AN: My version of Eclipse/Breaking Dawn. How will the most romantic person on the planet, Edward Cullen, spend Valentine's Day with his sweetheart?

Disclaimer: My goal is to write as well as SM but at this point I'm only playing with her characters. I wish I could keep them but alas they belong to another - along with all the fandom, celebrity, copyrights, and money!

Chapter 13 Valentine

I was so distracted and anxious, waiting for the Quileutes' answer, that I was truly surprised when Edward showed up with a dozen red roses in my bedroom one night.

"What's this for?" I asked, scowling at him even though the flowers were beautiful. I didn't like him to spend money on me and roses weren't cheap.

"Happy Valentine's Day," he said smoothly and then rolled his eyes. "Really Bella, aren't women supposed to love receiving flowers?"

"Oh, I didn't realize it was Valentine's Day." I felt bad now, not having gotten him anything. What would you get your vampire boyfriend for Valentines Day anyway?

He laughed and laid the roses on my desk, taking me into his arms.

"I'm sorry, Edward." I looked up into his glorious face. "I do love you and the roses are beautiful. I've just been so preoccupied lately."

He laughed again, "I know, silly." He pulled me tight against him. "And, I know you've had a lot on your mind, so I took the liberty to plan our Valentine's date."

I could hear the smile in his voice – he was obviously pleased with himself.

"Really?" I pulled back so I could look up into his amused face. "And what will we be doing on our date?" I asked unable to contain the smile that crept across my face.

He led me over to the bed and sat down. "Well, the others wanted to go to Seattle to see the ballet…."

"Emmett is going to watch a ballet?" I stared at him incredulously and then burst out laughing but Edward was quick to cover my mouth before I could wake Charlie. We listened for a moment until we heard his snoring, undisturbed from across the hall.

Edward released me and I fell on the bed laughing quietly, finally pulling a pillow over my face so I could really let it out. I imagined Emmett, all dressed up, stuffed into one of those theatre chairs watching human men in tights and I burst out laughing again, smothering the sound with the pillow.

After a few minutes, when I thought I could control myself, I came out from under the pillow, wiped the tears from my face, and looked up at Edward. He was staring at me in bewilderment.

"What is so funny?"

"Oh come on, Emmett at the ballet…" I started to giggle again. "Come on Edward, the vision is so funny. Has he ever been?"

"Hmmm," Edward said thinking back. "The last time we went I believe he and Rose were on one of their honeymoons. Come to think of it, the time before that he suggested we go to a broadway production of Grease instead of the ballet that Alice wanted to see."

"Yeah – I'll bet you he's never been to one before," I said amused.

"You may be right," he admitted. "It is hard to imagine, now that I'm attempting to," he chuckled softly.

"So are we going too?"

"We can but I was hoping for something a little more …private," he said suggestively.

My stomach knotted and I smiled, liking the idea of that. "Such as?" I prompted.

"Well, since they'll all be gone, I thought we could have a quiet evening alone at the house."

It wouldn't have really mattered if he'd suggested that we go bowling, I loved spending time with Edward, no matter what we were doing. "Sounds good," I agreed.

"It's getting late," he pulled back the quilt, "and you need to be rested for our date," he said as I slid underneath it. He lay on top of the blanket and pulled me close to him.

Snuggling against him, I listened to his breathing and realized how different this Valentine's Day would be compared to last year's and I wondered what next year's would be like. I smiled against his chest at the thought of an eternity of Valentine dates with Edward. I felt his cool breath whispering in my hair as I drifted off to sleep.

After school the next day, Edward dropped me off at home instead of taking me over to the Cullen's house. "I'll pick you up at seven," he said and leaned over to kiss me on the cheek.

"Okay," I said excited and curious about our evening together. No matter how I tried to bribe him all day long at school, he would divulge nothing about our date. I turned in my seat. "Have fun at the ballet," I said to Alice.

"Thanks," she said, "it will be ….. entertaining." Her eyes twinkled and I wondered if she'd already had a preview of tonight's events and Emmett's reaction to the performance. I was sorry to miss that. I smiled at Edward once more and got out of the car.

I decided to fix dinner for Charlie ahead of time so it would be in the oven when he got home. I set a place for one at the table and propped the Valentine's card I'd bought him up against the dinner plate so he would be sure to see it.

As I climbed the stairs to my room, I wondered what to wear for my "date" tonight. Mentally, I hunted through my closet and came up sadly short-handed. I guess I'd have to let Alice take me shopping again sometime soon.

As I entered my room, I noticed a long black bag hanging from the top of my closet door. There was a note pinned to it.

