Seeing Daylight
~*Epilogue*~
May, Seven Months Later
"Bella, are you ready?" Rose called out as she moved through the house.
"Yeah, just packing up my toiletries."
Rose walked into Bella's bathroom and watched her best friend pack up the last bit of her stuff. She couldn't believe the way things had changed over the last few months. When Bella had come home from Edward's place last October, Rose had been shocked to hear how everything between them had changed. She still couldn't believe Edward had apologized and asked Bella for a second chance, and what's more, she couldn't fathom how Bella had agreed and offered her own apology. Rose initially wasn't happy with that turn of events, but as the months passed by, she saw how happy Bella was and how much Edward had changed.
Bella walked around the corner with the last of her things, a big smile gracing her face. She was going to miss her friend immensely, and she had no idea how she'd get along without their regular girls' nights out. It would be weird to make plans formally, but they'd been friends forever, and a measly three hour drive wouldn't be enough to keep them apart.
"Alright," Bella said, grabbing the handle of her suitcase and walking towards the front door. I want to load this stuff in the truck and make a final pass through the house. Meet me outside?"
"Yep! And here, let me take those things. I'll put them in the truck, so you can have a minute."
Bella handed her things to Rose and waited for her to walk out the door, thankful Rose understood how hard it was to say goodbye to her home. She stood there, staring at the bare walls, shiny hardwood floors, and the indents in the cream carpet where the furniture had been. She slowly walked from room to room, images of Riley and the very happy five years they'd spent there danced before her like a movie. Everything was in slow motion, almost like it was meant for her to replay and appreciate every scene of their lives together.
Her fingers trailed along the banister of the staircase as she made her way down the hallway to their room. Standing in the doorway, the tears that had been threatening to fall all morning filled her eyes and trickled down her face. She missed him so much, and being there, in their space, had always been a comfort to her. And yet, she knew Riley would want her to move on, to live and love and find happiness again. She thought back to the feeling of reassurance she had gotten a couple of months ago when she went to visit his grave.
~*January*~
Bella stood at the foot of his grave, her arms clenched tightly around her. As she stared at the gold letters etched in the hard, black marble, her heart panged like it always did when she went there.
Riley Peter Biers
January 3, 1979 – January 22, 2007
Beloved Husband and Friend
Beloved Husband. Indeed he was, and he had been her best friend. She missed him so much. She missed his laugh, the way his fingers curled around hers at the movies and how he huffed in annoyance when the armrest between them wouldn't raise up, or the way he listened to her talk about her day or whatever was on her mind. Her life had been lonely without him.
She pulled out the old flowers that were still in the vase beside the stone and placed the new ones inside. Fluffing them and making sure they looked right, Bella stepped back and smiled. She lovingly traced her fingers across the top, feeling the cold granite sloping gently beneath her fingertips.
"Hey, Ri," she said sadly. "Sorry it's been a while since I've been here. Things have been… well, they've been interesting. Truthfully, interesting isn't even the right word. More like ironic. You're never going to believe who I ran into. Seriously, Ri, you'll never guess."
Bella chuckled in that nervous awkward way people often do when they're uncomfortable.
"Edward Masen. Yes, the Edward Masen I dated in college. I did an assessment of his ranch up in Jackson Hole, and on the second visit, my car broke down. Trust me, I was pissed. That stupid Volvo…"
Bella paused. She could feel her chest starting to tighten. She knew she needed to tell him, but standing before him felt more like a confession, and she hated that. It had never been like that between them. They had never had secrets. Her relationship with Edward was hovering over them, and the fact it was still unspoken made it seem like she was engaging in some sort of illicit behavior, even though she knew that was ridiculous.
She shifted a little and then sat down on the winter-hardened ground. Old leaves crunched beneath her as she got comfortable. The wool of her coat provided a bit of protection, but she knew she wouldn't be able to stay there long.
"He asked me to marry him at Christmas, and I said yes. I know it sounds crazy, especially since we just got back together, but something just felt right about it, Ri… But sitting here with you, I feel conflicted, and I hate it. I know you wouldn't want that for me. I know we talked about what we wanted for the other person if something were to happen to either of us, and I'm trying to finally do what you said. I'm living; I really am. I feel so alive for the first time since you died, and it just feels so damn good.
