After a long discussion about our future, I bought the house. Bella wanted to stay here after she graduated, and work in a clinic close to home—I wanted to be close to the bar, so it was right for both of us. A place we could build our life together and be happy.

I signed the papers first thing Monday, and asked for a two week closing, much to the owner's delight. I was ready to move into the new place and so was Bella. She had thought about staying in the dorm until the year was up, but after another blow up with her boyfriend, Moaning Myrtle announced she was staying in the dorm permanently. Bella changed her mind, deciding to move in right away and I encouraged her to do so.

One of my long time bartenders took the apartment upstairs and I was pleased to know the person who would be staying there. I planned on leaving most of the furniture behind for him—it was great for the apartment and a single guy, but I wanted the new place to be different. We'd gone shopping and bought a new sofa and a kitchen table, my other bed fit in the guest room well, so we could take our time and furnish this place as we found things we liked.

The only thing we did right away was add the same sort of skylight above our bed I had in the apartment. Bella had come to love watching the sky and seeing the stars as much as I did. It brightened up the room in the day and would feel familiar when I slipped into bed at night, the addition of Bella beside me, perfect. I loved watching the falling snow drift by with her curled up against my side, and I looked forward to many years of that in the new house.

I woke up early and excited on moving day. I'd picked up the keys the day before and Bella had stayed at the dorm, packing up her boxes. Some of her friends wanted the evening with her, and they ordered in pizza and had a girls' night before she left. My first trip today would be to go pick her up and take her to our new home. I grabbed my phone and texted her.

Last night I'm sleeping without you—ever—Cupcake. I hate it when you're not with me.

Me too, Cowboy. Love you.

I grinned like an idiot at the screen. I loved seeing those words. I loved hearing her say them even more.

I'll be there in fifteen. I love you too.

I looked around at the apartment, thinking back to the months I had spent in it. For the longest time, it had simply been a place to sleep, get away from the bar after a long day and be alone. Once Bella entered my life, it became a private place for us and meant more. The memories were more poignant—the day I told her about my accident, her sweet acceptance of my limitations. Spending time together, getting to know her. Making love to her slow and gentle or fucking her hard and fast on the couch, the counter, against the wall—anywhere I could get her under me, crying out in ecstasy as I took her. I loved watching her fall apart, hearing her whimper my name, or curse in her sexy, breathless voice as she shattered around me.

And now we'd have a whole new place to create memories in for a very long time.

I grabbed a couple boxes and hurried down the stairs.

My girl was waiting.

**BR**

I laughed at the conga line waiting for me when I pulled up in front of the dorm. Ever watchful, Bella made sure I wasn't going up and down the stairs, instead all her dorm friends had her boxes waiting and in a matter of only fifteen minutes they were safely stowed in the truck. Most of her stuff was books—my girl loved books. The rest were her clothes and personal items—she had no furniture to be moved. Her eyes were bright with excitement as she swung herself into the truck, a wide grin on her face.

"Ready, Cupcake?"

"Take me home, Cowboy."

Leaning over, I grabbed her face between my hands and kissed her—hard. The cat calls were loud and I smiled against her sweet mouth.

"With pleasure."

**BR**

Bella giggled as I swooped her into my arms and carried her over the threshold, into our new home. The empty rooms echoed with the sound of her laughter as I set her on her feet.

"In about ten minutes this place will be filled with boxes and people."

She gazed up at me earnestly. "You won't overdo, right?"

I smiled down at her—always worried. My leg was stronger than ever thanks to her and Garrett, but I had realized how my stubbornness wasn't helping me at times. I stopped trying to prove there was nothing wrong and took better care of myself. I left the slugging of heavy objects to the younger guys and made them go up and down the stairs endless times a day.

I refused to stop carrying her though. I loved holding her in my arms.

"I won't. I'll stick to boxes and light stuff. But before the madness starts…"

I reached in my pocket and slipped a small box into her hand.

"What's this?"

"A surprise. Open it."

She lifted the lid and gasped in delight. "Edward!"

I plucked the sparkling pendant from the box, holding it up to the light. The small diamonds embedded in the key caught the light streaming in the window, their reflection bouncing on the walls.

"To help you remember today, Bella. Our new home, and my heart. You hold the key to both of them."

Her eyes filled with tears.

"Can I put it on for you?"

Lifting her hair, she turned and I fastened the silver chain, dropping a kiss on the back of her neck. She turned back, looking down at the glimmering key, holding it in her fingers and stroking the surface.

"It's beautiful."

I lifted her chin. "So are you."

"I love you," she whispered.

I pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Always, baby."

Her breathing picked up, her arms sliding around my neck. Our mouths met, tongues tangling and I groaned as I pulled her to my chest. When she was this close, the world around me ceased to exist—all I felt, all I wanted was her. Closer. More.