For Tonight

I Love You,

Edward

I unzipped the bag and gasped at the black gown inside. It felt like silk and shimmered softly in the light. I pulled it out and held it against me. It was mid-calf length with a V-cut neckline in front and back. It was black but had a silvery metallic sheen to it that shimmered when it moved. It was a simple yet elegant design.

I noticed there was more in the bag. I reached in and pulled out a shoe box. Inside were a pair of heels – not too high, thank goodness - but made of the same shimmery silver-black material. And there was another smaller box. I cracked it open to find a pair of dainty dangle earrings – a small diamond drop swung at the bottom of each. It was a beautiful outfit and I couldn't believe he had spent so much money on it for one evening!

I shook my head realizing I would need to spend the next few hours in the bathroom trying to make myself beautiful enough to wear his gifts. By the time Charlie got home from the station, I was almost finished curling my hair and putting on the little bit of makeup I owned.

"Hi Bells," he called up the stairs.

"Hey Dad, your dinner's in the oven," I called back to him.

"Thanks for the card."

I leaned down the steps from the second floor so I could see into the living room. He was just walking in to turn on the game.

"Wow, is Edward taking you out tonight?" he asked noting my hair and makeup.

"Um, yeah, we have a Valentine's date." I couldn't stop the grin that spread quickly over my face. "I'll be down in a few minutes."

I lifted the dress carefully over my head so I wouldn't mess up my hair which cascaded down my back in a flurry of curls. Alice would have been proud. The back of the dress was cut lower than the front and it wasn't hard to get the zipper closed. I retrieved my Christmas present from the jewelry box on my dresser and secured it around my neck. The heart pendant rested perfectly on my chest above the V-neck line. I put the earrings in and I liked how they swung from my ears, dancing in the light, when I moved my head.

Finally, the last thing – the shoes. I hesitated; heels were always a dangerous thing for me as I could trip in sneakers or hiking boots without any prompting. I eyed them for a moment delaying the inevitable, it's not like I had any other choices.

I carefully slid them on and they felt surprisingly stable – well stable for heels anyway. I walked around in my room for a moment enjoying the way the dress sashayed around my legs. I felt very grown up and elegant and then I laughed at myself and rolled my eyes.

With one final look in the mirror to confirm I hadn't missed anything vital, I headed carefully down the stairs. Half way down, I heard Charlie at the door letting Edward in. I stopped and stared at him as he entered the tiny living room.

He was so handsome - no - more like outrageously gorgeous, in a dark suit. Instead of a white shirt and tie, he wore a light grey nearly silver turtleneck under the black suit coat. It was striking and somehow reminiscent of the metallic shimmer in my dress. His breath caught as he spotted me half way down the stairs.

"Bella," he whispered but I could hear him clearly across the room. Charlie let out a low whistle and I blushed crimson.

Edward glided over to the foot of the stairs reaching his hand out towards me as I made my way very carefully down the last few steps. I felt a huge sense of relief once my hand was in his.

"You look absolutely ravishing," he whispered quietly so Charlie couldn't hear.

"Bella, you look beautiful, honey," Charlie said, seeming a little shocked at my outfit.

"Thanks Dad," I said. "I think we'll be pretty late so don't wait up."

"You kids be careful out there," Charlie insisted.

"Yes, sir," Edward said, wrapping me in a black cape of fur that he had brought along.

He led me to the door of a dark sleek car that wasn't the Volvo.

"Whose car is this?" I asked perplexed.

"This is an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish," he replied not actually answering my question.

"Is it yours?" I asked wondering why I hadn't seen it before.

He just grinned in response. "It's an indulgence, I know," he said and shrugged his shoulders, backing smoothly out of the driveway. I looked around the inside of the car and felt like I was in a movie. It was like something Batman or James Bond would drive.

I noticed that the seat was warm and I felt the leather under my thigh.

"Seat warmers, do you like it?"

"Yes," I said feeling the warmth surround me. It was nice.

"I should have ordered them in your Audi," he said looking frustrated that he'd missed something I would have liked.

I laughed. "You give me too much, Edward."

He looked at me, forgetting the road for a time. "There's nothing that's too much for you," he said holding my eye contact.

I tore my eyes away and looked out the windshield, watching the trees whip by us blurring into a dark tunnel.

Serious now, I whispered, "It's too much Edward – the car, the dress, the jewelry, even you. It's all too much. I have nothing to return it with."

He took my chin in one hand and turned my face towards him. The car didn't waver though he looked straight into my eyes.

"Bella, every minute you give to me, every minute you've already given to me has been a priceless gift. A gift that money can never buy. The physical things I've given you are nothing compared to what you've given me - the most precious gift – yourself. I can never repay the time you've already given to me and this summer when I … change you…. well, that's the ultimate gift you could ever give to someone, Bella. Oh, don't you see, eternity won't be long enough for me to repay that gift."

