*Chapter 21*: The Beach Trip: The Bonfire

Surprise! I had internet connection, so I sent this chapter to my beta, chovypappy, and she gave me a quick reply. We must thank her ^^

I'm still in another town, but I'll already send the next chapter to her. Apparently I will update next week. This ischapter 21.

Chapter 21

The Beach Trip: The Bonfire

Edward woke me up the next day at 5.00 am. I didn't know how he could wake up so early. I guessed he was excited as I was for this trip or was it his usual habit when he has to do the early morning shift. I had a quick shower, brushed my teeth and then changed my clothes. While I checked my bag, Edward did a quick laundry in the laundry room. This was the part when I felt we were really a good team. We understand each other even when we didn't have to say anything. I buzzed around our apartment for a final check. Edward put our bags and our grocery bags on the trunk at 6.45. I raised my eyebrows when I saw him brought an acoustic guitar.

"A guitar? I never knew you had one."

He shrugged. "I asked my dad to ship it here."

"You can play a guitar? I thought you only play the piano."

"I can play few notes, not as good as in piano, but it's...nice enough." I rolled my eyes. He was unbelievable.

After saying goodbye to Garrett, Kate and the landlord, we were driving from our apartment's garage. The journey takes five hours long. The weather was fine and honestly it had been a while since I went to the beach. Edward listened to an alternative CD along the journey, probably to keep him sober while he was driving.

We stopped three times during the journey, mostly to use the restroom and bought some snacks. I fell asleep after we stopped for the third time. I felt like I was asleep for minutes when Edward shook my shoulder gently.

"Bella? Love? We're here," He whispered to me.

I sleepily opened my eyes and he kissed my forehead. "Come on. You can sleep inside."

I nodded and stretched my body. Edward got out from the car and opened my door. I stepped out and finally I could see the beach house. My jaw dropped. It was really a wonderful beach house. The architecture reminded of Edward's home back at Forks. The house was painted in white and had amodern style.

"Wow," I said breathless.

"My mom was the one who designed the house. You can see the similarity with my home at Forks," He said to me. Figures!

I nodded slowly. "And you rarely spend your time here? I mean, is there someone who take cares of the house?"

He smiled. "My parents sometimes come here," He grimaced. "We hired a caretaker for the house. I told my parents that I'll come here this weekend and they called the caretaker to clean the house for us."

Well, that was amazing.

"Come on. I'll show you the inside," He said and took my hand. His other arm was carrying our bags. We walked on the steps and Edward opened the front door. The look in the inside was as breathtaking as the outside and I forgotten my being sleepy. Their living room was huge with a plasma TV, stereo set, bookshelves, fireplace and a couch. Edward gave me a tour to the house. It has a lovely kitchen too with fancy kitchen appliances; no wonder he wanted us to cook for ourselves. The house has one bathroom and two bedrooms; no doubt it was Edward's parents' room and his room. I didn't know where we were going to sleep yet, either in his room or just put a mattress in front of the plasma TV. I remembered Edward brought some of his DVDs too.

"Make yourself comfortable. I'll go get the grocery bags."

I nodded slowly and he got out from the front door. I looked around the room and walked to the back door. The smell of sea and sand made me smile. I used to come to the beach when I stayed with my mom in Phoenix. I didn't know how much I missed it. The warm air and the wind made me closed my eyes. The sound of waves also calmed my mood. I

forgot everything back in Seattle. This was just me and Edward. And then I felt him kiss my temple and wrapped his arms around my waist. My back rested on his chest. I smiled and opened my eyes. The view was breathtaking and it really warmed my heart.

"It's beautiful," I whispered.

"Yes, but not as beautiful as you," He whispered back in my hair and I shivered.

I turned around to face him and he looked at me lovingly. I smiled and kissed him. He kissed me back automatically. It was full of longing, but not urgent. I broke my kiss and smiled to his lips. "Thank you for taking me here."

He chuckled. "Anything for you, love."

And then I heard our stomach growl and we burst out laughing. It was already pass lunch and we hadn't had eaten yet. "What's for lunch?" I asked him and biting my lip.

