Stephenie Meyer owns the Twilight universe

Honeymoon Suite

Chapter 10: Rhapsody

Last chapter: "How much trouble am I in?" The voice was small, timid.

Quickly gears shifted in my brain and the image of Bella in my arms bursts like a bubble to be replaced by the dark, shadowed ceiling of the blue room. The fantasy was over.

In a rush, the memories of Bella's seduction came back to me and I felt a wicked smile cross my face. She looked up at me with hesitant eyes.

"Heaps," I respond, covertly pulling the sheet over me to conceal the evidence of my shameful daydream.

I tried to tease, but I knew the smirk was giving me away.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean...well, I don't know exactly what that was last night," Bella's voice reflected genuine confusion over her behavior from the previous night.

Before my thoughts were distracted by the amazing memories of our night together, my rational side reminded me that before the seduction, Bella had been quite upset by a dream...

"You never did tell me what your dream was about."

I looked into her depthless eyes. I had accepted that I might never know her mind, but I certainly had other clues on which I could rely to gauge her thoughts and feelings. Since she had avoided telling me her dream last night, I looked for evidence that she might still be hiding something from me. I needed the truth. What had upset her so much?

A distinct glow appeared on her face, a glow that began to darken into a full blush. I didn't sense a lie was on its way out of her lips, but something she found embarrassing or shameful.

"I guess I didn't -- but I sort of showed you what it was about," she mumbled, followed by nervous laughter.

"Oh," Oh! Her dream must have been of a sexual nature! It explained her unanticipated assault that previous night. So, it wasn't a distraction meant to keep me from knowing the true content of her dream, but a response to the true content of her dream! I felt my eyes widen with comprehension that Bella's dream from last night was indeed of the same nature of my recent daydream.

"Interesting," I commented out loud as I tried to imagine my blushing Bella having an erotic dream -- about me.

Her voice brought me back to the present, "Am I forgiven?"

With the subject of Bella's dream still filtering through my brain, I snickered at the double meaning of my words, "I'm thinking about it..."

Obviously relieved that I wasn't going to ruin the morning with remorse over our activities of the evening, she popped up in bed, then swayed unexpectedly.

"Whoa! Head rush," she exclaimed as I quickly steadied her. So many hours in a reclined position, the sudden position change must have caused a drop in her blood pressure. I sought to reassure her, "You slept a long time. Twelve hours."

"Twelve?" Her brows furrowed and I knew she was searching for a reason behind her rip-van-winkle slumber. The search obviously included a physical check that she tried to hide behind the pretense of a morning stretch.

"Is the inventory complete?" My tone was light, though I felt the barrier that held back my doubt quake just a bit.

"The pillows all appear to have survived," Bella quipped, and I knew we were both starting a dance of avoidance.

"Unfortunately, I can't say the same for your, er, night gown."

Her eyes followed my gaze to the black strips of silk and lace that littered the bed and floor. I let a small smile grace my lips to let her know I wasn't all that regretful.

"That's too bad," she let out an exaggerated sigh. "I liked that one."

"I did too."

Our eyes caught and we smiled like two kids who just shared a very silly secret.

"Were there any other casualties?" she asked, still smiling, but her soft voice had an edge of apprehension.

Shrugging my shoulders, I rolled my eyes up toward the headboard.

"I'll have to buy Esme a new bed frame." I knew I should have felt guilty about the damage, but in truth, I didn't.

However, when Bella eyes took in the damage, her jaw dropped for a second before she regained her composure. The barrier again shook with the force my self-doubt was exerting against it. Bella truly denied the danger she was in whenever she was with me -- until confronted with the violent proof. It mystified me how she could still be so naive. At times it seemed she totally accepted what I was, yet somehow completely managed to deny what I was truly capable of.

"Hmmm, you'd think I would have heard that," she replied casually before returning her eyes to mine. I saw no hint of the shock that had flashed through her just moments ago. I wondered if in this instance I was glad I couldn't hear her thoughts. I suspected they would not have helped fortify my now crumbling barrier.

"You seem to be extraordinarily unobservant when your attention is otherwise involved," I whispered low in her ear as I ran a finger lightly down the length of her arm.

"I was a bit absorbed," she admitted with a sheepish smile, blushing a brilliant red.

Like a moth to a flame, I was drawn to it. I couldn't help but reach out and touch the radiant warmth of her cheek. "I'm going to miss that," I lamented. And through the cracks, Doubt whispered in my brain, "You will miss that blush that clues you in to her thoughts and feelings. And don't you wonder if her golden eyes will capture you like her rich brown eyes do? And her scent, pity it won't enrapture you anymore once she's been changed..."

