DISCLAIMER: I JUST OWN COPIES OF TWILIGHT AND A HIGHLY ACTIVE IMAGINATION.

By the end of the trip, the only thought that remains in my mind is Edward. Is Edward fine? Does he miss me? Has he kissed another girl? Where is he right now? I don't know anything about him since the trip started, because Romeo demanded my phone from me.

The days were fun.

Romeo, Ali and Max taught me how to ski. It was really embarrassing how two seven year olds could ski better than me, but seeing how it had been seven years since the Cullens brought me to even see the snow, I was quite rusty. By the end of the trip, my legs were covered in bruises and I had a broken left arm.

Edward would flip when he saw me.

I, however, felt quite proud of my injury, you know, after the pain faded away. I mean, now I had another tale to tell my grandchildren. Hey, kids, let me tell you about the time your grandmother thought she could ski... It was quite comical, too. I ran into a tree and put up my arm to break my fall, because if you think about it, better a broken arm than broken teeth. Those don't grow back. I also don't remember much of the pain; it was so cold and I was in so much pain I passed out, so if you're picky, you could say I was only in true pain for about one minute.

Well, but that was during the day. After everyone had gone to sleep, I would sit in front of the fire with a mug of hot chocolate, wondering how Edward's day had been. Wondering if he had thought of me at all. That was the first two nights. On the third, Romeo gave me sleeping pills (hidden in my food, because I wouldn't take them willingly) since I wouldn't stop nagging him about giving me back my phone. My arm was broken, I hadn't seen my best friend in three days and my heart was telling me to kiss the hell out of Edward once I saw him. Needless to say, I was moody and bitchy with Romeo (not the kids -I love those brats).

Romeo saw a whole new side of me.

On the other hand, injuries and Edward aside, I had a blast. The twins were hilarious, making up bad jokes and telling me anecdotes, while Romeo visibly did his best at not thinking of May. Easier said than done, though, and I had the joy and privilege of taking away his phone.

Every day, we would wake up at around nine or ten, depending on the twins. We'd have breakfast in our pajamas, shower and then take off to ski. A little after noon we'd huddle and go back to the house, where we'd make a light lunch. Then off to ski again for a couple hours, after which we'd have an unhealthy snack and laze around the house until dinnertime. We were all too tired to do anything else by the end of the day.

It really was a great vacation, injuries and heartache aside.

Romeo and I had no deep moments. We went there to have fun, and have fun we did. It wasn't like one of those movies where two friends will lie under the stars and ponder on life, and realize they're in love with each other. Not at all. Romeo and I don't roll that way. The mushiest moment we had was when I crashed into the tree and he carried me into the car so he could take me to the hospital. And I was unconscious.

Very romantic, huh?

Still, I did ponder about my feelings for Edward. I missed him in a different way I missed the rest of the gang, my uncles or Tan. I missed him the same way I'd missed Alec when he had a gig in Germany and would be gone for the weekend, or the same way I'd miss Jake when he had to study for exams and couldn't see me for a whole week: intensely and obsessively.

The vacations were, reluctantly, useful.

Romeo drops me off at Edward's directly. I'm bouncing on my seat, heart pounding, too excited at the prospect of seeing my best friend. When Romeo comes to a stop in the driveway, I kiss the three Marks siblings goodbye, swing my bag over my shoulder and hop off, sprinting to the front door.

Before I can even take my key out, the door rips open and I'm in Edward's arms.

"You can never leave for so long again."

Obviously, Edward and I are applying to college extremely close to each other or the same ones. His first option and mine are the same. We would never survive living a town away from each other.

"I won't. I promise." He notices for the first time the strange weight against his neck.

Edward steps back.

"MARKS!" he shouts, a second too late because Romeo is already speeding off down the road. Edward is fuming, unable to believe I couldn't survive one weekend without him without getting hurt.

He grabs my shoulders, furious, eyebrows pulled together.