He grinned. "What do you say if we had PB & J?"

I raised my eyebrows. I suddenly remembered we did buy bread and butter yesterday. I laughed lightly. "Sounds good to me."

He smiled. "We can take our nap after we had our lunch and see the sunset. When the day turns dark, we can build a bonfire and have dinner under the stars. How about that?"

I looked at him in amusement. "You already figured out everything, don't you?" He put his hands on his chest, feigning hurt. "Who? Me?"

I rolled my eyes and playfully hit his shoulder. He just laughed and grabbed my hand.

As I predicted, we both had fallen asleep in the living room. I was still exhausted from the long hours of work and so was Edward. I woke up when I saw the orange color lit the room from the curtains. I was asleep with my head on his chest. I smiled when I saw he still in deep sleep. He must be so tired with work and also the long driving. The orange sky tempted me to go outside. I loosened Edward's arm from my waist and got up to the front door. The weather was getting chilly, but it was not cold enough for me to put a jacket. I glanced to Edward sleeping form and walked down to the steps.

Finally, I felt the sand on my feet and I forgot everything. I giggled and ran to the beach. I squealed happily when my feet touched the water. The wind blew softly in my hair and I raised both of my arms. From a moment, I enjoyed the sound of waves and the smell of sea. I exhaled and dropped back my arms to my body. The sun was already half from setting and it shone beautifully, like it was drown to the sea. Suddenly I remembered that Edward also wanted to see the sunset. I decided to go back to the house and woke him up. I turned around and stopped dead on my feet.

He was there sitting on the steps, looking at me. From his expression, I could tell he was already sitting there for a while. I blushed slightly. I heard him chuckled and he stood from the steps. He approached me while I was frozen on my feet. He hugged me and kissed my forehead.

I frowned. "How long have you been sitting there?"

He smirked. "Long enough to see you giggle and run to the beach."

I blushed harder and leaned my head to his chest. "I'm sorry for not waking you. I thought you need your sleep." He pursed his lips. "There is a difference between a quality sleep and a quantity sleep."

"Huh?"

"A quantity sleep means you had enough sleep from the hours, but when you woke up, you still felt you hadn't enough sleep. And a quality sleep means you felt like you had already slept for hours even though it was not in the ideal hours for human to sleep."

I raised my eyebrows. "So, you were saying that you had your quality sleep?" He chuckled and gave me a chaste kiss. "No, my dear. I had both."

I laughed lightly.

We stood there for a while and watched the sun really setting to the sea. Edward kissed my hair. "Come on. I'll build the bonfire for both of us."

I nodded. "I'll cook dinner, then."

I took my shower while Edward preparing the bonfire. Honestly, I didn't know why we had a bonfire. I prepared our dinner when Edward used the bathroom. He finished when I started to put the meal on the plates. He appeared in the kitchen with two thick blankets. The weather in the beach could turn drastically. It could be warm in the day and the opposite in the night. We walked outside and I saw the bonfire near the steps.

"I didn't know you can build a bonfire. I thought your skill involved with helping people," I said to him after we sat in front of the bonfire with plates and glasses on our hands. The fire warmed our body in an instant. The weather was already turned several degrees colder.

He shrugged. "I was a boy scout once." I smirked. "You were?"

He rolled his eyes. "Please, it's not a big deal. Everyone can build a bonfire."

I grimaced. "Definitely not me." Especially when I remembered how a total klutz I was.

He raised his eyebrows and laughed. I grinned and began eating my food. We ate in comfortable silence until both of our plates were empty. The chilly wind made me snuggled to the blanket Edward brought to me. He frowned slightly and scooted closer to me.

"Do you need more blankets?"

I shook my head. "No, thank you. It's warm enough."

He nodded slowly and grinned. "How about we listen to a few songs from my guitar?" My eyebrows shot up. "Seriously?"

He took the guitar from the steps and sat back beside me. He wore a sweater and trousers tonight, the blanket just wrapped around his shoulder. The bonfire illuminated his hair to nearly gold color and made him more beautiful. The sight made my heart fluttered. He tested the guitar strings and I shivered. I've never seen him play a musical instrument before. I was wondering if he ever played like this in front of someone. Maybe...Tanya? I clenched my fist unconsciously and shook my head slightly. No! This is my trip with Edward! I won't let my insecurities ruin it! But, the other side of me wanted to know if he ever played for someone.