Determinedly, I shoved back the negative thoughts. These were my issues! Yes, I would need time to mourn the loss of my human Bella. I fully accept the need to go through the stages of grief and loss -- but on my own. I would not make my journey Bella's burden. And though Bella would change, my love for her would not -- of that I was sure.

For now though, Bella was still needling me for the reason why I wasn't angry with her actions of last night.

"Well...," I tried to put it to words -- the revelation of how music could anchor me -- would she understand? In the end, I played it safe. "I didn't hurt you, for one thing. It was easier this time to control myself, to channel the... excesses. Maybe because I had a better idea of what to expect."

It was Bella's turn to display a smug, crooked smile, "I told you that it was all about practice."

With mock exasperation, I rolled my eyes just as her stomach growled.

"Breakfast time for the human."

But when Bella sprung from the bed, she was hit with a returning wave of vertigo. Before she collided with a piece of furniture, I caught her. "Are you all right?" She tried to deflect the attention with a joke, but I was already calculating a possible cause for her repeated dizzy spells over the last several days. I vowed to scrutinize everything in search of a possible etiology.

I started my investigation with breakfast, which she was hastily cooking. "Since when do you eat eggs sunny-side up?"

"Since now," she said between ravenous bites.

"Do you know how many eggs you've gone through in the last week?" I stated as I tried to piece that bit of information with her dizziness.

Bella dismissed my observation with a wave of her hand, chalking it up to the island. Just like she had done with the vivid dreams. Dreams, appetite, vertigo. What was the connection?

Deftly switching the focus of our conversation, Bella began chattering about Dartmouth.

Hanging my head, I sat next to her at the counter. Time to let her know that although I had won many apparently useless battles, she had ultimately won the war. "You can give up the college pretense now -- you've gotten what you wanted. And we didn't agree to a deal, so there are no strings attached."

However, as I paused before confessing my relinquished hold on her humanity, she snorted, "It wasn't a pretense, Edward, I don't spend my free time plotting like some people do."

Hmmm, I deserved that.

"What can we do to wear out Bella today," Bella continued in a laughable impression of me. Yet, I deserved that too. How adorable she was and how well she knew my motives. No one had ever bothered to take the time to know me so well.

We exchanged silent looks and the air seemed to crackle with a sudden electricity.

I saw Bella's pupils dilate as she reached out a hand. In a seductive gesture, she touched my bare chest and her voice dropped two octaves, "I really do want a little more time being human. I have not had enough..."

"For this?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing! In disbelief I clarified, "Sex was the key all along?" Seriously? "Why didn't I think of that?" I half muttered to myself. "I could have saved myself a lot of arguments." I looked at her with lustful eyes. Had I know a physical relationship with Bella would be this wonderful, maybe I wouldn't have waited...

"Yeah, probably." Bella's face lit up with laughter. It had been so long since I'd seen her this carefree. The color on her face shown so beautifully when she was joyful.

"You're so human."

"I know," she purred as her hand continued its downward motion to rest on my abs and her eyes glinted.

Was this really happening? Could I really be with her physically and keep her human! It was too good to be true. "We're going to Dartmouth? Really?" My voice was incredulous. Suddenly all the pieces were falling into place. Almost giddily, we discussed our plans for the next few weeks, months and, possibly, years. It was a promising future.

But in a harsh reminder that the world outside still existed, I heard a boat and two minds approaching.

Gustavo and Kaure had familiar minds as they had been in our service for many years. While Gustavo was deep in thought about navigating the small boat to the dock, Kaure was reciting a prayer of protection in her native tongue. I hoped Kaure would behave professionally and leave Bella and I to our blissful charade -- we were just a typical happy newlywed couple.

"So, I was thinking --" Bella began in a tone that I was starting to become familiar with, "you know, what I was saying about practice before?"

Before she had the chance to ambush me with her advances, I held up a hand with a laugh, "Can you hold that thought? I hear a boat. The cleaning crew must be here." Oh, but how I wished they weren't...

I expected to see a pout, but Bella gave me an encouraged smile. However, when I suggested a hike, the childlike pout appeared. Bella flat out refused. She preferred a day in -- and I knew what that would lead to. I only hoped the room could be cleaned...quickly.

As Bella headed to the TV to pick out a movie, I went to door to meet our visitors.