"You idiot. Seventeen years and not a sprain. Then Romeo comes along and you get a broken arm! I'm going to kill him, and then I'm going to kill you. How did this happen?"

"I ran into a tree."

"Of course. Only you would go skiing even though you know you aren't skilled in sports in the snow."

"I'm not?"

"Why do you think we never rode on sleds as kids? Don't you remember the time we went ice skating and you fell on your ass so hard we were sure you broke your tailbone?"

Huh.

"I never thought of it that way. I assumed it was just bad luck." I see my answer doesn't exactly relieve Edward, so I give him another hug and go in the house, calling to the Cullen family members as I make my way into the kitchen for a snack.

It takes an hour and a half to calm down everyone, assuring them that it was my own fault I ran into that tree and confirming Romeo didn't put any moves on me while we were away. Edward seemed to be the most concerned about my non-existent virginity, Tan and Aunt Esme wanted to know all the details and Uncle Carlisle just kept staring at my broken arm with vicious eyes. Like he was blaming Romeo, too.

"Come on, people! Tomorrow is Christmas, we should be singing about a creepy Santa watching us and gifts and Jesus!" I chant, standing up from the kitchen's stool and twirling around my second family.

"That is true." Aunt Esme says, standing up and wiping her hands on her jeans. "You kids should go to sleep. We're baking a Christmas cake and cookies tomorrow since early in the morning, so you better save your energies for eating and cooking."

We all disperse.

Upstairs, I change in Edward's bathroom while he changes in his room. I leave the door open so we can still talk.

"For the billionth time, Edward, Romeo and I did not have sex and I do not blame him for my broken arm, so neither should you."

"My question of, did something happen? was not limited to only sex, you know."

"Then I don't get your question. Please elaborate."

"Did you maybe... Develop feelings for him?" I finish putting on my shorts (Edward's boxers) and calmly walk out of the bathroom. Edward is just sitting on the bed, waiting.

I whack him on the arm.

"What the-"

"You fool! Romeo? You think I'd fall for Romeo? I already told you a gazillion times I have no romantic feelings for Riley Paris Marks. When will you believe me?"

Unknowingly, it's this sentence that changes everything for Edward.

Intermission: Edward's Four Days Without Bella

Bell

Bella

Belle

Isabella Marie Swan

Edward turned and tossed all night, unable to settle down. The first two days without Bella had been tough, but he'd just pretended it was one of those rare weekends he couldn't see her. He'd gone out with Jamie to the Arcade, played with Emmett some basketball and had even gone to Ben's house to play videogames. But none of them were his Belle. By the third day, the itch and discomfort he felt was unbearable. He felt like he always did when he went into an exam he didn't even know he was going to have: unprepared and scared, disappointed and annoyed at life. Bella wasn't there to warm his bed on Friday or Saturday. She was supposed to be there, though. Not out with Marks.

What if she fell for Marks? A part of him wondered if she wasn't lying when she said she had no feelings for the guy. She'd said she had someone she loved, but who? Who? It made his blood boil to think she'd once again fallen for someone that wasn't him. Him, who'd loved her longer than anyone else.

Bella, Bella... He had to tell Belle how he felt. Even if she didn't feel the same.

End Intermission

Edward stands up. He goes to the door, locks it and comes to stand in front of me. His brown eyes are swirling with emotion, but I, for once, don't know what he's feeling. He's opening and closing his mouth, frustrated, furrowing his eyebrows.

"What's wrong, Tony?"

He stares at me for a second, and then he sighs, running his hands through his hair.

I just wait for him. I'd wait for him without speaking for hours on end, patiently trusting whatever he has to say is worth the wait.

After a bit more pacing, Edward finally comes to stop in front of me.

He grabs my hand that's not broken, and he places it on top of his heart. I can feel the rapid beat, see the hair at the nape of his neck curling with sweat. He's nervous.

He takes a step closer to me.

He's now close enough I have to look up to look into his eyes. He's exactly a foot taller than me.

He swallows audibly.

"Isabella."

