"Wake up, sleepyhead." I poked Edward's side and watched as he recoiled from me, rolling onto his stomach.

"Ow, woman!"

I chuckled and crawled atop Edward's back, my legs straddling his hips. "Oh, did that hurt?" I said in a mock sympathetic voice. I leaned down and kissed his shoulder blade, his neck, and behind his ear. "Maybe I should just tickle you instead," I whispered to him with a devilish grin on my face.

Before I had a chance to assault him with my tickling fingers however, Edward had flipped us over, pinning me beneath him, his arms keeping his body suspended above my ever-expanding belly. "You're lucky we have to leave for our appointments soon, or I would so make you pay for that."

My bottom lip extended into a pout. "We don't have time to play?"

Edward shook his head and let out a laugh. "Not that I'm complaining, but wasn't this supposed to pass after the second trimester?"

I shrugged. "All I know is I want you."

"The feeling is definitely mutual, baby." His hardness grazed against my thigh when he leaned down and gave me a brief peck. "But we need to get ready." He slid off the bed and opened his dresser to grab some clean clothes.

"You'd better save that for me for later," I called after him.

"I'm not the one who fell asleep at 8:30 last night," he said, winking at me.

I stuck my tongue out at him, but the gesture was lost on him because he had already turned his back on me to enter the bathroom.

I had taken a bath the night before, so I went to the closet to grab some clothes. We had a big day planned, and I wanted to wear something comfortable but nice. I settled on a maternity dress with leggings.

It was hot and humid outside in the September heat, but everywhere I went today would likely have the air conditioning on full blast.

Once dressed, I waited for Edward in the living room while I checked my emails and voice messages.

Bella, hi. It's Heather from ReMax. I just wanted to let you know that the painters have finished with the house. Feel free to stop by anytime and check it out. Okay, talk to you later. Bye.

Edward had joined me in the living room, eyeing me as I deleted the message.

"Who was that?"

"It was just a message from the realtor. She said the paint job at the house was finished and I could check it out."

"What paint job?"

"I told you, didn't I?" His confused look told me I hadn't. "She called last week and said there were a few areas that needed some touching up. She said it would likely sell faster if we did it. I agreed to let her do whatever was necessary. Apparently, it's finished, and I can go by and see it anytime."

"You didn't tell me that." He wasn't upset. Instead, a sly smile formed on his face.

"I could've sworn I did. I swear my memory has gone to shit since I've been pregnant."

"It happens." He shrugged. "You want to check it out tonight after the baby shower and family dinner?"

"Sure. We can do that."

"Okay, you ready to go?"

"Yeah."

Edward helped me off the couch, the size of my belly hindering me from easily standing up. It was hard to believe I was at thirty two weeks already.

After a short ride over, we pulled into the hospital parking lot, and Edward assisted me out of the car. We shared a brief kiss and went our separate ways.

Each of us had routine procedures every month: MRI for him, ultrasound for me. It just happened to work out that they were scheduled on the same day.

I was on the borderline of what was considered advanced maternal age – though I didn't think thirty-five was particularly advanced; I didn't feel old – and Dr. Bennett was being extremely thorough. When my amniotic fluid measured on the low side of normal, I was grateful for her caution and the extra appointments.

So far everything else was perfect. Edward's tumor remained dormant and showed no signs of growth while our baby was getting bigger by the second.

Edward still had nosebleeds and the occasional headache, but overall his prognosis looked good. His medical license hadn't been suspended, but he couldn't perform surgery any longer. He was currently volunteering at a free clinic once a week in one of the rougher parts of Atlanta. He had looked into other options as well, including teaching medicine, but that would've taken some time to pursue.

I was still working, and I knew it bothered him that he wasn't. He'd told me he wanted to give back and contribute for as long as he could. I tried not to let it bother me when he worded it that way, as if there would be a time soon enough where he couldn't do these things any more.

Edward wasn't the type to sit around all day just because he could. He might not have been bringing home a paycheck, but it wasn't like he needed it anyway; he could live off of his trust fund until he died if needed, a perk of coming from a family of "old" money.

I was worried he would be bored and unfulfilled without working, but he managed to find plenty to keep himself busy and surprisingly happy.

When my parents had their annual Fourth of July barbecue, several of the teachers in the performing arts and music department were in attendance. Edward got into a conversation with the orchestra director and volunteered to play accompaniments for several summer music camps just to give himself something to do.