I swung open the large wooden door, swiftly stepping back to avoid the brilliant morning sun beams reaching in the doorway, threatening to expose me.

The cursing and praying that burst through Kaure's thoughts at the sight of me was so loud and brazen that I physically yielded to her presence. She was mentally and spiritually a very strong woman. Recovering quickly from her nonverbal onslaught on my character, I began a flustered explanation of the items that needed tending to which included a lame excuse for why the master bedroom had the appearance of being caught in a snow storm.

Politely, I introduced Bella to Kaure and Gustavo as we passed the living area where Bella was picking out a DVD. Again, I suffered the assault of Kaure's mental accusations first in Portuguese then in her native tongue, "Libishomen! He has brought a girl to the island! They think they can come here and carry out their horrors! This time Gustavo will see -- he'll believe me, know what they are. But how can I turn my back on the poor child he claims is his wife! Libishomen, demons who walk the Earth!"

I could feel her eyes burning into my back as I led them past Bella. Kaure was struggling to form a way to convince Gustavo that Bella was in grave danger. Unfortunately, I already knew Gustavo would not believe her, he would dismiss her 'superstitious mumbo-jumbo' as he had many times before.

But the tension that she brought into the house was felt by all. I only had to see Bella's face to know Kaure's behavior had not slipped her attention. But I wasn't going to allow Kaure or anyone spoil my happiness. Bella was mine and she desired to stay human. Right now, I had everything any man could possibly desire. I would be honest with Bella, but not sink to where doubt wanted to put me.

"What's with her?" Bella inquired as soon as I reappeared.

Not meeting her eyes, I shrugged indifferently, "Kaure's part Ticuna Indian. She was raised to be more superstitious -- or you could call it more aware-- than those who live in the modern world. She suspects what I am, or close enough. They have their own legends here. The Libishomen -- a blood-drinking demon who preys exclusively on beautiful women," I leaned in on her and widened my eyes in an attempt to make her laugh and hopefully forget the whole thing...

"She looked terrified," Bella continued.

"She is -- but mostly she's worried about you."

"Me?"

"She's afraid of why I have you here, all alone. Oh, well, why don't you choose something for us to watch? That's an acceptably human thing to do," I pretended to focus earnestly on the selection of DVDs.

"Yes, I'm sure a movie will convince her that you're human." Bella moved to take me in her arms which I gladly accepted needing her reassurance. Locking my arms around her I lifted her to meet my lips...only to be accosted wordlessly by cursing and the triumphant thought that I had been 'caught in the act'.

I immediately released Bella in a gesture that wordlessly disproved Kaure's assumption. But the glare I shot in her direction effectively let her know I would not be challenged anymore today and she slipped out of the room.

"She was thinking what I think she was thinking, wasn't she?"

"Yes."

Almost absentmindedly, Bella pulled a random DVD off the shelf and handed it to me.

While the movie cheerfully played, our banter became more and more focused on our activities after the help finished their duties. Confidence, along with the desire of being intimate again with Bella, was slowly filling me and I listened intently to Gustavo's mind anticipating their departure. I deliberated asking them to leave, but feared that would force Kaure into some kind of desperate measure to 'save' Bella.

Finally, they left. Bella conceded to lunch, which surprised me knowing how she had also been impatiently awaiting the departure of our unwanted guests. Maybe she had changed her mind...

"Do you want to swim with the dolphins this afternoon -- burn off the calories?" I fished for what she might be interested in doing next...

"Maybe later. I had another idea for burning calories," she replied in her now familiar deep tone.

I faked ignorance, "And what was that?"

"Well, there's an awful lot of headboard left--"

I didn't let her finish -- I had heard all I needed to know. With all speed, I whisked her to the bedroom hungrily anticipating the events of our afternoon.

BPOV

Edward reverently placed me on the bed in the blue room -- though I missed the bright airiness of the white room, this room had a positive energy. I was also shocked to discover my very human nose picked up on traces of Edward's scent wafting up from the bedding. If I wasn't already completely wrapped in desire for him, his fragrance alone would have sent me over the edge. God, I wish I could bottle that incredible scent -- what an aphrodisiac...

"My Bella. My wife," Edward crooned in his velvety low voice as he slid into the bed next to me, enfolding me in a steady embrace. I rested my head on his chest drinking him in with deep breaths. A calm contentedness blanketed me as I let go of the world around me. He rocked me gently. I felt no tension left within him.

