Epilogue

Time seemed to move differently after I stopped running. Everything slowed down, suddenly becoming hundreds of different moments and experiences instead of the blur I had become used to. I was truly living for the first time since my death, finally stopping to let emotions run their course.

This time, there wasn't the constant worry that Freda might have survived. I couldn't stand to stay and watch the last time, but now I knew she was dead, and it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Carlisle had done something with the serum that absolutely everyone but me knew about, but whenever I asked either Leah would kiss me, Jacob would punch me, or Brady would ask to go driving. For a while I thought I had a pretty good deal; whenever I wanted to make out with Leah I could just ask about the serum again, but after thirteen drives with Brady over a three day period, I realized I might not have thought it through all the way.

I became almost a constant presence at Leah's side, but something fundamental had changed. Suddenly she was looking at me and seeing me, and I was looking at her without the cloud of Freda hovering over me.

There was a window in her house, a small window seat that could barely fit one person that looked out across the beach. Sometimes we would curl up there, watching the droplets of rain chase each other and reveling in each other's presence. Today was one of those days, a peace like I had never known settling over me.

Leah lay with her head against my chest, her eyes almost closed and her breaths coming slower and slower. My arms encircled her completely, holding on as if I would never let go. But not cuddling, because we certainly didn't cuddle. That was one of the ground rules. That, and no nicknames, no 'dates', no surprises, and no presents. Come to think of it, I wasn't very good at following Leah's rules.

I leaned down until my mouth was up against her ear, her dark hair tickling the edges of my lips. "I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you."

Leah stiffened for a second, her hands curling into fists, and the peaceful expression gone from her face. "New rule. No saying things like that."

"Even if it's true?"

"Especially if it's true."

"It's not my fault you're so easy to fall in love with. I'm just a helpless victim."

Leah frowned and sat up completely, glancing at the space between us. "Does this count as cuddling?"

"Nah. I'd say it's just pre-making out." Making out was one of the few things that were definitely allowed.

Leah nodded and settled back onto my chest. "Good. But seriously, no more saying things like that."

I let out a melodramatic sigh. "If you insist. But I'll still think it." I kissed just below her earlobe in the place that always made her squirm. "Every time I see you, I'll think 'I'm in love with her.' And we'll both know what I'm thinking."

"Why do I put up with you?" Leah grumbled.

"Probably out of pity. You know, first it was the pity date, and then the pity kiss, and then the pity s-"

"Shut up!" Leah interrupted, almost smiling. "I think I might be under your mind control. That would explain why I don't kill you every time you open your mouth."

"Hmmm, I don't think so. You don't seem to need any persuasion when it comes to me."

Leah grunted but didn't say anything else, just grabbed my hand in a rare display of affection and closed her eyes again. I leaned my head back against the couch, trying to memorize every detail of her body against mine. This moment, right here, right now, was what I lived for. Was what I could keep on living for.

And for a while it didn't matter that the Cullens were leaving and Leah and I would have to face up to the fact that I was most likely staying behind for her. It didn't matter that sometimes she would wake up crying out Sam's name, or I would flinch when she touched my neck. All that mattered was her face turning upward, her lips brushing against mine, and the words whispered so softly that they blurred together with the steady beat of the rain, barely discernable. "I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you too."

Thank you so much to everyone who read the story, followed, favorited, and reviewed! It means so much that you guys enjoyed my writing. I hope you like the ending, and if you have any questions feel free to pm me.