According to my mom, most music budgets had been cut back so drastically, volunteers and sponsors were the only thing actually keeping the programs afloat. He'd continued accompanying several classes when the school year started. The music teachers were delighted to have him, but I wondered if in part he was doing it to get back on my mother's good side.

I was worried at first. Spending all day around teenagers could prove tiresome, but Edward seemed invigorated when he came home. I was happy that he was happy.

I sat outside in the hospital hallway, waiting for Edward to join me, hoping his results were as good as mine. The ultrasound was normal and showed that baby E.J. was steadfastly growing. At this rate, he'd be a little over nine pounds by the time I gave birth – if I kept to my November sixth due date.

Dr. Bennett and I discussed possible complications due to my age and other factors that could merit a c-section. As of now, there were no risk indicators, and we were strictly speaking in hypothetical and precautionary terms. As long as my baby was born healthy, it didn't matter when or how I delivered him.

I was busy checking emails on my phone when I noticed approaching footsteps. I lifted my head to see Edward's smiling face and stood up to greet him. "How'd it go?"

"Don't know yet. I told them we had a big day planned. They're going to call with the results later. They took some blood, too."

I glanced at his arm and noticed the band-aid. "You ready?"

"Yeah. Let's do this."

His fake enthusiasm made me smile. We were headed to a baby shower/birthday celebration for me, held at my parents' house. Men had been invited for the birthday part of the party, but I felt bad for them. I had a feeling that most of the attention would be baby centric. I sure hoped the men had something to keep them occupied or that my dad had stocked up on beer.

We arrived just after four in the afternoon to see my parents' driveway and the curbside packed with cars. Who all had been invited?

I entered my parents' house to see the living room full of people – most were seated, some were standing and talking. I recognized a few people: Kate, Garrett, Jamie, my parents, and Edward's parents. The rest of the crowd, I did not know.

I caught Jamie's gaze from across the room and watched as he made his way to Edward and me at the door.

"Who are all these people?" I whispered conspiratorially.

Jamie visually scanned the room before answering. "I think they're from the crazy hippie's yoga class or something."

"I dare you to call my mom 'crazy hippie' to her face."

"Oh, please. What could she do? Paint me a picture of flowers and trees? I'm so scared," Jamie retorted.

"Smartass," I muttered.

"I don't know, James. Renee has some claws; I wouldn't underestimate her," Edward piped in.

Jamie gave me a hug and shook Edward's hand. The spirited camaraderie shared between the two hadn't quite returned yet, but the friendship had survived and was growing. Things had gotten better since their altercation in the hospital. Jamie had made an effort to be less confrontational, and Edward was working on regaining Jamie's trust. Jamie was just a wee bit more stubborn than me. I had faith that it would happen eventually, though.

"Yeah, you're probably right, Eddie."

Edward rolled his eyes. "I hate it when you call me that."

"I know." Jamie smirked.

"Like Bella said…you're a smartass." Edward laughed, rubbing his hand along the back of his neck and through his hair. Was he nervous? "Did you get my message?"

"Yeah." Jamie shot me a quick glance before returning his attention to Edward. "Want to…" He nodded in the direction of the kitchen, ignoring me.

That was unusual. Something was afoot, and Edward was in on it.

"Yeah," Edward answered. He leaned down and placed a kiss atop my head. "Be back in a minute."

"You two are having secret meetings now?"

"Maybe." Jamie ruffled my hair before I smacked away his hand. "None of your business, nosey!"

"I'll remember that," I yelled after them, watching as Jamie waved off my non-existent threat.

"Men," I muttered with a smile on my face. I was doing that a lot lately: smiling. I was glad that Edward and Jamie seemed to be re-building their friendship, even if it meant keeping me in the dark about some things.

The two of them walked into the kitchen just as my mom exited it holding a veggie tray in her hands.

Upon seeing Jamie, she switched the tray to one hand and placed the other on her hip, casting a playful glare his way.

I couldn't hear everything she said, but I was able to make out snippets of something to do with crazy hippies.

Ha! Jamie was so busted. That was until he flashed one of his charming smiles – something my mother was not immune to – and in mere seconds, all three of them were laughing, including Edward.

It was good to see my mom opening up to Edward more. I knew it was hard to trust him. Boy, did I know, but we were all trying to make it work, and I couldn't be happier for that.

My mom made her way toward me, dropping off the veggie tray at a table along the wall. "Bella, sweetie, you're here."

"I'm here. Mom," I whispered as she got closer, "but who are all these people?"