I always wanted more with her.

Until the sounds of laughter and heavy feet outside made me draw back. "The troops are here."

Her dark eyes danced. "Rain check?"

"Tonight."

She grinned and stood on her tiptoes, kissing me again.

"Every night—forever."

Grinning, I followed behind her as she went to the door.

Forever. I liked that.

**BR**

Bella shifted next to me, her hands fidgeting. I wrapped my arm around her waist, tugging her to my side. "Relax. There's nothing to be nervous about."

"I hope so," she mumbled.

I dropped a heavy kiss on her head. "They're so anxious to meet you. It's gonna be great—I promise."

People started coming out of the security area and I scanned the crowd looking for my father's silver hair. It was a few days before Christmas and my parents were coming to spend the holidays with us. They had both spoken to Bella over the phone—in fact my mother talked to her more than she talked to me, but Bella was still nervous. She had nothing to worry about. They already adored her and were thrilled when I had told them about the house and us moving in together. Knowing I was happy and settled was all they wanted. When I asked them about coming here instead of me going there as in the past, they had jumped at the opportunity.

Charlie was joining us on Christmas Eve and would stay over until Boxing Day when he would go and spend the rest of the holidays with Sue and her family. I had taken great delight informing him it would be his turn to sleep on the couch since my parents had the guest room.

"I know every creak on the stairs to the basement, Charlie," I warned him. "And I've counted the cases of beer I've got down there. I'll know if you're sneaking around."

His loud guffaws made me grin. Our relationship was pretty solid these days. I enjoyed the times I spent with him, meeting up at least once a month for beers and a game in Toronto.

I caught a flash of my dad's hair and I squeezed Bella's hand. "They're here."

She nodded, swallowing nervously. I bent down and pulled her bottom lip away from her teeth, kissing the tender flesh. "They already love you, Cupcake. Now they just get to hug you, too."

On cue, my mother appeared and with a squeal dragged Bella into her arms, ignoring me completely. My dad clapped me on the shoulder and grinned. "Get used to it."

I hugged him, smiling as I watched my girl get loved on by my mom. Bella was all smiles and nervous giggles as she looked over at me, her eyes shining.

I smiled back, already knowing how good the holiday was going to be.

**BR**

Bella was curled up on the floor, sound asleep. She loved to nap in front of the fire, surrounded by pillows and blankets, like a contented kitten. I often joined her, letting her arrange pillows around my hip and leg so I could be comfortable, but today I sat on the couch gazing at her in adoration. She'd been running around with my mom—shopping, baking, cooking and wrapping gifts. This morning we'd put up the tree my dad and I cut down and she'd finally crashed. I loved watching her sleep.

My mom came in, handing me a mug of coffee and sat beside me. "She's so good for you."

"She is."

"She's older than her years."

I sighed. "She's more mature than I am, Mom."

She laughed softly. "I think you balance each other out."

"I love her," I said simply.

"I know. It's a joy to see." She took a drink from her mug, looking over at the pile of textbooks and notes Bella had been studying the night before. "She works very hard."

"She never stops. I'm hoping to get her to relax after Christmas, before she goes back to school." I indicated her sleeping form. "I want her to nap and be lazy for a week. She deserves that."

Mom nodded and set down her mug, turning to me. She reached in her apron pocket, handing me a faded box. I opened the lid, my eyes widening when I saw my grandmother's ring nestled against the frayed velvet. I remembered it on her hand, the band shimmering in the light. I looked at my mom curiously.

"Gramma always wanted you to have that—I was saving it for you."

"You never said anything."

She drew in a deep breath. "I was going to give it to you for Carla, but she was always so adamant about the kind of ring she wanted. I was saving it—I thought you could give it to her after you were married, maybe for a special occasion."

"We never made it that far."

"She wasn't the right girl for you, Edward—that's all. She was too young when this all happened."

"She was Bella's age."

"Bella is a different kind of girl. The right kind of girl for you."

"Yeah, she is. She's perfect for me."

"I know."

She glanced over at Bella, smiling fondly. "I think your Bella is more the kind of girl who would like this sort of ring—something sentimental. You can give it to her as a promise ring or a band if you want her to have a big diamond."

I shook my head. "She doesn't want that—she told me one day she liked simple jewelry. She could wear this even at the clinic."

"Like your key."

I nodded. Bella never took her pendant off. I had bought her a pair of earrings for Christmas I knew she'd love and could wear all the time. I loved seeing her wear my tokens of affection. I stared down at the ring, imagining it on her hand. It would look perfect. "When you're ready, Edward."

I smiled at her. "That's the funny part, Mom. I am ready. I just don't want to rush her."

She laughed again, cupping my cheek. "My silly boy. That girl is as tied to you as you are to her. Trust me, when you ask, she'll say yes."