I'm surprised. Shit just got serious.

"Edward." My voice is surprised, not as serious as his.

What he does next surprises the shit out of me.

He leans down and kisses me.

Right on the lips.

My eyes remain open, but his close. He holds my cheek with the hand that isn't holding mine against his heart. His grip on it is strong, but his grip on my cheek is soft, like he's caressing a fine china doll.

My heart thumps, and I close my eyes, exhaling.

His heart is ready to jump out of his chest.

I understand what he means, of course.

I always know.

I pull back slightly, choosing instead to rest my forehead against his.

We exhale, feeling each other's breath on our faces. We both smell of toothpaste.

We both retreat enough to clearly see into each other's eyes without being cross-eyed.

My heart is flying like a hummingbird in my chest. This kiss feels different from any other I've ever had. However simple it was, it feels just as exhilarating as one make out session had felt with Jake. Is this the effect of love?

"Bella, I love you," he wets his lips, not breaking my gaze. "I've loved you for the last four years as a woman, and my whole life as my best friend. And I know that right now, you might have someone in your heart that's not me. But I just want you to know, I love you now and I need you in my life. So please, don't hate me for how I feel..."

I bark out a laugh.

"It took you long enough, Edward." I smile at him softly, feeling his heartbeat accelerate even more. God, I love him. I turn my head in his hand and kiss his palm, fascinated by the dumbstruck expression on his face.

"Wait, what?"

"I love you, too, dummy. As if I could ever do anything but."

"So the guy you loved..."

"Is you."

He smiles. It's a brilliant smile, brighter and lovelier than I've ever thought any smile had a right to be.

Then he does the cutest thing: he blushes.

I'm sure I have a foolish expression on right now, but all Edward does is pull me to him and give me the warmest hug I've ever received.

"Thank you, Belle. Thank you."

I burrow my face in his chest, wrapping my arms around him, he rests his chin on the crown of my head, and we're two puzzle pieces finally joined together. His heart beats comfortably beneath my ear, and one of his hands rest on my waist while the other strokes my hair.

"Damn. Aunt Esme is going to have a field day with this development." I say after a few minutes, kissing Edward's chest and pulling away. He lets me go, grinning.

"Field day doesn't even cut it. She's going to rub it in our faces and then start planning our wedding."

We laugh nervously. We know his mother is capable of it.

Suddenly, Edward tackles me and dumps me on the bed. I squeak, but wrap my arms around him.

"Edward, what are you doing?" I laugh, stroking his hair with my good hand. He's lying on top of me, resting his lips against my neck, fucking heavy. But I like the weight on top.

"Enjoying you." he kisses my neck, making me giggle. I've only ever giggled because of Edward. I'm ticklish in my neck, and my best friend knows this. So he keeps kissing me there, moving up to my ear.

I laugh again. I'm an unbelievably ticklish person.

Suddenly, Edward rolls off me, and now we're both lying on our sides facing each other. Our hands are linked together in the middle, and we're near enough the other we feel intimate but far enough we don't look at each other cross-eyed.

"How long have you loved me for?"

I make the count in my head.

"Two, three weeks? I'm sorry, Edward, I really didn't pine. I only just recently realized I was in love with you."

He pouts.

"How did you come to that conclusion?"

"It was actually the object of your jealousy, Romeo, who brought it to my attention. He kept insisting on giving us a shot, and that it might work after all. I hope he's right."

"Belle, you and I will definitely work. And if by some dark miracle we don't, we need each other enough that we'll still be friends afterwards."

"Promise?"

"I swear, Isabella Marie Swan."

I smile. I smile bigger and brighter than I have... In the last six months? My whole life? Being with Edward is easy and wonderful and heartwarming.

Biting my lip, I roll so I'm lying on his hips, pressing down.

He groans, holding my waist tightly.

"Belle?"

"You know," I grin, rolling my hips and bringing my lips close to his ear. "You'll be the first virgin I'm with." I suck his earlobe in. "I really like that."