But when he started to hum a sweet song, I got...worried.

"Are you trying to get out of your husbandly duties by lulling me to sleep, Edward Cullen?" I accused.

His laughter rang out unrestrained causing my head to bounce softly on his chest. "No, love, I wouldn't think of it. I take my new duty quite seriously, actually."

I rolled my eyes while he placed a tender kiss on the top of my head.

"Then what's with the serenade?"

He paused before speaking, "I just find music puts me in a...good place."

I smiled into his chest remembering the last time we made love. The feeling of his graceful fingers moving up and down my body to the soundless melody that made my body sing. Though it saddened me to know he had to find ways to cope with the side of him that wanted to act on instinct, I was encouraged he had found he could handle it -- that we could make this work. Now, if I could just put aside my guilt for having to be a constant temptation, forcing him to berate his nature and hate who he was. So I will allow him to his secret music and we could afford plenty of headboards, besides, this reality wouldn't last forever. Someday we would be equals.

"I love you," I said as his humming began to trail off.

"I love you too...so much."

The conviction in his voice when he said "so much" sent a thousand butterflies fluttering through my stomach. I could wait no longer to be with him. I tilted my head to look into his eyes and raised my hand placing it on his cool cheek, "Then show me, Edward, show me how much you love me."

With little effort he pulled my lips to his, taking them with fervor and knotting his hands into the back of my shirt. As he crushed me to his body, his passion sparked my arousal and I began to tug at the hem of his shirt wanting to be pressed against him without any separation. When he finally released me, I sat up, straddling his body. He watched me intently as I removed his form-fitting t-shirt. I grinned as I brought the garment to my nose and breathed in its sweet aroma before tossing it aside. It so filled my senses that my mouth watered.

Edward placed his hands on my hips before sliding them up my body bringing my shirt upwards. I quickly took over once his hands could reach no further. What I revealed made him smile my favorite crooked smile -- I wore nothing under my baggy shirt.

In one fluid motion Edward sat up to face me, our legs wrapping around each other. A moan rushed from my lips as he buried his face in the heated naked skin of my chest, consuming me with such want I gladly surrendered myself to him, throwing my head back in pure bliss.

His hands moved from under my breast to my back and crushed me to his hard chest. As he moved up my body, his lips caressed the side of my neck. His erratic breathing fed my desire and everything around me blurred. Until I felt his muscles stiffen and he froze, snapping me back to reality. Edward released his bold grip on my back and pulled away. My body grieved the loss of his embrace. Though we still sat facing each other, his eyes were averted and the distance felt like miles instead of inches. My blood had again tempted him past his limits.

"Edward," I cupped his cheek in an attempt to pull his gaze back to mine, "Edward, it's ok."

"I just wish..." he shook his head and closed his eyes, pain etched on his fine features.

"Shhh," I took his hands and replaced them around me and he pressed his fingers into the warm flesh of my back. Leaning forward I whispered, "Play me, Edward."

His eyes snapped open in surprise.

"Play me..." I begged softly with pleading eyes, knowing he wouldn't refuse my request.

"Bella...." he uttered breathlessly as he eased me to the bed and settled his body over mine.

We made love to the music we created with our rhythmic touches, soft spoken words of endearment and unending kisses.

Afterward, I clung to him feeling something had shifted in our relationship. Somehow I felt we had become closer -- we had made a deeper connection.

The late afternoon sun began to steam into the room, warming my skin and significantly raising the temperature of the bedroom, but I lay contentedly in the comfortably cool embrace of my husband's arms. With Edward's every movement, rainbows danced on the walls as the sun reflected off his diamond skin.

I sighed deeply.

"What's wrong, love?"

"Ab-so-lute-ly nothing," I strung out the words to emphasize my quite satisfied physical and emotional state. In fact, even with all the strange things this island was doing to my equilibrium and dreams, I felt I could remain here happily forever. And I didn't think I was alone in that sentiment. Edward appeared more relaxed with each passing day. How much he must enjoy the solitude that the island afforded him.

At least until Kaure and Gustavo arrived. He had tried to play it off, but I saw the subtle crease in his brow and the way he stiffened – almost as if he was preparing to defend himself. Though his 'gift' provided his family safety and a sense of security, it was also a curse that I could tell took a toll on him.

Edward's fingers gently stroking my hair brought me back to happier thoughts. His voice was low and velvety when he spoke, "I have been waiting for the right time to give you your wedding gift…I thought now might be good." His statement sounded more like a question.