I swallowed hard, fighting back the tears. My heart was so full I thought it might burst. I sat in amazement that his incredible man could really be meant for me. No matter what he said, I would always feel indebted to him. I would always strive to make him as happy as he made me, even though that would be utterly impossible.

There was nothing more I could say and we spent the drive through the forest to his house in silence. He parked the car in front of the house and was at my door offering his hand to me. I took it and he led me up the stairs and into the house.

The lights were dim and soft music filled the large room. In the center of the living room was a table for two, adorned with flowers and candles softly glowing. He led me to the table and pulled out the chair. I sat and looked up at him. He was even more beautiful in the candlelight, his pale skin in striking contrast to the black suit coat.

He kissed my hand. "I'll be right back," he said after getting me properly seated at the table.

In what seemed like only seconds, he was back balancing a glass of ice water, a small basket of bread, and a covered dish. I looked up at him wondering what he had concocted for me this time. He grinned and set the dish at my place, lifting the cover.

The most delicious aroma hit me as I marveled at the appealing food he'd prepared. I wasn't sure if it was a thick soup or a casserole but it was full of all of my favorites – lobster, shrimp, crab, and a multitude of vegetables that he had learned that I liked. My mouth watered as I breathed in the steam rising from my plate.

"I hope you like it," he said as he sat across from me intensely watching my face.

"It smells incredible," I grinned at him. It still made me self conscious to eat in front of him when he didn't but it couldn't be avoided so I usually just tried to keep him talking.

"Where did you get this recipe from?" I asked as I took the first bite. It tasted even better than it smelled. "Mmm," I let him know it was delicious.

"I made it up – it's my recipe," he said grinning sheepishly.

I was careful not to drop my jaw with food in my mouth, shaking my head instead. "Is there anything you can't do?" I asked once I'd swallowed, incredulous as ever.

He shrugged, "Many things, I'm sure."

"Like what?" I asked before taking another bite.

He thought for a moment, "I don't know but when I find out, I'll tell you."

I rolled my eyes and continued eating. When I was finished, he cleared the table and moved it and the chairs against one of the walls. He came and stood in front of me.

"Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?" he asked as he placed his left hand at the small of my back and his right hand found my left one. He pulled me close to him and started to move slowly around the living room floor. Even in my heels, I was able to stay balanced in his arms. Somehow, he even made me feel graceful when we danced.

I didn't really know the steps but his eyes held mine and I just relaxed, letting him move me. He never faltered but somehow always corrected, changing direction, if I took a wrong step. His eyes were smoldering down into mine and I had to keep focused on breathing.

"It's like a dream," I whispered after we'd been dancing in silence through several songs.

"If I could dream, I'd want them to be like this," he agreed as he bent down to touch his lips to mine.

"Edward," I whispered, his lips still lingering at the edge of mine.

He pulled away to look at me, "Yes, darling."

My heart melted, I loved it when he used terms of endearment like 'love or darling'. "Would you teach me how to dance?"

He smiled and laughed softly. "You are dancing."

"I know but I want to really know how. I want to be able to keep up and not just have you cover for me."

I knew that he really enjoyed dancing. Alice had told me once, that was the only thing he had ever admitted to her that he missed by not having his own mate. Once I finally realized that maybe I really could dance, at least with Edward, I began to want to, to please him. Besides, after he changed me, dancing wouldn't be hazardous to my health anymore.

"I'd love to teach you to dance," he smiled hugely, his white teeth flashing.

I knew that this was something he didn't expect from me and yet something he greatly desired. My heart leapt with joy at his reaction. I loved the occasional glimpses, like this one, of the real Edward peeking out from behind his perfectly controlled demeanor.

"You know, you've done it again," he said suddenly irritated in an amused sort of way.

"What?" I asked. I had no idea what he was talking about.

"You've outdone me with your gift tonight," he said shaking his head, "and I really tried – the dress, the dinner, the music, the privacy." He exhaled loudly as he continued to spin me around the floor.

"And don't forget the shoes," I said playing along.

He smirked and then was serious as he pulled me tight against him. "And with one little request – you topped it all. How did you know?"

I just smiled trying to look secretive and seductive at the same time; I hoped I didn't look ridiculous. Apparently, I didn't because he scooped me up into his arms and kissed me then spun around with me so fast I had to close my eyes or I'd be sick. He laughed his musical laugh and I smiled as he slowed and sank down onto the couch holding me on his lap.

Just then, I heard loud voices on the porch and a flustered Emmett burst through the door.

"Edward," he nearly shouted, "have you been to the ballet? Did you know what they were taking me to?" he demanded, completely unaware that he might have been interrupting a moment.