He groans louder now, but this time for a different reason.

"God, I'm so fucking jealous." He crushes me to his chest. "But, I mean... Can we wait? Is that ok? I don't want you to think I'm inexperienced or for you to get bored with me easily."

"It's fine, but... Why do you want to wait?" I ask, laying my head down on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

He hugs me tightly.

"You're important to me. I never want our relationship to be purely physical, which is what would happen if we didn't wait a bit. I'm not asking for long, just enough so that you and I know each other as a couple. You catch my drift?"

"I always do."

We fall asleep like that.

The next morning, which is Christmas, we wake up to the smell of cookies. It's Aunt Esme's evil plan to get us out of bed before ten without complaining.

I'm on my side, being held from behind by Edward. He's pressed up tightly behind me, morning wood evident, and his hands are on my boobs. It makes me blush.

"Edward." I whisper.

"Belle." He groans back in a husky voice.

"Stop groping my boobs."

"Why?" he whines, just gripping them harder. I'm too amused to be offended or turned on. Right now, he's just Edward, my best friend turned boyfriend messing around with me.

"Because your mom can walk through that door any second now and catch you being less than pure."

That makes him stop and instead slip his arms lower so he's just holding me around my waist.

"Belle..." he whispers in my ear. My eyes are still closed, and I hum in acknowledgement.

"Belle, I love you. So much."

My heart melts, and I turn around and kiss him lightly, morning breath be damned.

"I love you too, Edward. More than you can imagine."

Five minutes later, we're both brushing our teeth in front of the mirror. Edward is bumping into me, teasing. I glare mockingly, and he grins, foamy teeth and all. I roll my eyes but giggle.

When he spits out the toothpaste, he leans against the sink, waiting for me.

"Do you think we should tell our parents? Or should we wait?" he keeps talking while I consider. "I mean, on one hand, they'd be happy for us and we'd be realizing their lifelong dream. Besides, we might be a bit obvious." I nod, agreeing. "On the other hand, they'd enforce restrictions on us, what with parenting and all. They wouldn't let you sleep in my room, and they'd monitor me far more about my comings and goings."

I ponder about it. He's right about both things, so I have to choose the lesser of two evils.

I spit out the toothpaste and answer.

"I think... This is far too important to hide. And we could try compromising about the restrictions, if they enforce any at all. Who knows? Maybe Aunt Esme will be thrilled enough she'll let lose on a few things."

Edward kisses me, and when he exhales, his minty breath mixes with mine.

"I have one question though." Edward nods, listening. "Does your mother know about, you know... Your feelings for me?" I ask shyly.

He snorts.

"You kidding? She was the one that pointed it out to me. Then she told Tan and dad."

Ouch.

"So everyone knew but me."

"Correct."

"There's so much I want to ask you, but that can wait until later."

"'Kay." He pecks me on the lips, gives me a boyish grin and takes my hand, then leads us out of the room.

Hand in hand (he obviously grabbing my good hand), we walk downstairs, ready to face the music.

Aunt Esme is taking cookies out of the oven, Tan is eating dough and Uncle Carlisle is watching his women work.

Aunt Esme is the first one to see us. She drops the batch with cookies (thankfully on the kitchen table) and blinks at us.

Edward and I just stand there, ready to face his family.

Then Tan and Uncle Carlisle look up, startled by the noise. They follow Aunt Esme's train of sight, and stop at our linked hands.

"Bella, were the two of you playing with glue and got stuck again?"

Yes, it has happened. Recently. As in, less than a year ago.

"No." Edward answers cheerfully.

"Young man, would you care to explain? I think your mother is about to have a real heart attack if she doesn't get an answer now." Edward's dad mutters, looking intently at our hands.

"We're dating." I smile, and Aunt Esme takes a breath.

Then she and Tan squeal.

I think they have reached new volumes unknown to men.

Uncle Carlisle, Edward and I flinch.

Suddenly, I'm not in the kitchen anymore. I'm sitting on Aunt Esme's bed, with her and Tanya standing in front of me with interrogating eyes.

