We jump ahead just a little... hope you love this one as much as I loved writing. It might be my favorite chapter to date.

Chapter Fourteen

Three Months Later.

"Good morning; Mr. Masen's office, how can I help you?"

"Good morning, Kate, it's me."

"Mr. Masen, good morning."

"Any messages?"

"No, no messages. Are you on your way in?"

"I'm actually not coming in today, Kate," Edward said. He could hear Kate's shock in the dead air on the other end of the line. "Breathe, Kate, it's okay."

"I'm sorry, sir, but you never... are you calling out today, sir?" Kate asked, trying to mask her laughter.

"Yes, I guess you could say I am," Edward answered. "I have something personal I need to tend to. I'm trusting you can handle things while I'm out of the office?"

"Of course, Mr. Masen," she replied. "Will you be in on Monday?"

"Yes, I will be," Edward answered. "You can reach me on my cell if there are any major issues, otherwise I'll see you on Monday, Kate."

"Okay, Mr. Masen, have a good weekend."

"You as well," Edward said before disconnecting the call.

Edward grabbed his keys and wallet and headed out of the penthouse. After a short drive, Edward pulled up at Bella's apartment building.

He had been planning this day for the better part of a month and now it was here. He knew she was off from work today and he knew she was not expecting him to be at her doorstep; he was supposed to be at work, after all.

Edward parked his car and and walked into the building, taking the elevator to the fourth floor. When he got to her door, he pulled out his cell phone. He knew she'd be sleeping and he didn't want to startle her by knocking on her door.

He dialed her number and waited for her to answer.

Bella was sound asleep in her bed. It had been a long time since she had a long weekend off. She didn't have to be in work today because her patient was in the hospital having a procedure done. Bella grumbled when she heard her cell phone ringing. She reached over to her bedside table and opened one eye to see who was calling her at the ass crack of dawn on her day off. She grinned when she saw it was Edward.

"'Lo," she said sleepily in the phone.

"Hey, babe, good morning. I'm sorry to wake you."

"It's k," she replied.

"I need you to do me a favor," Edward said.

"S'ok."

"Love, I need you to get out of bed and open your front door."

"Huh? Why?" Bella asked, waking up a little.

"Because I'm standing outside your door. Can you let me in please?"

"You're here?" Bella asked. "Edward, you're supposed to be at work."

"I know, I played hookie today."

"You did what?" Bella sprang out of her bed and raced over to the front door, completely forgetting she had just woken up and probably looked like a mess. She opened the front door to find Edward standing on the other side holding a large bouquet of sunflowers. Her favorite.

"I said I played hookie." He chuckled when she opened the door. Then he gasped when he realized she was wearing one of his t-shirts. A t-shirt he had been looking everywhere for. "Well, now I know where that shirt got off to."

Bella looked down and realized she had been busted. "Oh, um... yeah. I sort of took it a few weeks ago. I like sleeping in it when I'm not with you. It smells like you." She blushed.

"Well, good thing you look so damn hot in it," Edward said. "So, can I come in or what?"

"Oh shit, sorry," Bella said, moving aside so Edward could come inside. "Those are beautiful."

"They're for you."

"What's the occasion?" Bella asked, walking into the kitchen in search of a vase.

"Just because I love you," Edward replied, setting the sunflowers down. He smiled when he remembered his mother's words in the letter she wrote him about buying Bella's flowers just because.

"Aw, I love you too," Bella replied. "So, what's this about you playing hookie? You must have killed Kate with shock when you told her you weren't coming in."

"Pretty much," he replied and then wrapped his arms around Bella from behind as she placed the flowers in the vase. He then kissed her neck.

"Edward, I haven't even brushed my teeth," Bella protested.

"So," he said. He then turned her around swiftly so she was now facing him. Edward pushed Bella up against the counter and then lifted her up on the surface. "Now where was I?"

"I don't rightly know," Bella said.

"I think we were right here," Edward said and then he pulled her closer to him so he was between her legs and his groin was right against her center. He leaned in and kissed her, instantly deepening the kiss. Bella moaned as soon as she felt Edward's tongue tangle with hers. They continued to kiss passionately until Edward pulled back. "Come on, let's go. Get in the shower and get dressed," he said and then pulled her off the counter and back to her feet.

"What?" Bella asked, her head fuzzy from Edward's kiss. "Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise; now get your fine ass in the shower and brush your teeth." Edward chuckled.

Bella grumbled as she left the kitchen and went into her bathroom. A few minutes later she walked back into the living room to find Edward. She snickered, as she was only wearing a towel.

"Edward?"

"Yeah?" he asked as he looked up from the TV to find Bella standing there, wet and in a towel. "Jesus Christ," he stuttered, clearing his throat. "What's up?"