I gulped. "Did you ever...play...for someone?"

His fingers froze on the guitar and he looked at me. "No. Never." I smiled weakly. "Really?"

He sighed and held one of my hands. "Believe me, Bella. This is the first time I play my guitar in front of someone apart from my parents. I never wanted to share the other side of me to anyone but you."

My body felt warmer when he said that. My female ego boosted and in a swift movement, I kissed his cheek. "Thank you," I whispered.

He smiled slightly and cleared his throat. "So, how about Damien Rice first? You know The Blower's Daughter, don't you?" I gaped at him. "You want me to sing?"

He grinned. "Of course."

I chuckled nervously. "My voice is terrible."

"Is that so? Who said that your voice is terrible? I'll gladly give the person some pointers," His eyes glinted mischievously. I blinked several times. "Um...that would be me."

He chuckled. "Come on, Bella. What good is a bonfire if you don't sing? Nobody is going to hear you in this place." I rolled my eyes. There was no use to argue with him anyway. "Fine!"

He grinned and began playing with his guitar. I almost gaped when I saw his fingers danced swiftly on the guitar's strings. He was good!

Edward continued to play the song and sang the lyrics with his velvet voice; to the chorus and the bridge with some improvisation on his own. I sang the female's part and he smiled when he saw me singing. We ended the song with me clapping my hands while Edward bowed his head playfully.

And then he cleared his throat. "This song is for you, Bella."

I sat still when I heard the familiar lyrics of the song.

If you're not the one than why does my soul feel glad today?

I shivered. I knew the song. It was Daniel Bedingfield's If You're Not The One. It was a romantic song and I instantly knew why Edward sang this song for me. The song told how a man felt for his loved one and I shivered when I realized that.

Edward looked at me deeply when he sang the song. He didn't even look at the guitar. He probably knew this song from his heart. I almost burst into tears, but I tried very hard not to cry. It was a beautiful song and I didn't want to ruin it.

I didn't say anything when the song ended. The sound of cracking woods from the bonfire filled the night. Edward himself seemed lost in his own world and I smiled tenderly. "Thank you for the song," I said slowly.

He blinked several times and smiled back. "You're welcome, Bella."

I laughed lightly and Edward began to play another song. Savage Garden's I Knew I Loved You was next. I sang along with him because I loved the song too. We sang some songs after that; from The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' Your Guardian Angel, Howie Day's Collide, Boyzone's Every day I Love You, Boyzone's No Matter What to Lenka's Trouble. Sometimes we laughed at each other when we failed to reach the right tune or when we forgot the lyrics.

The woods from the bonfire were getting thinner and now I leaned my head to his shoulder while Edward played random notes on his guitar.

"It's so peaceful here," I said in low voice.

I felt him nod. "Yes, it's a great place for staying out from work. I was 15 the last time I came here. It's been a while for me." I leaned away from his shoulder and looked at him. "That was nine years ago."

He nodded. He still staring at the sea while his fingers playing on the guitar. "It was before I moved back to Forks. I just finished Junior High and I asked my dad to come here. Some part of me wanted to see the beach." He sighed sadly. "I've always imagined you were here with me at that time. I know how much you love beaches, especially the sun. I was prepared myself to get close to you again, but...well; you know the rest of the story."

I frowned slightly. I knew what he wanted to say. Our high school time was not a good memory for both of us and sometimes I couldn't believe I could fall in love with a man who I hated so much when I was in high school.

"Do you ever think that...we still had a chance if we had a normal situation back in high school?"

Edward took a deep breath. "Yes, I'm sure of that. I had a dream once that we were attending college together after I proposed to you again."

I stiffened.

Edward put the guitar down and took both of my hands to his. He stared deep into my eyes. "Bella..." He sighed and played with the ring in my finger. "I love you. I really want you to be my wife and spend the rest of my life with you. I know we still have to work for our relationship, but I'm sure we can do this. I won't rush you to the altar if you still want to prove yourself at your work. I also need to settle with my pediatric degree."