"When?"

"Where?"

"How?"

"Who?"

I stop them before I can no longer answer their questions.

"When? Yesterday night. Where? Edward's room. Who? Him. How? I was reassuring him I wouldn't fall for Romeo, and the next second he kissed me. When I didn't slap him, he told me he loved me, and I told him I loved him too. The end."

Tanya groans.

"How boring."

"How sweet!" squeals Aunt Esme, obviously excited. "I knew it, I knew it! You're going to be my daughter someday, Bella!"

I blush. Aunt Esme, you're thinking way ahead.

Like, 'you're freaking me out' ahead.

One lone butterfly, though, dances across my stomach.

I squash it.

"Mom, stop it, you're embarrassing Bella." Tanya's eyes glint with mischievousness. "Did you do it?"

"Tanya!"

"TAN!" I growl, tomato red. "Seriously, in front of Aunt Esme?"

"She has a point; I'm still Edward's mother." Aunt Esme agrees, then turns to me slyly. "But, as your Aunt Esme, I really want to know."

Blushing beat red, I answer.

"No, we didn't. Edward said he wants to wait, and I respect that."

"My brother is such a little girl." Tan huffs, annoyed. "I thought with all the experience he has, he'd be able to teach our Bella something."

I blush even harder and squeeze my eyes tightly.

"Actually, Edward isn't as experienced as he seems. As a matter of fact, he's a virgin. I'm the experienced one, not to say slutty." I want to say, but I figure that might be a violation of his trust, so I say nothing.

"Oh, leave him alone. My son is just a romantic like that." Aunt Esme hushes her daughter then turns to me, smiling. "Oh Bella, you don't know how happy you make me. My son has been in love with you close to four years, and it was all I could do not to tell you."

That reminds me of something.

"So that means that when I dated Jake, he..."

Aunt Esme nods.

"Was in agony the whole time. I swear that boy might as well have been a breathing stone all those months you dated. During the accident, he was worse than a ghost. When I saw him arrive at the hospital, he was pale and shaking and cursing, and he didn't calm down one bit until we knew you'd make it. He cried the whole time we were waiting."

I feel saddened by that.

Aunt Esme isn't done being a mamma bear, though.

"You know, the first couple of months were hard on Edward because he didn't know what to say to you. What do you say to the woman you love who nearly died over another man? After that, he was just so confident that you blamed him he tortured himself over and over. I hope that nothing like that ever happens again."

There's a hint of warning in her tone. I might be like a daughter to her, but Edward is her real son.

I nod in understanding.

"Edward and I still have a lot to talk about."

Aunt Esme changes the subject.

"So, you're going to visit your mom today?"

I nod.

"At night. I'm spending Christmas with her; I already left her a voicemail telling her."

Aunt Esme glances at me innocently.

"And will you be taking your boyfriend?"

The way she says it makes me blush.

"I thought about it, but I want it to be just mom and I. I'll tell her of the developments, of course, but..." I sigh. "Mom and Edward haven't seen each other in close to five years; sure they saw each other in the hospital, but I don't suppose they had anything all that happy to talk about. Edward said my mom was so upset she wouldn't even look at anyone but me. I guess I just want to be sure Edward meets the Renée Higginbotham he remembers."

Not the drunkard of a mother I left behind.

After twenty minutes of interrogation, Aunt Esme lets me go. Well, that's playing on technicalities, because then Edward and I have to face the stare down from the parental unit.

"So, the two of you are dating."

"Yes."

"Since when?"

We answer at the same time.

"Yesterday."

"I have no more questions." Uncle Carlisle tells his wife, who glares at him.

"Well... Neither do I." she relents, but then her mouth hardens. "However, we do need to talk about rules."

"Have fun, kids. Just remember: I'm too young to be a grandfather. Use protection." Uncle Carlisle stands, grunting. Edward and I grow red.