She raised her head and visually scanned the room from the women seated on the couch and loveseat to the men congregated outside around my dad, who was busy manning the grill. "Oh, your father's a little excited about becoming a grandpa. They're just some guys your dad works with…or used to work with. They wanted to welcome him to the club. Some of them are retired now. You know most of the neighbors, and the rest are from school. I didn't invite any teachers Edward didn't know."

"It's just a lot of people." I scanned the room as well, turning my gaze when others looked my way. I hated crowds.

"Yeah, well, I figured a party was a good idea after our little intimate dinner didn't go so well, and I know you don't like to be the center of attention. The more people, the easier it is to hide in the crowd," my mom explained.

I loved my mom. She was an eccentric free spirit, but sometimes she just shocked the hell out of me by how well she picked up on things.

"Good point. They didn't get me presents, did they? I don't even know them…or remember them, anyway."

"Oh, Bella, get over it." Kate smiled and handed me a bottled water as she joined my mother and me. "People love babies, and this is your first, take anything anyone is willing to give you."

"What she said," my mom agreed.

I leaned over and hugged Kate. I hadn't seen her since the book launch, only communicating with her via email and phone since then. "I'm so glad you're here."

"So what's the plan? All women inside and the men outside?" I asked.

"Just for the baby shower portion. We'll eat dinner and celebrate your birthday later." My mom ushered me over to my dad's recliner. "Now you just sit here, and we'll take care of everything."

Wow, my dad's sacred recliner. I was indeed the guest of honor.

"I'm not a baby." I smiled.

"No, but you're my baby, and you're having my first grandbaby, so just hush and let me take care of you."

Kate and I exchanged a glance, both of us smiling.

"Okay, Mom, let's do this."

I settled into my dad's recliner and Kate took a seat in a chair next to me. I had a perfect view of the first floor of my parents' house and the segregated groups of men and women. I had to admit, I'd rather be sitting on the deck watching my dad flip burgers, sipping on a beer, and talking football than oohing and awing over diaper wipe warmers and Boppy pillows.

Occasionally, I'd catch a glimpse of Edward looking through the glass patio door, beer in hand and smiling. When he'd catch my gaze, he'd shoot me a wink. I swear it was as if my smile was permanently plastered on my face.

Today was perfect and nothing could bring me down. Nothing.

In no time at all, the living room looked like a Babies 'R Us store had vomited all over it. It was full of onesies, blankets, bottles, baby wipes, teething rings, two car seats, a high chair, a baby swing, and enough diapers to last E.J. for the first few months of his life.

I wasn't subjected to any silly baby shower games. All I was expected to do was open presents and make small talk, and for that I was thankful.

The gifts that really stood out to me were the more personalized ones. Esme had given me a Tiffany's rattle. She said it had been Edward's. I didn't quite see the practicality of a rattle, but I loved the sentiment.

Then she handed me an envelope. "It's from Alice."

I opened the envelope to find a handwritten letter from Alice amidst what looked like legal documents.

Bella,

It feels like forever since we've talked. Esme explained everything, and I don't blame you for still being upset about how we treated you in Texas. The only thing I know to say is that I'm sorry. I – we thought we were doing what was best for you and Edward. I realize now that we'd been pretty inconsiderate of your feelings and didn't go about the situation in the most thoughtful manner. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I miss you.

Now to your gift. You know how I'm always looking to the future for investments and financial security. I wanted to provide some of that to E.J.

Inside the envelope, you'll find documents declaring E.J. the legal owner (technically they're in your name) of one thousand shares of a very small start-up company. I have a feeling that they'll be very successful. Call it a hunch.

I hope you like it.

Love, Alice

PS Please call me.

I folded the letter and placed it inside my purse while curious eyes watched me. "Alice bought E.J. some stock," I answered their silent inquiry. "I need to call her later to thank her."

Esme caught my eye and smiled. I had a feeling she was looking forward to a reconciliation between all of us, and frankly, so was I. I knew most of my resentment and bitterness had faded away. It was time to let the rest go so E.J. could grow up surrounded by the love of his aunt and uncle without me holding onto grudges.

I finished opening the rest of the shower gifts and moved on to my birthday presents.

Kate had framed and matted a newspaper clipping showing Letters to Masen on the New York Times Best Sellers List. It hadn't made it to the top ten, but I was thrilled to see it listed there at all.

Jamie's gift left me confused, but the timing was appropriate. He'd wrapped up a small packet of pocket tissues and a simple note stating "For Later". I'd have to ask him about them when we were all done.