"I know what you're probably thinking, but Edward isn't the same person he used to be. He's grown up, matured, found his place in the world. He owns a ranch… I said that already. And it's really beautiful. You would love it. There are mountains and trees, horses and tons of open space to ride. Yeah, yeah, I know you don't like riding horses, but I do."
A giggle burst forth from inside her, and she couldn't help but feel some of the tension dissipate. A sense of relief washed over her, almost as though he was trying to ease her mind and reassure her he was happy for her. It was like he was there, pushing away all the discomfort and craziness, just like he always had. A small smile pulled at the corners of Bella's lips at how much better, more like herself, she felt. Everything felt brighter, more vibrant, and she attributed that to knowing where she would spend the rest of her life and with whom.
Bella sat there, relishing the silence and the calm, until she started shivering.
She stood up and kneeled down in front of his stone, not caring if the knees of her jeans got dirty. She trailed her index finger across the gold letters of his name, knowing that a part of him would always be with her.
"Thank you. Thank you for loving me, for helping me find myself again, and for being my best friend. I love you, Ri… always."
She swiped the tears away from her face, feeling a sense of warmth and peace surrounded her. It was the same feeling she'd felt the day she'd visited him, and she knew it was his way, once again, of telling her to go be happy, to love again.
With one last glance into their bedroom, she smiled, whispered goodbye, and pulled the door closed.
When she walked outside, she saw Rose standing beside the moving truck, waiting. She stared at her best friend and wondered how she was going to live without her just around the corner.
"You ready?" Rose asked quietly.
Bella nodded as the tears started to fall from her eyes again. "I'm going to miss you so much, Rose," Bella said softly, pulling Rose into a tight hug.
"Oh, please," Rose mock scoffed. "You're going to be so busy getting busy with Edward…"
"Rose!" Bella screeched, her face flaming pink as she pushed Rose away playfully.
Nonplussed, Rose continued to tease her. "Watching him move on top of those horses..."
"Oh my God!"
"That boy knows how to ride 'em hard."
"I'm not even going to respond to that statement. Just… no."
The both dissolved into a fit of giggles.
When they'd both straightened up, Bella glanced at her watch and realized she really needed to get on the road if she wanted to make it before dark.
"I guess I should probably get on it, then," she said with a smirk.
"Yeah, you should." They both burst into laughter again, loving the insinuations and silliness they always found together.
"I love you, Bella."
"Love you, too, Rosie. Thank you so much. For everything. Promise you'll call?"
A nod and smile was all the confirmation Bella needed before she climbed into the cab of the truck and started it up. The heavy diesel engine roared to life, and they both laughed again. After much conversation, Edward and Rose had finally given in to Bella's desire to make the drive on her own. Edward had come up the day before to help load things into the truck, not wanting her or Rose to lift all the boxes on their own. He'd returned to the ranch late that night to finish preparing for Bella's arrival.
With a few more words, they waved goodbye. As Bella drove down the streets of Green River, it felt like a chapter in her life was coming to an end, and she was okay with that. She was ready to start a new one with Edward.
After she'd given notice at the bank and a conversation with her boss that had gone surprisingly well, it felt like all the pieces naturally fell into place. She'd found a buyer for the house, a young couple just starting off, and they had closed in a matter of weeks. She felt good about passing on the home she'd known such happiness in to a family that was just at the beginning of their own journey.
The drive passed quickly. Bella found herself lost in thought as she tried to figure out how her life had gone from being empty to so full in seven short months. How had that happened? How had Edward come into her life and changed her broken, untrusting heart into what it had become? She flashed through the memories that flooded her mind like a movie, scene by scene they filled in the details of their story.
~*Early November*~
"So, this is your house, huh?" Edward said as he stood in the entry way. He had just spent the last ten minutes with his mouth and lips connected to Bella's, tasting, savoring, and relearning the way she felt against him after being apart for a week.
"This is it," she said proudly. "Come on, I'll show you around."