"Carlisle Cullen, I'm going to kill you!" Aunt Esme growls after her husband's retreating figure.

Edward and I just sit... waiting.

Aunt Esme looked to be deep in thought. Her future decision would make or break Edward and I.

"Since my husband will not take the matter of you dating with more seriousness, it seems like it's up to me to be the bad guy." She takes a deep breath. "Bella, whenever you sleep over, you'll stay with Tanya. Edward, whenever you go over to Bella's, since I can't stop you, you have to be back before midnight. Lastly, just like Carlisle said, use protection. That's all. Now, go shower so we can get on with the cooking. You have forty minutes to come down."

Edward and I dash upstairs.

Locking the door behind us, Edward wiggles his eyebrows.

"Let's conserve water?"

I bark out a laugh. I start picking out my clothes; jeans and one of Edward's shirts.

"No way José. You were the one that said you didn't want a purely physical relationship. Let's go on our first date, then let's talk about being eco-friendly."

He pouts, hugging me from behind.

"Can I at least grope you?"

He kisses my neck.

"Can I stop you?"

"Never."

"Then just refrain from doing it in public." I sigh. He slips his hand under my shirt and grabs my boobs. There's nothing sexual in the way he grabs me, only affection.

"I really love your boobs, Bella. Always have."

He sighs, resting his forehead against my neck and slipping down his hands, so they're simply wrapped around my waist.

"I feel like this is a dream, you know? Four years of unrequited love. Worth every second, but not fun at all."

My heart melts a bit.

"I'm sorry it took me so long." I put my hands on top of his. "The heartache I've put us through... So much could've been avoided if only someone had opened my eyes before." I sigh. "We owe Romeo a lot."

His arms tighten around me.

"You two really did nothing?"

"I'm gonna hit you if you ask again." I threaten, not truly angry. "My heart and body are yours. What more do you want from me?"

"Everything." He answers immediately. He turns me around, grabbing my face in his hands. "I haven't spent a day without knowing you, and my promise to you is I'll always stand by you. As your boyfriend, as your friend, husband, father of your children and grandchildren... There is nothing in this world that will tear me away from you. Nothing. Not even death." He gives me a kiss to seal the promise.

I love him.

I love him enough that right now, the prospect of marrying him and having a future does not scare me, because there is no other way.

A future with him is the only thing I've always been sure of.

"Edward. I love you." I smile widely, kissing him again. "Even if you're a little clingy sometimes," I tease, winking to let him know I'm kidding. "But now you have to let me shower, or Aunt Esme will get mad. You know she means forty minutes."

"Ok." He gives me another peck, and after a bit more coercing, he leaves.

Really, he's too cute.

I shower in ten minutes and am completely ready in another ten. I wear jeans and Edward's green shirt along with my red converse. What? I'm festive.

When I get out, Edward is already sitting on his bed, just towel-drying his hair.

"Bella, there's something I've never told you." I wait, pulling my hair into a French braid.

"What?"

"I love it when you wear my clothes." I grin.

"And if I told you I'm wearing your boxers underneath?"

His mouth drops.

"Are you?"

"Yes." I wink, grinning. "Can't I wear my boyfriend's things?"

He groans.

"Are you trying to kill me?"

"No. Just torture you."

We walk out of his room hand in hand.

We find Aunt Esme kneading some dough. She likes making fresh bread for special occasions. At this point, I'm not sure if we're celebrating Christmas or Edward and I.

"Is it potato bread?" I lick my lips, looking at it. Edward and I are still always-hungry hyenas. Both of us want food.

"Yes. Help yourself to breakfast, ok? I know I sent you up with empty stomachs."

We salute her, not wasting a second in running and collecting food, stacking our plates with pancakes (the big ones, times four), sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs and a slice of the potato bread, all Aunt Esme was willing to give up. And when we had scraped the plate to the last crumble, Edward sneaked me some sliced bread with Nutella. I swear Edward and I are going to be fat one day. Like, really fat.