I smiled, kissed her soft cheek and slipped the ring into its box, then into my pocket, my mind already planning.

**BR**

Christmas morning, the house was filled with laughter and smiles. Jasper and Alice joined us and with Charlie and my parents there, the room was full. I loved every second of it and looked forward to a lifetime of special days like this. Bella loved her earrings, and I adored her gift of a scrapbook she had made, filled with pictures and memories. She had added a bunch of coupons ranging from my favorite dinner or a night at the movies, to some naughtier ones I didn't dare show anyone in the room, but I did plan on cashing in once our company had left. I was looking forward to a late night visit to the clinic and our next road trip already. We planned a trip up to see Rose and Emmett and meet the twins during the holidays. I knew Bella was anxious to seeing them, and I was looking forward to it as well.

We both had other smaller items, all of which made us smile as we opened them, basking in the glow of our first Christmas together. She especially loved her gift certificates from The Cupcake Lady. I looked forward to licking the icing off her lips—it was the gift that kept on giving.

My parents handed me an envelope addressed to both Bella and me, and I opened it; my eyes once again widening at what was inside.

I looked up, not understanding the large cheque I was holding. My dad smiled as he explained they had sold some of the land, including the piece I had planned to live on someday, and this money was their gift to us toward the mortgage and our new life together. I shook my head in disbelief, knowing the sum would wipe a huge chunk of the mortgage away.

"Your life is here now, Edward," he explained. "And if you ever decide to head back West, we have lots of other land left." He winked. "I think you're a little too citified for us now though."

Everyone laughed. Hamilton was hardly what you would call a large city, but compared to the tiny place they lived, it must seem so. Toronto totally bewildered them and they were always grateful I hadn't chosen to live there.

Amid the hugs and kisses I looked around the room, filled with people I truly loved. Compared to the somewhat solitary life I had lived before Bella entered my life, it was rich and full. Friends, family—old and new—a house made into a home because of the presence of a girl I loved dearly; all things I never expected to find. Bella accepted me for what I was, wanting nothing more from me but my love—and in return gave me more than she could possibly ever understand. It was the greatest gift of all.

I caught her gaze, the warmth of her soul reflected in the shining depths as she smiled at me. I held out my hand and she let me pull her close.

She was all I truly needed.

**BR**

The house was quiet; the only sounds were the crackling of the fire and the muted music playing in the background. I pulled Bella closer to my chest, leaning back against the armrest of the sofa. After the busy holidays and my parents leaving a couple days prior, we decided New Year's Eve was just for us. Jasper had been away for a few days with Alice so he was working tonight—I opened and stayed until eight and he'd close up and work with the other bartenders we had on staff. The bar was closed for the next few days, and we were going up to see Rose and Emmett.

I nuzzled Bella's head and she sighed quietly.

"Okay, Cupcake?"

"Happy."

I tightened my arms. "Me too."

"You sure you don't have to be at the bar?"

"Nope. Jazz has it covered. I did last year—he does this year."

"Okay. I just wanted to make sure."

I shifted a little, feeling the small box tucked under the cushion pressing against my hip.

"There is something I want."

She looked up, curious. "What?"

I drew in a deep breath. "A lifetime with you."

"That's a long time."

"No measure of time would be enough with you, Bella."

"What are you asking me, Edward?"

I pressed the box into her hand. "I'm asking you to wear this. To be mine."

She opened the lid and stared into the faded velvet.

"It was my grandmother's."

"It's beautiful."

"I know it's fast. But you're it for me. I want to wake up tomorrow, in a new year, knowing you're mine."

Her fingers stroked the delicate work on the band, and still she didn't say anything.

"We don't have to get married right away. Wear my ring—knowing it will make me the happiest man on Earth." I hesitated, exhaling a big breath. "Please, baby."

Her voice was quiet. "What if I wanted to get married right away?"

"I'll find a justice of the peace tonight, if you want."

She leaned her head on my shoulder, a smile curling her lips. "I think we need a license."

"I'll get my laptop."

Tears shimmered in her eyes. "Maybe when school is over for the summer? The backyard would be lovely for a wedding."

My chest ached with her words.

"It would be perfect."

She held out her hand. "Did you want to…?"

I plucked the ring from the box with fingers that were surprisingly steady, considering the rest of my body felt as though it was on hyper-drive. I slid it on her finger and lifted her hand to my mouth, kissing it softly. "Marry me, Bella?"

"Yes."

I gathered her in my arms, kissing her, our damp cheeks pressing together. Joy I had never known exploded in my heart. She was mine. Forever.

Outside, I could hear the echoes of people celebrating the New Year.

Inside, we were celebrating the start of a new life.

The one we would share together.

Two chapters left for our couple.

Thank you for reading! Next update on Friday.