Thirteen
He took her hand, feeling the muscle-memory of the act. A wave of nostalgic longing flowed over him.
She squeezed his hand, "I've been waiting for you."
"I'm here now, love. We're here now." He bent to kiss her hand.
"I-I didn't want to be here alone," she whispered.
He nodded, "I stepped out of the cottage and into this place. I was panicked and heartsick at losing you. I—I should have stayed, waited for you." he placed his forehead on their joined hands.
She ran her fingers through his hair, her touch soft, soothing. "No, I'm glad you did. They woke me. I don't think I would have been able to come back. I was so afraid I had abandoned you to that cold, dreary room." Her voice hitched and he looked up to a tear sliding down her cheek.
He rolled closer and she turned toward him. In the intimacy of lovers, he kissed her tears away and tenderly claimed her plump lips.
"I missed you so damn much, Bella," his voice cracked, "not another day without you, promise me."
"We found each other, Edward," she said with awe, "Not another moment, I promise."