"You're going to drive us into the ground." Aunt Esme comments, frowning, once Edward and I come back down from washing our teeth and grabbing our shit. "By the way, Bella, you're going to your mother's today, right? I want to send her a Christmas gift."

I give her a tight smile. She knows the answer to that.

"I am, in a couple of hours. Right now, Edward and I are going out to buy the presents, though." I avert my eyes from Aunt Esme's watchful eye. She's the devil's advocate. Mom's friend, in other words.

"Make sure to spend time with her, ok? And try not to fight with her. We all know the two of you aren't exactly pleasant to each other if you think the other is in the wrong."

Well, she certainly knows me.

"I know, I know. I promise not to start any fights. So long as she doesn't start drinking or calling me names." Aunt Esme glares, but I'm only half-joking. I flash her a big smile, then hook my arm through Edward's. "Well, pleasant as this conversation is, Edward and I need to get going. That is, of course, if we want to buy the presents before New Years."

We make a disappearing act, taking Aunt Esme's car.

It's a surreal experience. Instead of goofing off, like we usually do during a car ride, Edward lays his hand over the console, and it looks so lonely I link our fingers together, and we feel like a real couple, the type to go hand in hand even while driving. It makes me happy, so we drive in content silence, not wanting to spoil the mood.

When we reach the mall, we go through the tedious task of finding a parking spot, then deciding what to do first.

Because we have bottomless pits for stomachs, we have ice cream first.

Sitting down at the parlor, we eat contently.

"Hey, Bella, I want to ask you something..." Edward begins, and it's never a good beginning to a sentence, but I let him ask anyways. "How... How many guys have you slept with?"

I tense.

"Two guys. Alec and Jake. Why?"

He shrugs, licking his ice cream.

"Masochist curiosity, I guess." I raise an eyebrow. Bullshit. He sighs, knowing I'm onto him. "And Jamie has been rigging me about it, telling me you'll laugh at my virgin ass with how inexperienced I am."

I roll my eyes.

"Remind me to skin Jamie when I see him." I grab his hand, sticky with ice cream and chocolate syrup. "I find it sweet that you waited for me. Why would I laugh?"

"Well, because we're still us."

I understand.

"How about this. I promise not to laugh if something goes wrong the first time we have sex. I'll be on my best behavior." My lip twitches. "Even if the ride is over too quickly."

He groans.

"Please pray with me that that won't happen. Ever. How mortifying."

I chuckle, ruffling his hair. Now he's got ice cream everywhere, just like me. I'm a messy eater, what can I say.

"Please tell me I don't have ice cream on my hair."

"You don't have ice cream on your hair."

"You're lying, aren't you?"

"No, I'm just complying." I smile brightly, then laugh at his face. "Come on, Cupcake. We've got shopping to do."

Yay, our favorite couple is finally an item! (*cheers*) So, this chapter was actually supposed to be longer (and with sexy times) but FFN is acting up again, so I couldn't upload it. I've got the first half of the next chapter though already edited and ready to go (it's like 3k words long so far), but I'm working on the rest. So, I'm thinking next chapter and an epilogue, yeah? Also, thanks so much for the reviews and kind words. :) Keep sending me love.

Leah.

P.S. Here's a teaser of the next chapter:

Once the door is locked behind us, he follows me to the bedroom, where I take out a change of clothes and put them in a duffle bag. While I rummage, Edward lays down on my bed, locking his fingers behind his head. When I'm done packing, I turn to face him, only to realize he's watching me intently. I smile.

"See something you like?"

"Something I love."

Oh stop it, you. Not really; keep going. Kicking off my shoes, I get on top of the bed… on top of my boyfriend. Plopping my ass down on his crotch, I laugh when he lets out a long groan.

"Are you trying to torture me?"

I shrug.

"A bit. Make out with me, Tony." I tease, leaning forward so my chest is touching his and my nose is buried in his neck.

He moans.

"When you put it that way…" He suddenly buckles up, putting his hands on my butt and turning to plant his lips on mine.