"Edward, I told you –"

"I know, you don't like my gifts because you feel you cannot reciprocate. But I get that now, so I assure you, these gifts are more of the thoughtful kind than the expensive kind. So…can I give you your wedding gifts?"

Then the word caught in my mind, "Gifts? As in multiple?" I raised my voice and my fist acting as threatening as I could. "That's not fair!"

"Wait!" he shouted raising his hands in a surrendering gesture, "Remember, they're thoughtful gifts…"

His feigned fear was so endearing that I began to laugh, knowing he had yet again charmed me into complying with his wishes. Then, as if he needed to, he flashed me his dazzling smile. What could I do?

"Okay, let the showering of gifts commence," I said conceded in defeat.

In the blink of an eye, Edward slipped out of bed and into his boxers. Before my eyes could focus on his movements, he had returned to the bed side with two wrapped boxes. One was a small red velvet box with a gold bow. The other was larger and wrapped in gold foil paper with a silk red ribbon. In front of me Edward beamed like a child on Christmas morning.

Shaking my head, I sat up in bed and tucked the bed sheet under my arms. Couldn't I at least been given the opportunity to get dressed for this? No, I could tell he was too excited to wait for anything especially at my human pace.

"This one first," he said handing me the larger of the two boxes.

Reflexively, I shook it and I heard something softly shifting in tissue paper.

"Open it," he encouraged obviously confident that I was going to like whatever was hiding within.

His excitement had become contagious and I hurriedly slipped off the ribbon before tearing into the paper. Placing the unwrapped box on the bed, I lifted the top and brushed aside the light pink tissue.

"Oh, Edward!" I gasped.

It was of the most exquisite amethyst color. I ran my fingers over the garment and was immediately taken by how much it felt like it was made of liquid.

"May I?" Edward asked appearing pleased with my reaction.

"Yes," I whispered still entranced by the material.

He lifted the delicate fabric and it unfolded in waves. The way it shimmered in the sunlight made it look like it was flowing out of the box. When he held it up I realized it was a full length silk negligee.

"I had it custom made to your measurements."

Then he wordlessly gathered up the material and I rose to my feet and lifted my arms over my head. Edward slipped it over me and I felt it cascade down my body, the hem brushed the tops of my feet.

"I love it!" I said as I smoothed my hands over it then I twirled slowly to allow Edward a view of the deeply scooped back. When I again faced him, he looked very satisfied, but I wasn't sure that was due to my appropriate reaction to his gift or because the tailored fit hugged my every curve.

"Beautiful," he murmured.

"I feel so…elegant," I said as I twirled around again, unable to resist watching how the silk swirled around me.

Edward finally moved his gaze to my face and smiled sheepishly, "I saw what Alice had planned to pack you for the honeymoon and I knew it was out of your comfort zone. Of course, you know I couldn't stop her…" He trailed off with a devious grin and for the first time I wondered if he secretly had something to do with the risqué outfits that made their way into my luggage... "So I started thinking of how I would dress you if I could. I knew I would choose something silky to caress your skin, in a rich color like your hair and it would make you feel like the beautiful woman you are."

I felt the tears well up in my eyes, but I blinked rapidly keeping them at bay. "Thank you, Edward. It's lovely." But before I could wrap my arms around him in a gesture of gratitude his ever-darkening eyes twinkled, "You have another gift, but I'm going to open it for you."

"O-kay," I said hesitantly looking over at the small box still sitting on the bed. It resembled a box from a jeweler.

"Please sit," he gestured to the edge of the bed.

I sat silently sensing he had something he needed to say first. As I sat, Edward took the tiny box in his hand and got down on one knee before me. I took in a breath overcome with the depth I saw in his eyes. I stopped breathing as I anxiously waited for him to speak.

"Isabella Marie Cullen, you have given me so much. When time ceases to have meaning, life can drone on colorless and cold. You have brought me a brilliance and warmth I not only never knew existed but I now know I can never live without. I was blind before you but now I see how wonderful life can be.

"I want to share everything I have with you, but I only have one thing of true value. I cherish it because I had to earn it and it stands for something larger than just myself. Bella, I have never felt more humbled than the moment you took my name -- it's the only thing I had worth giving. Today my family and I want to make it official."

He held the box toward me and opened the lid. Inside, tucked in a pillow of velvet, sat a ring bearing the Cullen crest. The crest was carved from ivory and sat on a shiny background of black onyx.