Bella walked him from room to room, giving him a chance to take in all the details of her life that he'd missed while he'd been on the circuit. He could see how happy she was, how happy Riley had made her, and he felt the familiar guilt and sadness over what he'd given up but also a new excitement and hope at what was to come.
As his hand locked with hers, he realized how lucky he truly was. She was giving him a second chance, and this time, he wouldn't fuck it up.
The rest of the tour went by quickly, and it wasn't until later that night when they were about to go to bed that things became awkward. After coaxing Bella to finally talk about what was bothering her, she'd explained how she felt uncomfortable with Edward sleeping in her room. That was the space she'd shared with Riley, and it felt wrong to have Edward in there.
Edward, sad and embarrassed, quickly offered to sleep in the guest bedroom.
"Really? You don't mind?" Bella asked, her eyes hopeful.
"If it makes you feel better, then of course I'll sleep in there." He hoped he had hidden the disappointment he felt at having to sleep alone, but much to his surprise, Bella grabbed his hand and pulled him into the room.
"Make yourself at home. I'm just going to get my sleep clothes, and I'll be right back."
"What?" Edward asked confused.
"My sleep clothes," she stated simply, staring back at him with her own confused expression. "I'm going to get them, so we can go to bed."
"But, I thought…"
"Wait," Bella said, laughing nervously. "You didn't think I meant you had to sleep in here by yourself, did you?"
Edward looked down sheepishly, embarrassed once again.
"I wouldn't do that, Edward. We're together. I just thought it would be weird to sleep in the same bed I shared with Riley." Bella walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, loving the way she could feel his muscles under his shirt. "I want to sleep with you, Edward."
She tried to keep a straight face, but she couldn't. The smirk that had formed on his face at his recognition of her double entendre had them both laughing again, the tension completely gone.
After that weekend, things had just gotten easier. The little misunderstandings grew fewer and farther between. After that weekend, they both decided to be more open and honest and to ask when something didn't make sense. It was clear they were in it for the long haul, and quibbling or discomfort over the little stuff was just unnecessary.
She looked at the beautiful scenery that was surrounding her and felt the urge to roll down the window. She needed some air, and she breathed it in deeply. Pine and evergreen. That was what her new home would smell like, and she already loved it. It reminded her of Christmas.
~*December*~
"This tree is massive, Edward. Are you sure it's going to fit?" Bella asked as she stared at the felled tree in the front yard.
"Of course it'll fit," he said, a cocky smirk on his face.
"Shut it." Bella rolled her eyes and smacked his arm. Ever since they'd gotten back together, Edward had been full of playful innuendo, much like he'd been when they were together in college. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed it, but she couldn't deny she loved seeing him that comfortable and carefree with her. It just reassured her, not that she needed it, how real their relationship really was.
He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You know you love me," he said and pressed a hot, needy kiss against her lips. She leaned into him, humming at the feel of his tongue wrapped around hers, until he pulled back, grabbed the tree, and carried it into the house.
Yes, she definitely did.
A few hours, a ton of pine needles in her hair and down her shirt, and a hot shower later, Bella sat with her back against Edward's chest, comfortably warm and so happy. The white lights on the tree twinkled merrily, making the red, gold, and silver ornaments sparkle, and a fire roared in the fireplace. It was exactly what Christmas Eve should be – relaxing and spent with the person you loved.
Christmas morning arrived with bright rays of sunshine and warmth streaming in the windows. Bella rolled over to face a still sleeping Edward. She watched the rise and fall of his chest and felt the familiar pull of wanting to be near him. She snuggled up against him, pressing her body tightly against his, loving the way their bodies fit together in new but comfortably familiar ways.
He shifted and his arm slid down hers and tightened around her waist. Bella giggled quietly, not quite sure if he was really still asleep. She kissed his naked chest, giggling again at the way his soft hair tickled her cheek.
"Are you asleep?" she whispered, pressing another kiss to his chest and looking up at his face.
The small smile that pulled at the corners of his lips gave her the answer she was looking for. She reached down and dug her fingers in his side, tickling him mercilessly.
"I know you're awake, cowboy," she teased, her voice full of mirth, and her heart light and overflowing with love.