He paused and chuckled.

"I do hope we already get married when I started my degree, but I won't push you. It's all your choice, Bella." He looked at me again.

"I know you love me."

My heart sped up and I blushed immediately.

He caressed my crimson cheek. "You said that in your sleep. Do you remember when you went home late and I was worried?"

I blinked several times and nodded slowly. I remembered that night, before the event in the bookstore.

He sighed and smiled dreamily. "You were restless that night. I was so worried when you mentioned that your work was very stressful. I lay down beside you and held you. You began to relax and slept peacefully. And then, I heard you call my name."

I gasped.

"I thought you were awake, but you looked asleep and I instantly knew you began to sleep talk. After you called my name, you said something that nearly made my heart stopped."

My jaw almost dropped. Did I...say that I...love him?

"You said that you love me."

I closed my eyes and bowed my head. I opened it again and stared at my lap. Maybe I was in love with him all along, but my conscious part didn't realize that. I realized that I loved him after that faithful lunch with Riley.

"I was happy, but also sad. Happy because it was the deepest feeling from you about me, but I was also sad because I knew you won't realize that when you were awake."

Suddenly, a memory flashed in my mind.

*Flashback*

He shook his head and kissed my forehead. "You fell asleep on the couch and I carried you to your bed. You were restless last night, so I thought I just held you for comfort. Well, you did sleep peacefully then."

I gulped. That was not the thing that frightened me. "Did...I say something...in my sleep?"

Edward looked thoughtful. "A few." He looked over to the ceiling and sighed. "You said about the working environment is hectic and stressful."

He paused and I waited for him to continue. When he didn't say anything, I was starting to panic. "Anything else?" He pursed his lips and looked at me. "No. Nothing," He smiled.

*End of Flashback*

"Oh, God!" I said under my breath. I realized it now; the meaning behind his knowing smile. I didn't know how to react this time. Should I run inside because of embarrassment or laugh at myself?

"You don't have to say it now just because you have to, Bella," He said again. "I know it's not easy to love someone who once you really hated so much. I guess it's my punishment too for what I've done to you back in high school," He chuckled nervously.

I took deep breaths. I knew he was right. I do love him, but my heart always forbids me to say the words to him. Some of my instincts told me to wait and it made me confused too. What could possibly wrong that I couldn't say that I love him?

"Bella?"

I raised my head and looked at him.

He smiled at me lovingly. "I've told you before I won't push you. I will wait until you love me. But, I always love you. Never forget that."

I closed my eyes and nodded. He pulled me into his body and I instinctively leaned my head to his chest. I opened my eyes and stared to the blackness while listening to his heart beating. We sat together on each other embrace in front of the nearly extinguished bonfire and entwined our hearts without words.

Thank you to all my readers for their reviews, alerts and favorites. You can find some links to the songs that Edward and Bella sang on the bonfire and The Cullens' beach house on my profile.

Don't forget to leave your review :)

*Chapter 22*: The Beach Trip: The Dinner

I know….I love weekend because my beta, chovypappy, gave me the edited one when I just checked my e- mail. So, I think I'll update now

The next chapter will be updating next week. This is chapter22.

Chapter 22

The Beach Trip: The Dinner

I woke up with the rays of the sun hitting my face. I adjusted my sight and rolled over to my back. I stared at the ceiling to gather my thoughts and then I realized something. I was sleeping alone. I sat straight in my bed and my heart beating so fast. I was sure Edward lay down with me last night before sleep finally caught the both of us. We were sleeping in the living room. I tried to tame my wild hair when suddenly Edward appeared with a tray in his hands. He smiled when he saw me. I blinked several times and he kissed my forehead.

"Morning, beautiful," He whispered and sat beside me on the mattress. "Um...morning," I said stupidly.

He chuckled. "You look adorable when you wake up in the morning."

I rolled my eyes. Only Edward could find me adorable with my messy look. He put the tray on my lap and my jaw almost dropped.

"You...made me breakfast?"