This time there was no holding back the tears. They flowed unbidden down my cheeks as Edward removed the ring from the box and reached for my right hand.

"Bella, would you do me the honor of wearing the Cullen family crest?"

I simply nodded for I knew I couldn't form coherent speech even if I tried. With his thumb, he wiped the tears from my cheeks before sliding the ring on my finger.

"Edward," I finally squeaked before throwing my arms around his neck.

He stood and swept me up in his arms. My flowing tears became sobs as I thanked God for the love of a wonderful husband and a family that I adored.

"Hey, no tears, Mrs. Cullen, you have one more gift," he spoke softly into my ear as he cradled me.

"I don't think I can handle any more," I hiccupped into his shoulder.

"Well, this one isn't as well rehearsed – it's a bit more…spontaneous," Edward hedged and I could tell he was feeling uneasy. "It's been formulating itself in my mind and I've decided that I am going to share more of my thoughts with you from now on – and this is my first offering in that vow."

I was already overwhelmed with emotion, but this gift sounded unique and the thought of Edward actually sharing more of what went on in his head was something I couldn't refuse. "Okay," I sniffed.

Edward carried me to the large room that held his pristine white grand piano. Gently he set me on the bench and slid next to me. His fingers danced along the keys playing the scale before he stopped and smiled his crooked smile. "I have been envisioning the day I would play this for you, but I never pictured doing it in my underwear!"

I giggled, letting out some tension for both of us. After shaking in his head in mock disbelief, Edward reached for my right hand, raising it to his lips to kiss the ring that bore our family symbol. Replacing my hand in my lap, he began to play.

I listen intently, sure there would be a message in the music.

It began almost choppy and disjointed – a jumble of notes. But then it relented and softened, finding harmony in the discord. I closed my eyes and swam in the beauty that enveloped me. As I opened my eyes, I glanced from Edward's agile fingers to his face to see his features darken as did the melody. The music was so sorrowful. It made me feel lost and alone. The same emotions played over his face and I struggled to understand why the music had taken this sudden turn. Its depth of sadness made me reach inside looking for when I too felt this desolate. When we were apart was the only conclusion I could make.

I swallowed hard as the realization of the meaning behind his song hit me – he was playing was our story.

It was all there -- our rocky start, falling in love and our separation. "We will never be apart again, Edward. Never," I whispered knowing he would be able to hear me.

His eyes met mine and his fingers froze.

"That is what I have come to accept. I want you to be with me forever, no matter how selfish that seems," he spoke the words very deliberately before dropping his eyes to the keys and the music resumed.

As I tried to decipher the meaning behind is words, I became distracted by the new feeling of the music. The melody had become very complex yet it was clear, harmonious and uplifting. I began to rock to its hopeful rhythm. He played this joyous part over and over again until I was able to memorize its pattern.

Then he abruptly stopped.

"Do you hear it in your mind, Bella?"

I found I had again closed my eyes, experiencing only sound and its feeling.

"Yes," I whispered quickly not wanting to disturb the beauty that continued to play in my head.

"Good, now stand up," he said appearing at my other side to take my hand. I stood, allowing him to guide me to the open center of the room without question. "Now, concentrate and hear it…feel it."

I did as he said and found myself swaying gently to the music in my mind. I felt him place my right hand on his shoulder. He then wrapped his left arm around my waist and took my left hand in his, extending it slowly.

"Now dance with me, Bella."

"But –" I stammered, my eyes flying open.

"Bella, you have helped me overcome barriers I never thought I could. I want to do that for you. Trust me, trust in yourself…and dance."

And I did…

End notes: Thank you for reading! Another relatively blissful day for our honeymooners -- I just couldn't resist! Don't worry, Bella does have a special gift for Edward -- any guesses? Of course, it is modest, but filled with meaning...

Thank you to Chel88 for assistance in naming this chapter. I stuggled to summarize all that took place -- the way they managed to work together to make the intimacy happen, Edward's relentless doubt, and the pure beauty and vulnerability of Edward's gifts. She reminded me of the importance of music in this story. A Rhapsody is a musical composition that is often irregular in form, emotional in effect, and improvisational in nature (just like Edward's gift!) but it is also an expression of intense enthusiasm which I think is where Edward and Bella now are...

I write to touch your heart and I would so enjoy if you would share your thoughts/feelings/comments with me in the form of a review!

Come visit the Honeymoon Suite Thread at Twilighted (http://www(dot)twilighted(dot)net/forum/viewtopic(dot)php?f=52&t=6768)