"Oh, I was just wondering what the dress code was for whatever we're doing?" Bella grinned.

"Whatever... um clothes—yeah, clothes would be good. Casual... I think." Edward moved to shift himself on the couch. His cock was rock hard. "Damn, Bella, really?"

"What?"

"What my ass. Please go get dressed."

"Okay, if you insist," Bella said as she turned on her heels. She grinned at herself before she dropped her towel and walked back into the bedroom, giving Edward an eyeful.

"Fuck," Edward groaned and then adjusted himself in his jeans. His girlfriend was an evil woman and he loved her more than his own life.

A few minutes later, Bella came out of the bedroom dressed in skinny jeans and a dusty blue sweater. Her hair was pulled up in a loose pony tail and she wore silver flats on her feet. She grabbed her purse and smiled at Edward.

"You okay there, boss man?" She knew he was having issues in his pants and she also knew he would make her pay for her little stunt later on. Oh how she couldn't wait.

Edward looked up and smiled. As much as he loved seeing her naked, he was glad she was dressed this time because he really wanted to get on with his surprise. Later he would get her naked again so he could taste every inch of her body.

"I'm good," Edward answered. "You ready to go?"

"I'm ready," she replied.

They walked out of Bella's building hand in hand and out to Edward's car. He opened the door for Bella, and once she was inside, Edward got in the driver's side. He looked over at her and smiled as he started the car.

Bella looked out the window and then back at Edward questioningly when she realized he was getting on the freeway headed towards Forks.

"Edward, are we going to Forks?"

"Maybe." Edward grinned at her. She bit her lip. That drove him crazy. "Okay, yes, we're going to the house. My surprise is waiting there for us."

"Seriously? But that's a four hour drive."

"I know how long it takes to get to Forks, Bella."

"I'm confused."

"We're going there for the weekend. We'll be back on Sunday."

"What?" Bella shrieked. "The whole weekend? Why didn't you tell me before we left my apartment?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Edward laughed.

"I haven't even packed anything, Edward."

"Everything you need will be waiting for you at the house. Do you trust me?" he asked her as he looked over at her.

"Of course I trust you," she replied with a smile. She relaxed back in her seat and looked out the window.

After stopping once for gas, Edward turned down the familiar street in Forks. Bella sighed; she hadn't been to the house since Esme passed away, but now this house belonged to Edward.

Edward pulled into the driveway, parked his car, and looked over at Bella before he got out of the car. He walked over to the passenger side and opened the door. He extended his hand to Bella and she took it as she got out of the car.

Edward led Bella up to the front door and used his key to unlock the door. He opened the door and allowed Bella to walk in first. Once she did, she gasped when she saw rose petals scattered all over the floor.

"Edward... when? How?" she asked.

"Come on," he said. Edward took Bella's hand and led her up the stairs to the second floor. Bella looked around and saw there were rose petals all over the stairs and all over the kitchen as well. She looked down the hall to the living room and there were some there, she was stunned.

Edward led Bella outside to the back desk where more white rose petals were scattered and a table was set for two. The back yard looked beautiful this time a year.

"I thought we could have a nice lunch," Edward suggested.

"That sounds nice," Bella said, still dumbfounded.

Edward pulled out a chair for Bella to sit in and then kissed her forehead.

"I"ll be right back." Edward walked back in the house, and a couple minutes later, he came back out pushing a small cart.

Bella watched as he placed a warm plate of crab cakes in front of her. He filled her glass with wine and then placed his plate in front of his seat. Edward took his seat and smiled across the table at Bella who looked confused.

"This is amazing," she said. "How did you do this, Edward?"

"I had some help," Edward said. "I just called Seth to see if he could do me a solid. He was happy to help and got everything ready for when we arrived."

"Wow, well again, thank you. This looks wonderful."

Edward smiled again and they both enjoyed their lunch. Once they were finished, Edward cleaned up and then came back out to the backyard with a fresh glass of wine for Bella.

"I love it back here, it's always so beautiful," she said, sipping her wine. "Are you okay being back here?" she asked.

"I'm fine," Edward said. "I think I can feel my mom here. I'm glad my dad didn't sell the house. I'm glad we can make new memories here. Memories of our own."

Bella looked over at Edward and smiled. She leaned into him as he wrapped his arm around her.

"So, was this your surprise? A nice weekend away in Forks?" Bella asked.

"It's part of it, but you'll get the real surprise a little later," Edward answered.

"There's more?" Bella questioned.

"There's always more, Bella," Edward said.

Feeling tired, Bella went up to Edward's bedroom on the third floor to lie down for a little while. Once she crawled into his bed, she remembered when she came into his room the night he got drunk at the bar. When she came in and kissed him, Bella knew then that she was falling in love with Edward. Those thoughts brought Bella to a sound sleep with a smile on her face.