He looked at me in amusement. "Yes, my dear. You've always made me breakfast and dinner back in Seattle. This is my time to spoil you."

I smiled genuinely and leaned to kiss him before I realized I haven't brush my teeth yet. I quickly pulled back while he was frowning at me. I covered my mouth with my hands. "Morning breath," I mumbled.

He smirked and put the tray away from my lap. I looked at him curiously. "What are you doing?" I said in low voice with my hands still in my mouth.

His eyes glinted and he took my hands from my mouth. In a swift movement, he kissed me deeply. I was startled from his sudden movement and began to free myself, but Edward hugged me closer. I gasped when I felt his tongue touched my lips, asking for entrance. My eyes widened. Is he serious?

I gingerly open my mouth and his tongue battled with mine. I released my tensed posture and he moaned when he felt I surrendered to his embrace. His scent clouded my mind and my hands knotted on his hair with its own accord. He hissed when I tightened my knot. Every part of my body was tingling with the familiar sensation again. With a whimper, he laid me down to the mattress and I didn't even fight him. His kisses were so good and I knew I was craving it too.

He continued to kiss me and I responded automatically. I forgot everything; everything that I felt was him. After a long and passionate kiss, he leaned away and rested his forehead to mine. We were both panting and I looked to his dark eyes.

He smiled victoriously. "If you think a simple morning breath can keep me away from you, you are wrong, my love." I tried to control my breathing and nodded stupidly. "O..kay..um...can I have my breakfast now?"

He laughed.

After I had my breakfast, Edward suggested for us taking a swim in the ocean. The weather was warm and I was dying to feel the sea water. I changed to my swimming suit and, no, it's not a bikini. It's just a simple one piece swimsuit. Edward told me to swim first while he was changing his clothes. I walked to the beach and into the warm sea water. I sighed contently when I felt the warm water touched my body. I swam in slow motion, just to relax my body and my mind. The smell of the sea made me smile.

Suddenly I felt an arm hugged my waist and I jerked away. I turned around and Edward was there. His chest was bare and I shivered when I remembered the last time I saw him shirtless. His hair was damp, made the unusual bronze color more beautiful. I blinked several times while he was grinning.

"I'm sorry if I scared you, love. Actually I just want to see you swimming, but I can't help myself to join you in the water," He smirked.

I raised my eyebrows. "Is that so, Mr. Cullen? Well, you probably should wait for me on the beach, then."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean by that?"

I grinned and pushed him into the water. He didn't expect for me to push him, so he fell with a loud thud. I laughed so hard when I saw he was drenched.

"You should have seen your face," I giggled.

He narrowed his eyes and smiled coyly. My laughter was gone immediately. Oh, oh! Wrong move, Bella. "You will pay for that, Miss Swan," His tone was playful.

I yelped and tried to swim away from him, but he was faster. He grabbed my waist and I playfully tried to free myself from him. We both laughed and he rested his forehead to mine. Our laughers subsided when we stared at each other.

He looked at me lovingly and caressed my cheek. "My Bella," He whispered before leaned down and started kissing my neck.

I bit my lip, trying to control the desire which beginning to build in my body. I wrapped my arms around his neck and his kisses were getting frantic. I moaned lightly while he hissed when I hugged him tighter. He raised his head and attacked my lips. He hugged me closer while his hands gently stroked my bare skin. For a moment, we were just kissing in the water, touching and whispering sweet words to one another. The soft waves around us made the sensation stronger.

When I felt we were going too far, I pulled away from his embrace with shallow breathing. It was getting more difficult to resist him.

I leaned my head to his chest, trying to control my heart beat and so did he. I could feel he rested his chin on the top of my head while his chest was rose up and down along with his breathing. We were stood like that for a while until our breath returned to normal.

And then I felt he titled my chin to look at him. I raised my head and our gaze met. He smiled gently and kissed my forehead deeply. "I love you," He said.

I smiled and stroked his cheek. "I know."

He took a deep breath and held my hand. "Do you want to swim again or eating sandwich with me on the beach?"