"Merry Christmas, Bunny," he said as he pulled her body on top of his.
"Yes, Merry Christmas to me," she laughed, laying her head on his shaking chest. Bella knew he was enjoying the way her sassier side had come out the last two months. She felt more playful, and that was evident in the easy way comments like that slipped out.
His hands skimmed under her shirt, exploring the warm, soft skin of her back. Bella breathed out a long, slow sigh and looked up at him. His eyes were vibrant and dark, almost pewter in the morning light. As he continued to make long, lazy circles up and down her back, Bella shifted a little and ran the tips of her fingers across his forehead, pushing his hair aside.
"I love you, Edward."
A smile spread across his face. He loved hearing her say that.
"I love you," he said as he raised his head up to press his lips against hers. She dipped her head down and took her time teasing his lips with feather-light kisses, nose nuzzles, and small smiles.
Edward savored her mouth, loving the way her tongue eased into his mouth and tangled languidly with his own. Their movements were slow and deliberate, both content to take their time. His mouth trailed open-mouth kisses across her jaw to her neck and the sensitive spot behind her ear. She was warm and soft, and he knew he'd never get tired of them being together like that.
Bella put her hands on either side of his head and pushed herself up so she was sitting on top of him. He groaned at the feel of her against him, and he shifted, groaning again at the friction that sent sharp tingling sensations straight through him. She smiled down at him and felt her heart swell with emotion. She swallowed the overwhelming sense of happiness she felt and tugged her shirt over her head and tossed it away.
Edward stared at her appreciatively, taking in her long neck and the gentle slope of her shoulders. She had the most delicate collarbones, and all he could think was how much he wanted to trail his tongue against them. His eyes drifted down to the soft swell of her breasts, smooth and round. Her skin was pale but flushed, like peaches and cream, and he was sure she'd never looked more beautiful. He reached up and placed his hands on her hips and tugged her forward until she was hovering above him. Her long mahogany hair hung on either side of her face, swaying gently as her body shifted ever so slightly.
"You are so beautiful," he said as his hand slid up her side and ribcage until he was cupping one of her breasts, loving the soft heaviness of it. His thumb brushed across her nipple, and she shuddered, a gasp escaping from her lips.
"Oh God," she breathed out, her body shifting against his in response.
He cupped her other breast and began kneading, caressing. She was perfect and she was his, he thought as he leisurely moved his mouth to her naked breast, taking her taut nipple into his mouth. She moaned as he gently sucked and nipped, swirling and flicking his tongue against her.
With each pass of his tongue, Bella's fingers dug into his biceps, and her hips rocked against his. Wanting to worship her, to unwrap her like his personal Christmas present, he gently rolled her back onto the bed and straddled her waist. Edward was all over her. His lips kissed and his tongue tasted; his fingers explored, caressed, and drew pictures on her skin as he left no part of her untouched.
Bella's body was on fire. No words fell from her lips, only soft moans and whimpers of pleasure. With every pass of his fingers, brush of his lips, or swirl of his tongue, Bella could feel his love and adoration pouring out, overwhelming her so completely it felt like she was flying higher and falling deeper in love. He was showing her how special, how treasured she was, and she silently vowed to spend the rest of their lives making sure he knew she felt the same way about him.
"Please," she begged, her voice hoarse with need.
He looked into her brown eyes, flecked with amber, and his lips found hers in a frantic, hungry kiss. Edward's body was tense with his own need, but he was determined to take his time showing her how he felt when words weren't enough. He wanted to show her with every touch, every whispered "I love you," every kiss that she was everything to him, that he'd never get enough of her, that he couldn't bear to live without her again. The longer he looked in her eyes, the more overcome he felt. His heart was bursting with love and joy and so many other emotions he couldn't identify.
Trying to pull himself together, he sat back and stared appreciatively and trailed his hands up her milky white thighs. He hooked his fingers in the simple cotton panties she was wearing and dragged them down her legs. He pressed a kiss against the arch of her foot, the bone above her ankle, the curve of her calf, the bend of her knee, and the smooth skin of her thigh and repeated the path on her other leg. Over and over he trailed his lips against her legs, teasing and enjoying the way she squirmed beneath him.
