriage and knocked on the door. After a few moments, the door swung open to reveal a groggy Mr. Swan.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Swan. Are you well today?"

"I suppose I am. How can I help you, son?" He stepped aside as he spoke to allow me to enter the cottage.

Holding out the book, I looked around as I spoke. "Well, sir, I have come bearing a gift for you and to bring my wife home for supper."

"Your wife?"

"Yes sir, is Isabella still here, or has she gone already?" As I was speaking, the back door opened and she walked in from the cold. Looking up and meeting my eyes, her mouth dropped open and her wide eyes snapped to her father, then back to me.

"Edward?"

Hearing her speak my name barely above a whisper, her father turned and leveled a furious glare at her. He shouted, causing her to flinch back. "You have wed? What have you done, Isabella?"