Finally, my mom handed me a heavy rectangle covered in brown paper. I pulled away the wrapping to find a beautiful portrait of myself surrounded by Edward's arms, holding a baby bundled in a blue blanket. My mom had outdone herself. It was by far the most beautiful painting I'd ever seen her do.

I wiped my watery eyes and thanked everyone. "I guess Jamie figured I'd need these." I held up the packet of tissues for people to see, laughing along with them.

"You think I'd just get you a packet of tissues? You'll need those later when you see what I got you."

I turned to see Jamie standing with my dad and Edward just at the edge of the living room.

"Later?" I asked.

"Later." Jamie nodded.

I eyed him warily, looking to Edward as if he might know what Jamie had up his sleeve, but all Edward did was shrug and wink. Traitor!

"Who's ready to eat?" my dad asked, showcasing the tray of burgers and hotdogs he had in his hands.

We spent the next few hours munching on food and sharing stories of first time parenthood. Some of the stories were hilarious, but admittedly, some made me anxious about my immediate future. Edward could sense the way my body tensed because he'd run his fingers along my back, just above the waistline. It calmed me. He calmed me.

I kept trying to get Jamie to tell me what I needed the tissues for, but he wouldn't budge, and neither would Edward. He was in on it; I knew it.

It would be easier to get Edward to crack than Jamie, so I mockingly pouted at him throughout the evening, giving the puppy dog eyes in a bid to make him cave, but he was like a lock-box and had resorted to trying to distract me.

His little touches, stroking my cheek or catching my pinky to hold hands, as I circulated the room made me warm all over. The love I had for this man was almost uncontainable. The past twelve weeks had been some of the happiest memories with him – ever.

As night descended upon us, the party dwindled until only Jamie, Edward, and myself were left.

"Can you believe all the stuff we got?" Edward asked in wonder.

"I know. Think it'll all fit in the car?"

"Well, why don't I load it all up and take it back to your place. I'll come back to get you when I'm done," Edward suggested.

"Hey, I'll help you," Jamie interjected.

"Okay," Edward agreed a little too quickly.

"I'm on to you, you know. The two of you are up to something." I wagged my finger at them both.

"What if we are?" Jamie goaded, a smirk highlighting his face.

"Whatever. I'll see you later." I kissed Edward goodbye and proceeded to help my mom pick up paper plates and drink cups.

"You girls leave that. I'll clean up. You two just relax," my dad suggested before leaving us alone, walking back to the kitchen with two bags of trash.

"Okay," my mom and I agreed. I collapsed onto the couch and laid my head on the pillows. She sat on the opposite end, pulled my legs across her lap and began to massage my swollen feet.

"How are you, baby girl?"

"Right now, I'm excellent. It's been a really good day, and you're going to put me to sleep if you keep doing that."

She laughed and continued to rub my feet. "How are you and Edward?"

"Great."

"Good. Have you two figured out your living situation yet?"

"No." I sighed. "We probably need to discuss it. The baby will be here soon." I patted my belly as an afterthought.

"What's there to discuss?"

"He asked me to marry him…again," I responded, my voice a bit timid.

She stopped massaging my feet, her hand now resting on my leg.

"It was a couple months ago," I added after a moment, my voice still apprehensive.

"Seeing as how I'm just now hearing about this, I assume you said no. You know, I almost didn't include him in the painting. I was just going to do a portrait of you and the baby because I thought putting him in seemed premature, but I guess not. He's really changed."

I wanted to say something about her almost leaving Edward out of the portrait, but I didn't want to start a fight. In the end, he had been included, and that was all that mattered. "Yeah, I said no. We talked about moving back in together, but I wasn't ready for that either."

"What are you waiting on?"

Her voice was curious, but I couldn't detect any hostility or judgment. It was a far cry from that first dinner. I was glad I could talk to her about Edward and have her give me as near to impartial advice as a mother could.

"I don't know, Mom. I guess I'm just afraid he'll leave again." I hated admitting that, especially after the promises Edward had made to me. Even so, the fear still lingered, and I wasn't sure it would ever go away.

"I can understand that. What he did to you…well, let's just say you have a kinder heart than I do."

I smiled. If it were Dad, she'd probably do exactly what I was doing. "I love him, and I know he screwed up and is trying to make things right. I'm just still afraid."

"Do you want to be with him?"

"Yes." My answer was instantaneous. No thought required.