I pursed my lips and looked over to the blue ocean. It tempted me to take a nice swim under the sun and the warm weather. I looked back to Edward and grimaced, "I want to take my swim in the water. I'll join you after that."

He smiled slightly and nodded. He released my hand and kissed my cheek briefly before turned around and swam back to the beach.

I took a deep breath and turned around to the ocean. I smiled to myself before I dove to the blue water.

After my skin was getting wrinkled, I walked to the beach from the ocean fully drenched. I spotted Edward sitting on one big blanket with a basket and two glasses next to him. He was reading a book when I approached him. He already wore a shirt and changed his pants. His bronze hair was messy from the wind and it made him look adorable. He smiled when he saw me and quickly got up from the blanket and handed me a towel. I smiled gratefully and he kissed my forehead.

"Did you enjoy your swim?"

I nodded. "Yes. Absolutely. Thank you."

He took my hand and led me to the blanket. We were sat next to each other and I peeked to his book while he pulled out two sandwiches for both of us. I recognized the book. It was one of the books that he bought when he first asked me to accompany him to the bookstore.

"You still read it? I thought you already finished," I said to him and took a bite from my sandwich. I almost moaned to the tasty smell and flavor. He was a good cook.

He sipped his drink and grimaced. "Apparently I was busy these few months."

I rolled my eyes and he chuckled. We ate our sandwiches for a while, enjoying the warm weather and the sound of the waves. We chatted occasionally and after we finished our sandwiches, I used the bathroom to clean up myself from the salt and the sand. It was already noon when we were inside the beach house again. We decided to watch DVD and had our nap. I wasn't in the mood to watch a movie; therefore I just went along with what he chose to watch. Edward decided to watch a medical documentary that he owned. How he brought that kind of DVD for our weekend was beyond me. I guessed he was not in the mood to watch a movie either. As usual, I cuddled into his embrace and he hugged me closer to his body. We watched a documentary about an emergency medical situation and I winced when it comes to the part where one of the patients didn't make it.

The documentary made me realized something. Edward must have deal with a lot of emergency situations and I was wondering if Edward had been in that kind of situation. The life or death situation. What did he feel? Was he scared?

"Edward?"

"Yes, love?"

"Do you ever experience that kind of situation?" "What situation?"

I gestured to the plasma TV with my index finger.

He took a deep breath and I felt he leaned his head on the top of my head. "Several times." I shivered. "Are you afraid?" I asked in low voice.

I had never asked him about his job, but sometimes I wanted to hear what he has been through on his long hours of work.

He sighed. "Strangely, no. When I first experienced that, I was upset with myself because I couldn't save the patient. But, we are just human. We couldn't save everybody. I never felt afraid of the situation. I'm just afraid if the patient was someone that I love."

And then he leaned away and I looked at him. He looked at me with dreamy eyes. "When I saw Garrett carried you to the ER, my heart almost stopped beating. I couldn't think of anything else, I even didn't care when Garrett punched me."

My eyes widened. "He did? Did he hurt you? Why didn't you tell me?" I never heard this story before. Garrett never told me what happened after he took me to the hospital.

He smiled grimly. "It was nothing, Bella. I deserved it. I was so worried at that time that I didn't catch what he was saying. Kate helped me focus and I asked Dr. Gerandy to check on you."

I shook my head slightly.

He cupped my face with his hands. "I don't know what will happen to me if your condition was getting worse at that time. I can't lose you, Bella."

My heart clenched and I slowly enveloped him on a hug. He hugged me back and sighed. I kissed the side of his neck and inhaled his scent briefly. "You're always my Edward," I whispered to his ear.

I felt he shivered slightly and kissed my hair. "And you're forever my Bella."

We took our nap after watching the DVD. Edward woke me up at 4.30 pm and asked me to wear a semi formal dress for the dinner.

"Dinner? I thought we will cook for ourselves while we're here," I said to him in confusion.

He rolled his eyes. "Please, Bella. This is my time to spoil you. I already had a reservation in the town for tonight. You will love it!"

I sighed. "Alright. But, nothing too expensive." His eyes glinted and he smirked.

I frowned.

"It's my right to ask you to the dinner and it's also my right for choosing the place."