With each kiss, each nip, Bella shuddered, feeling like she might die from frustration and need and want. She gasped sharply as his warm breath flitted across her aching flesh, and with a press of his lips against her, she cried out, grinding herself against him. Her fingers found his hair, and she tugged as he loved her, worshipped her with his tongue and fingers until she cried out, her climax washing over her.
Panting, she lifted her head and pulled him up toward her, wanting to feel his lips against hers. Their kisses, initially slow, grew frenzied as Edward's need for her finally became too much. The room filled with the sounds of heated passion and breathless need, as hard flesh met soft, hot skin. Still wet, they slid and rocked against each other, their hips rotating and grinding together.
Without pretense or words, Edward cradled her in his arms and pushed inside her. His eyes fluttered closed as he felt her engulf him. He stayed still, breathing deeply and staring down at Bella's flushed face and closed eyes.
"Bunny," he said as he leaned forward, then propped himself up on his elbows, and laced his fingers with hers. He kissed her tenderly, reverently. "Look at me."
Bella's eyes flickered open, her lips parted, and a soft breath whooshed out of her as he slowly started to move against her. Bella met him thrust for thrust, her eyes never leaving his. Panting and yearning, they lost themselves in the sounds of their skin slapping and rubbing, their muffled grunts and whimpers, and the giving and receiving of pleasure. Edward's body tensed, and he knew he was close. He changed angles, wrapping his fingers around her thigh and wrapping it around his waist as he drove into her a little deeper, a little harder. He was frantic and needed her to come.
"Bella… I'm…"
"I'm close," she cried as he sped up his thrusts, slamming into her. He felt her body tense beneath him; he moved above her, finally finding his own release as he breathlessly whispered her name, over and over again.
Fully sated and exhausted, they laid there, staring at each other, small smiles creasing the corners of their mouths. Bella felt alive and overcome with such a sense of love; tears pricked at her eyes. She swallowed thickly as Edward's steel-blue met her molten chocolate.
"I love you, Edward."
His heart swelled. He would never tire of hearing those words, and he knew in that instant he had to spend the rest of his life with her. She was all he'd ever need, and he couldn't imagine another day passing by without knowing she was fully his and he hers.
"Marry me."
Bella's head popped up, surprised.
"What?"
"Marry me." He waited, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I know we've only been back together for a little bit, but it's always been you, Bella. It always will be. Please make this the happiest Christmas of my life and say yes."
Bella watched as his eyes filled with hopeful tears. Her lungs expanded with love and excitement and confidence. She knew he was it for her. A love like theirs never went away, and it hadn't, even after all the years that had passed. She bit her bottom lip and grinned, nodding her yes.
"Yes. Yes, I'll marry you."
Bella could feel the skin of her cheeks pulled tight as she grinned widely. That day was still just as vivid as it was the day it happened. She glanced at the ring, sparkling on her finger, and her stomach flip-flopped with anticipation. They hadn't spent much time discussing the logistics of everything on Christmas day, both content to bask in the new craziness that had taken over their lives, but as time went on and the details became more defined, Bella made plans to move down to his ranch about a month before their wedding in August. They both wanted a late summer wedding, knowing the weather would be perfect for an outdoor wedding, and the scenery would be gorgeous.
Of course, that all changed the weekend of the ranch's grand opening.
~*April*~
The ranch was buzzing with people. Jasper and Edward had worked like mad men through the cold winter months, both anxious to open the ranch to guests for the spring season. After a lot of talk and planning, Edward had asked Bella and Alice to help plan the grand opening celebration.
The two of them, Alice and Bella, were like two peas in a pod, both full of ideas and eager to make the event a huge success. They settled on a carnival style event that would be open to everyone in Jackson Hole and the surrounding area. The carnival would be full of all the traditional fare – hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy, candied apples – games, horse rides, tours, and even a rodeo exhibition.
Bella spent the week leading up to the opening at the ranch. She wanted to be available at all times to help Edward or Alice. The event was critical to the success of the ranch, and Bella wanted to make sure it went off without a hitch.