Edward was downstairs and decided to call Seth to thank him for his help.

"I'm gad it all worked out," Seth said. "I did what you asked for the yard too."

"Thanks, man, I owe you one," Edward replied.

"Are you nervous?" Seth asked.

"Nah, I love her. I'm excited."

"I'm happy for you, man," Seth said. "I'm glad things are going well for you."

"Thanks," Edward answered. "You're a great friend, Seth. I'm sorry we lost touch all those years ago."

"Me too," he agreed. "But we're good now. It's nice to have my best friend back in my life."

"That it is," Edward said. "Well, thanks again for your help. I"ll give you a call tomorrow."

"Okay, Edward, later."

Edward hung up the phone and then decided to get the last minute details ready for when Bella woke from her nap.

(*)

A few hours later, Bella came back downstairs, changed and refreshed and in search of her boyfriend.

"Edward?"

There was no answer. Bella looked in the kitchen and then she noticed the back door was open. She slowly walked out on the deck, and once she was standing in the middle, the entire back yard lit up in a thousand white lights.

"Oh my god," Bella gasped. She looked around and then her attention went to Edward, who was standing to her side holding a single red rose. "Edward, this is so beautiful."

"You put it to shame," he said, walking toward her. He handed her the perfect rose and took her hand in his. "Come with me."

Edward led Bella down to the grass and all she could do was look up at the twinkling lights. She had never seen anything like it. Even though it was dark outside, the lights lit up the back yard almost like twilight.

Edward stopped in the middle of the yard and then turned his body so he was standing in front of Bella. He looked in her eyes and saw her love; he knew the moment was here.

"Bella," he started and then blew out a breath. "When I came home here months ago to be with my mom, I had no idea my life was going to change. I had no idea I was going to find you in the kitchen taking care of my mother. I had no idea that I was going to fall in love. You have changed my life in ways that I never saw coming. In ways that I didn't think was in the cards for me. The way you cared for my mother, cared for me and my dad, made me see just how special you are."

Tears were streaming down Bella's face as she listened to Edward's declaration of love. Edward took a deep breath and continued.

"We kissed for the first time out here, do you remember?" Bella nodded. "That kiss made everything so clear. I think I fell in love with you that night. Then when my mom died, you were there for me. You held me and let me cry in your arms. You stayed with me through her funeral, and even after I acted like a jerk, you forgave me and allowed me the chance to love you. Loving you has been the best thing to come into my life. You are the only one I have ever given my heart to and no one else will ever have it. I want to make a life with you. I want us to come to this house and make memories. I want us to bring our babies here one day and tell them all about their nana."

Bella gasped from Edward's words of babies. He wanted to have babies with her? The realization of what was about to happen hit Bella and her tears fell more rapidly now.

"Edward..."

"I love you," he said, cutting her off. "I love you more than anything in this world. My heart is so full of love for you that it sometimes hurts when we're not together. I don't want to spend another night apart. I want to go to sleep with you every night and wake up next to you every morning. I want to have babies with you, Bella. But before we make babies, I want to make you my wife." Edward reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the royal blue ring box. He held it in his palm for Bella to see. "In my mom's letter to my dad, she told him she wanted him to give this to me. She wanted me to have her ring, a ring my father gave her so many years ago, to give to the woman I love. She wanted me to have it so I could give it to you."

Edward sank down to his knee and opened the ring box revealing his mother's diamond ring to Bella. As soon as Bella saw the ring, her breath caught in her throat. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

"Bella, will you please spend the rest of your life with me? Will you spend your life with me here and make our own memories? Will you marry me?"

Bella could not control her tears. Her heart was about to burst in her chest from all the love she felt for this man kneeling before her.

"Y-yes," she choked out. "Yes, I will marry you."

Edward rose to his feet and pulled Bella into his arms. He kissed her as he held her. Bella kissed him back as she held onto him with all her strength. Her legs felt like they were going to give out on her.

Edward pulled back some so he could pluck the ring out of the box. He shoved the box back in his pocket and reached for Bella's left hand. He slowly slid the ring onto her third finger, a perfect fit.

"It's so beautiful," Bella said, looking down at it. "I will protect and cherish it forever."

"I love you," Edward said.

"I love you too, so much."

Edward leaned back in and captured her lips again with his own, once again sealing the deal.

A/N: I think I smiled my whole way through writing this one. Hope you all liked Edward's proposal and how special that house will always be to them.

Thanks once again and forever to Chandrakanta for fixing all my mistakes and being an awesome beta! My stories would not be the same without her.

Next update will be soon-ish. I'm almost done writing CH 15, so give me some time and I'll have it to you soon.

Tell me what you're thinking...you know I love to know.

XOXO