Right! Couldn't argue with that! Didn't I tell myself several times that he should be a lawyer?

I had my shower and went to Edward's bedroom to change. I pulled out a deep purple dress, my make-up bag and my -not so high- heels from my bag. I was never a party and occasional type of girl; it was Alice who kept bugging me to have several dresses and outfits in case I have an occasion. Other thing from Alice that I needed to thank for.

I changed my clothes and applied light make -up. I decided to just pull my hair in a simple barrette. I checked myself for the last time when I heard the door knocked several times.

"Bella, are you ready?" I heard Edward called me. "Um...yes," I answered him.

I ran my hands through my hair and smoothed my dress before I opened the door. Edward was waiting for me in the living room. He quickly stood from the couch when he saw me. My breath hitched when I saw that he wore a simple deep brown

shirt and black trousers. The color of his shirt made his hair color more stunning. I swallowed hard and my heart was beating erratic again. Handsome was not the right word for him. He was beautiful.

He smiled and gazed at me warmly. I smiled back while trying to control my breath. He approached me and cupped my face with his hand. He leaned down and gave me a deep and longing kiss. I closed my eyes and kissed him back.

And then he broke the kiss and looked at me with twinkle in his eyes. "You are absolutely...breathtaking. I won't leave you alone tonight because I won't give other men chances to get near you," He said possessively.

I smiled. "That thing never crossed in my mind. I never intended to stay away from you tonight," I said seductively.

His eyes smoldering slightly and his jaw clenched. Seconds later, he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I swear to you, Bella. You'll be the death of me."

I grinned victoriously and linked my arm to the crook of his elbow. He looked at me in amusement. I tugged his arm gently. "Come on. I'm hungry," I said.

He chuckled and shook his head.

We rode to the restaurant in town. Florida was basked with city lights and busy streets, added with the fact that it was weekend too. Edward brought me to a very fancy restaurant and I knew I couldn't argue with that. He wrapped his arm on my waist as if told all the men in the restaurant that I was taken. I shivered. Although it was a little bit creepy, but I like his possessive side.

"Good evening, Mr. Cullen. It's so nice to see you again," The head of the waiter greeted us when we approached the front desk. I recognized it from the uniform that he wore. I read his name tag. Ethan.

Edward nodded curtly and smiled slightly. "Thank you, Ethan. It's nice to see you too."

From their conversation, I could tell The Cullens must be a regular customer in this restaurant. Again, it didn't surprise me. Ethan smiled back and looked at me. I smiled slightly. "And may I know who this beautiful girl is?"

Edward's eyes glinted and he kissed my temple. I looked at him stupidly. I've never seen him like this before. "This is Isabella Swan, my fiancée," He said proudly.

Ethan chuckled and extended his hand. I smiled and shook his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ethan," I replied in courtesy. Being editor who often edited lots of story, I've learned some courtesy from those stories.

Ethan shook my hand back and released it. "The pleasure is mine." And then he looked back to Edward. "The usual place?"

"Yes, Ethan. Thank you," Edward answered.

Ethan walked in into the restaurant while Edward and I followed him inside the restaurant. Honestly, I had no idea what 'the usual place' meant. I felt like I was left behind, but Edward's gentle touch on my waist told me without words that he wanted to do something special for me tonight. I exhaled and braced myself for some surprises.

Ethan led us to the elevator and I was getting more confused. Where are we having our dinner? I just thought we will have a normal dinner inside the restaurant. We got out from the elevator and then I understood. It was a private balcony. I shook my head slightly. Only Edward could do this for me.

"Your dinner is served on the table and please, let me know if you need anything, Mr. Cullen," Ethan said and he turned to me. "May you have a lovely evening, Miss Swan."

I smiled. "Thank you, Ethan."

Ethan smiled briefly and walked back to the elevator. I still stood there like an idiot, trying to absorb the scene in front of me. It was a beautiful balcony with city lights around us. A table was served with food and drinks and a beautiful candle in the middle of the table.

I laughed shakily.

"This is all for you, Bella," I heard Edward spoke for the first time since he greeted the waiter. I looked at him. "This is too much, Edward. I don't deserve it."