When the big day finally arrived, she walked around the grounds and couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The place was teeming with people – adults, young and old, kids of all ages and sizes, cowboys, city folk, pretty much everyone within a fifty-mile radius, it seemed. Bella had never seen a crowd so large, and she knew Edward was probably overwhelmed by the reception the ranch was receiving. Alice and Bella, thank God, had planned for an event of this scale, and both were determined to have enough food, drinks, and prizes for the kids. There was nothing worse than an event that ran short on the essentials.
She looked around and noticed Edward leading a young child on Lady Grey's back around the ring of the corral. The little boy was holding onto the horn with a death grip but with a smile nonetheless. Bella waited until Edward was finished before she waved him over. He was looking especially hot, wearing his traditional cowboy attire: tight jeans, a pair of flashy chaps, dusty boots, a black button down shirt with swirly blue lines across the chest, and his black hat perched on top of his head. Bella noticed the buckle he'd chosen for the day and couldn't help but smile. His father had given him that buckle just before he left for college and joined the rodeo club. It was gold and had a detailed picture of man on top of a bucking horse, one arm waving in the air, while the rider's legs flared. It was a fitting way to honor his parents' memory, and Bella knew they'd be proud of the man he'd become.
While Bella was checking him out, Edward allowed himself a minute to do the same as he walked over to his gorgeous fiancée. She looked like the picture perfect buckle bunny – his bunny – in tight jeans that hugged every curve, a pink button down shirt with pearlescent buttons and curvy black piping to match the design on Edward's shirt, a new pair of black boots, and a matching black hat she'd purchased just for the grand opening. He loved how seriously she'd taken the entire opening project, thinking of every detail and going out of her way to make sure Edward was able to focus on finishing the last minute projects around the ranch.
"Hey, Bunny," he said leaning across the railing to kiss her.
"Hey, Cowboy," she said after she'd pulled her lips from his. "You look like you're having fun."
"I am. I love watching all these kids around horses. I think we're going to have a lot of fun running this ranch, don't you?"
She smiled up at him and nodded. "I do."
They watched a few more kids climb up on Lady Grey as Jasper held her steady. He was a natural, too, and Bella was grateful Edward had found him and Alice, and for the friendship she'd started to develop with them both.
He laced his fingers with hers and kissed her again. "This was amazing, Bella. Thank you. You and Alice made this event such a success, and I can't tell you how much it means to have you by my side for this."
"I wouldn't have missed it for the world. This is my life now, too, Edward," Bella said sincerely. There really wasn't any other place she wanted to be; the ranch was her home, even if she didn't live there yet.
The rest of the afternoon passed uneventfully. People enjoyed themselves, and by the time they wrapped things up, Edward, Alice, Jasper, and Bella were exhausted. They left the bulk of the cleaning for the next day, choosing instead to spend the remaining daylight hours talking and celebrating over beers. As she listened to the conversation, Bella felt a pang of sadness settle over her, knowing she'd have to leave on Monday morning.
She hated being away from Edward, but they'd worked out a plan that had her moving to Jackson Hole in July, just before the wedding in August. Edward had asked her to come earlier, but Bella wanted to take a bit more time to wrap things up in Green River. As she sat at one of the many picnic tables they'd set up, she realized how ridiculous it was. She wanted to be there. Edward wanted her there. It was a no brainer.
Later that night as they were laying in bed, tangled together in a mess of exhausted and fully sated limbs, Bella quietly said, "I don't want to leave on Monday."
"Then stay. You know you don't have to leave. This is your home, too."
Bella twisted around to face him and smiled. "Really?"
"Bunny, why are you asking such a ridiculous question? I want you here with me. Always."
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yes, okay. I want to be here, too. I'm not sure what I was waiting on, but I'm tired of being away from you."
Edward tugged her closer, wrapping his arms more tightly around her and kissing her deeply before they fell asleep together.
And there she was, one month later, driving a massive U-Haul with all her worldly possessions in the back on her way to Jackson Hole. As she rounded the bend and pulled into Edward's driveway, she felt a giddy nervousness settle in her stomach. The moment she'd been waiting for had finally arrived. She was finally moving there to live with Edward. They were going to get married, share a life together, and probably raise a family there.