Edward and I looked at Emmett and then at each other and burst out laughing.

"What is so funny?" he roared. "It's just wrong – all those guys in tights. You don't really find that sort of thing attractive do you, Bella?"

I'm sure I'd have fallen off the couch I was laughing so hard, if Edward hadn't been holding onto me. I didn't want to ruin my makeup but the tears were streaming down my face with my uncontrolled mirth. Every time I looked at Emmett, his expression just got me going again.

Then Alice came in and she was giggling too. When she saw me, she came over and stole me away from Edward and we held each other laughing until I couldn't breathe. The door slammed and we looked up to see Rosalie steaming – Alice and I looked at each other and burst into another fit. Edward was laughing at us now. Emmett finally broke down and started to chuckle too.

"It wasn't funny," Rosalie yelled at Emmett, punching him so hard on the shoulder that he actually almost fell over. "We'll never be able to go back to that theatre again!"

"Well, at least not for the next fifty years or so," Jasper said entering the room chuckling too.

"What happened?" Edward finally asked.

Alice must have shot him a mental image because he looked over at Emmett shocked. "Really Emmett – what did you expect?" Edward said amused again.

I felt like I was missing the joke and apparently it was a good one. "What happened?" I reiterated, the laughter finally subsiding, although I couldn't even look at Alice for fear it might start up again like spontaneous combustion.

"Oh, Emmett made some inappropriate comments to the performers on stage regarding their costumes," Jasper explained. "And the security guards threw him out or rather they tried to. We agreed to go quietly. Carlisle and Esme almost died of embarrassment."

"Hey," Emmett interrupted to defend himself. "No self respecting man should show himself in public like those guys in the tights. You could see everything. It was disgusting. I couldn't even watch them dance."

"Sounds like you were rather preoccupied," Edward said snickering.

Emmett lunged towards us, growling at Edward, but Jasper caught him by the arm spinning him around. "Not while Bella's here, Emmett," he said no longer laughing.

Emmett stopped in his tracks. "Yeah, you're right. You know the whole thing would've been okay if they'd have just put some pants on."

Alice and I grabbed each other and burst into another round of laughter.

After the hilarity died down and Rosalie's steam ran out, I told them about Edward's romantic evening that he had planned for us. Emmett stuck his finger down his throat acting like he was gagging at Edward's sweet Valentine's date and Rosalie stalked out of the room. He followed her, obviously in trouble again, since he hadn't thought of it for her.

Alice giggled at her siblings and Jasper silently appeared next to her and whispered, "Come on my little minx, we have more celebrating ourselves to do this evening." She leapt off the couch in one lithe motion and raced him up the stairs. "Bye Bella," she called over her shoulder and they were gone.

We were alone again in the living room and Edward smiled down at me. "See what you have to look forward to. It's never boring around here."

"Can't wait," I said snuggling up against him.

He wrapped his arms around me and held me on the couch for an immeasurable time while we listened to the soft music which continued on in the background. Too soon, his arms loosened and he sighed.

"I need to get you home before Charlie sends out a posse to search for you," he teased. I groaned and let him lead me back outside to the sleek black car.

"Why don't you ever drive this car?" I asked as we sped back to Charlie's house.

"It would draw too much attention in a small town like Forks. We save it for special occasions, preferably at night."

He kissed me at the door and promised to be back as soon as Charlie was snoring.

Later that night, as Edward held me, I pondered something I needed to tell him. I knew he wasn't going to like it so I had waited - not wanting to spoil our Valentine's date.

"Edward?"

"Hmm?" He sounded like I'd pulled him from some distant place.

"Next month, during spring break, I need to go see Renee in Florida."

"Oh," he sounded surprised.

"Yeah, I need to see her before…well, you know. I need to spend some time with her."

"Oh, all right, I'll make airline reservations for us tomorrow," he offered.

"I think I should go alone," I said cringing inside. I knew he wasn't going to like it – being so far from me that he couldn't sweep in and rescue me, if needed. I didn't like it much either.

"Why?" he asked sounding a bit hurt.

"It's Florida, Edward. It's sunny all the time. It would be too weird if you stayed inside all day long and besides I just need some one-on-one time with Renee." I hoped he could understand.

He was silent for a long time.

"Edward?" I finally spoke unable to stand the silence.

His voice was strained. "I understand but I don't like it, Bella. Anything could happen and I wouldn't be there to protect you."

"Nothing will happen."

"You don't know that," he said quietly.

I turned over to look into his concerned, golden eyes, "I know that fate, or God, or whatever has brought us through some extraordinary circumstances, time after time, and I believe that we're destined to be together. So, yes, I do know or at least I truly believe that nothing will happen to me in Florida.