It was his turn to laugh shakily. "Of course you don't deserve it. You deserve more. This is just a simple thing. It's nothing compare to what I feel about you."

I shivered.

He smiled warmly and took my hand. "Shall we, my lady?"

I laughed lightly and nodded.

He walked me to my chair and he pulled out the chair for me. I sat on my chair and after making sure I was settled, he sat at his own chair across from me. He opened a bottle of champagne and poured it to both of our glasses.

I raised my eyebrows. "Champaign? We are still driving, remember?"

He smirked. "I know that, Bella. Apparently I had a tolerance with alcohol levels. I have better resistance." "Really?" I asked in disbelief.

He raised his glass and I raised my glass too. "To our future together," He said and clinked our glasses together. I drank my glass and almost moaned in delight.

"Wow, this is a good one," I said to myself after I put my glass back to the table. He smiled coyly. "It's the best from this restaurant. And now, let's have our dinner."

I smiled and we began to eat our dinner. The food was marvelous too and I tried very hard not to think the costs for this dinner. Edward will never tell me even if I asked. After we finished our dinner and had some champagne, he rose from his seat and walked to a stereo set in the far side of the balcony. I blinked several times. Wow, I didn't know it was there. I guessed I was completely distracted.

He smiled at me and offered me his hand. I made a face and he laughed. "May I have this dance?"

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. I took his hand and rose from my seat. Edward led me to the center of the balcony and a song was played from the speaker. It was an old song from Marc Anthony, titled My Baby You. He wrapped his arm on my waist and his other arm held my hand while I put my free arm to his shoulder.

We were staring at each other, dancing swiftly with the romantic song. His gaze made my knees going weaker, but I never tired to look at his beautiful eyes.

"You're so beautiful, Bella," He whispered.

I chuckled nervously. "Well, look at you. I should be the one who says that to you." He smirked and I giggled.

We continued to dance with the song. Edward still looked at me lovingly and slowly he leaned down to kiss me. I helplessly surrendered to his embrace and his arms wrapped on my waist now while my arms were wrapped on his neck. For a moment, we were kissing until the song was ended. He broke the kiss and our foreheads touched.

"Bella?"

"Yes?"

He looked at me deeply. "Marry me."

I stiffened. A natural reaction, I guessed. For a moment, we were just stood like that. The silence surrounded us, only a distinct sound of busy streets. I couldn't think straight right now.

Edward sighed and stroked my cheek. "You're all that I want, Bella. I love you. I want you to be my wife. I'm sure our life won't be different after we were married. We already live together these few months and although we had lots of differences, but I just felt it was the thing that made our bond gettingstronger."

He paused.

I blinked several times. He knew that too?

"I know you still afraid in marriage life. I can't make you promises for that not to happen, but we both are together, Bella. We will work out. I know we will."

I took deep breaths.

He pulled out something from his pocket and I gasped when I saw the ring box. This time I knew he was serious. This time it was not a promise ring, but an engagement ring. He opened the box and showed me an elegant ring. It was a bit old fashioned, but honestly I didn't care. I stared at the beautiful ring.

"This is my mother's engagement ring." My head shot up. "What?"

He smiled. "This ring has been in The Cullens for many generations. It's a tradition for all The Cullens men to give it to their fiancées. This is my time to give it to you."

I took a deep breath. Truthfully, I still worried about marriage life if I remembered my parents. But, sometimes we need to take the different decision regarding our lives. My life is different from my parents and I know Edward loves me very much. So, why should I pass this chance?

"Isabella Marie Swan, will you marry me?"

I closed my eyes briefly before I opened it again and looked into his eyes. Edward looked at me, hopeful. I smiled grimly and held the ring box. "Yes, Edward Cullen. I will marry you."

Finally she said yes!

I know what you guys are thinking…how could Bella accept the engagement when she didn't say she love him yet? Well, it's Bella we're talking about and the plot is still moving even though she accepted Edward's proposal.

I hope this chapter fulfills your expectations ^^

Thank you to all my faithful readers and don't forget to leave your review :)