She parked the truck in the driveway, and Edward was out of the house and jerking open the door in a burst of excitement Bella hadn't seen in a long time.
"You're here!" he practically shouted, his voice exuberant and lively as he pulled her out of the truck and into his arms. He swung her round and round, her legs flaring out, and Bella laughed excitedly.
"You are crazy, Edward!" she squealed, her laughs filling the late afternoon air.
When he put her down, Edward could hardly take his eyes or his hands off her. He couldn't believe she was finally there. Bella was really moving to the ranch. She was really going to marry him. They were starting a new life together, and he'd never been happier.
They spent the rest of the evening hauling her things in and piling it all over the house, knowing they'd be rearranging things to make room for her stuff. Together, they'd make it their home, and something about that just felt right.
Bella woke the next morning just as the sun was beginning to rise. Her body was still tired and achy, but she wouldn't trade it for the world; it meant she was finally starting her new life with Edward.
She walked into the living room, leaned against the window frame, and stared at the mountains. She marveled at the grey-blue shadows that the still hiding sun cast across them. They reminded her of Edward's eyes, and she smiled. The mountains were just as beautiful as they were the first time she'd seen them, but she appreciated them more after everything she and Edward had been through.
Life, like mountains, didn't come without its trials. It took years of time and weather to shape the rocky ridges, and all the jagged edges were simply parts that still needed a little work. She knew they weren't perfect, that she and Edward still had a long way to go, but she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that her heart belonged to him, and whatever came their way, they would make it through together. In many ways, that weekend back in October had been a wake-up call for both of them. It was true they'd both lived full lives, but there was always room for love, forgiveness, and true happiness. She breathed a contented sigh and just let herself relish the simplicity and beauty in which she found herself.
Edward woke to an empty bed and padded quietly into the living room in search of Bella. He immediately saw her standing by the window and stopped to watch her for a minute. As he stared at her, he finally realized that the fog of life, the one that had pulled him away from her the first time, the one that wrapped him in darkness after his injury and the death of his parents, had finally cleared, truly allowing him to see the daylight peeking through the clouds. Bella.
She was his sun. She was warm and full of energy, and he had been pulled to her, gravitating to and swirling around her from the moment he'd first seen her. He took in her small frame, her mahogany locks still messy from sleep, and the way her body seemed relaxed and at ease in his – their – home, and he was immensely grateful for the second chance he'd been given to love her again and to be loved in return.
He walked toward her and she turned at the sound of his footsteps and smiled.
"Hey, you," she whispered against his lips.
"Hey," he whispered back, kissing her tenderly. "What are you doing up?"
"I wanted to watch the sunrise."
Edward wrapped his arms tightly around her, enveloping her fully as she hummed in acknowledgment. She leaned against his chest, lost in his warmth, and sighed, grateful to have found love not once, but twice. As the sun rose above the rugged mountains, she realized she was finally home.
~*SD*~
Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing this story! I can honestly say writing this story pushed me in new and exciting ways. It challenged me to think differently, to research differently, to write differently, and to take feedback/constructive criticism differently. I'm incredibly grateful to my prereaders – LZTZ and jadsmama – and the beta team – kikikinz, lexiecullen17, and Jessica1971. They read, commented, reread, tweaked some more, and finally blessed it. I'm grateful to each one of them for the immense contribution they put forth in support of this story. Thank you, ladies! I couldn't have done it without you!
Thanks to heather_dawn for the beautiful banner! She took the mountain of pictures I gave her and created exactly what I had envisioned. I hope we meet again soon, bb.
And last but certainly not least, to MsK – thank you! Thank you for purchasing me in FGB when I thought no one would, for taking a chance on me, and for giving me creative license to work this my way. You are an amazing force for good in this fandom, and I'm proud to call you a friend.
I have two or three outtakes planned and will be posting those at some point in the future, so if you haven't already put me on author alert so you get notified when they do come out! I'm for sure doing the scene between Edward and Rose. It was mentioned briefly in here, but I got SOOOO many reviews saying they couldn't wait to find out how what Rose will do/say... so, I'll work on that one first.
Thank you all again! Jess xoxo