"Do you plan on leaving him?"

"What?" I raised my head to look at her in shock, but she made me lie back down. "No."

"Do you want him around to help raise your baby?"

"Of course I do. What kind of question is that?"

"Then it sounds to me like you know what you want. You're just letting fear dictate your response over something you can't control. If you're waiting until the stars align or for some great big sign to tell you it'll be okay, then you'll be waiting for the rest of your life. If you know you want him and can't live without him, then don't live without him…in any way."

She was right, and once again, it took the wise words of one of my parents to open my eyes. I lifted my head and glanced at the clock. "They've been gone a while. I wonder what's taking them so long."

"You had a lot of stuff. If it gets too late, you can sleep in your old room," my mom offered.

"Thanks. I think I'll just wait here on the couch." I pulled the throw blanket around me and rested my eyes as my mom continued to rub my tired feet.

~UrQ~

A polite round of applause broke out, and my heart swelled seeing E.J. – or Edward as he now liked to be called – accepting his diploma. He stepped to the podium, prepared to give his valedictorian speech.

"First of all, I'd like to thank my father. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here today, and it's because of him that I've decided to attend medical school. I hope to one day find a cure for…"

"Bella, Bella…wake up." Edward was shaking me awake. "Hey…there you are."

"Hey." I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I was alone in the living room. My mom must've joined my dad or headed to bed. "What time is it?"

"It's late, but I have something to show you before your birthday is over, if you're up to it."

"Yeah," I said sleepily. "I'm up for it."

"Why the smile? Have a good dream or something?"

"Actually I did. I dreamed E.J. was graduating from high school as the valedictorian." Edward raised his eyebrows. "Yeah, and he was going to medical school. He said he was doing it all for you. I guess you'll be helping him with all his homework." I laughed. Even though I'd already said I didn't believe my dreams to be prophetic, I hoped this one was real. Having Edward around to help our son with his homework through E.J.'s high school years gave me hope. Hope that things would last. That maybe this time we had it right. "Okay, what is it you have to show me? I need to talk to you about something afterward."

"Talk to me? About what?"

"After you show me, okay?"

"Okay. Stand up and turn around."

"Um…"

"Just trust me."

I did as instructed.

"Now close your eyes."

I looked over my shoulder to see him smiling and indicating with his finger for me to turn back around.

"You do realize you're asking a pregnant woman, whose center of gravity has gone the way of her waistline, to close her eyes and walk forward?"

I closed my eyes and immediately felt Edward behind me, whispering in my ear. "You know I'd never let anything happen to you."

I shivered then felt a piece of cloth being draped over my eyes. "Edward, are you blindfolding me?"

"I am. Come on. Take my hand."

I let him guide me to the car and buckle me in. It was a relatively short amount of time before the car stopped at our destination.

"Okay, we're here, but don't take off the blindfold yet."

I took my fingers away from the cloth covering my eyes and allowed him to walk me over what felt like grass, through a door, and up some stairs.

"Just a few more steps. And there. You can take it off now."

I slid the cloth over the back of my head and blinked, my eyes adjusting to the light. Slowly, things began to come into focus. We were in a nursery. There were baby blue walls, a crib, and a changing table, bookcases filled with children's books and stuffed animals, and even a rocking chair.

I walked around in awe, running my fingers over the spines of the books, then feeling the softness of the baby's bed, and finally playing with the toys hanging from the mobile above the crib.

Then I noticed what hung on the wall: the portrait my mom had painted.

Edward stood in the middle of the room, silently watching me. "You like it?"

Did I? It was surprising. A part of me was upset I hadn't gotten to contribute to the nursery, but I was more moved than anything. It was so thoughtful, and after looking around, it seemed that nothing had been missed. Not that I could tell, anyway. Still, there was something I was wondering.

"Where are we?"

He stepped outside the room, right at the edge of the stairs and indicated for me to follow him.

I walked toward him and stopped when recognition dawned. I turned in a slow circle to confirm it. We were in my house – our house, the one we used to live in. He had converted his old office into a nursery.

Then it hit me. The fresh paint job recommended by the realtor – it was all because of Edward. He had orchestrated this.

I looked over the stair rail to see the first floor absent of furniture and expected the walls to be empty as well until I noticed the light over the fireplace and what was hanging above the mantle: one of our wedding photos.

"Edward, I…"

"I know it's a lot, but please let me explain."

"I need to sit down."

Edward helped me to the rocking chair in the nursery, kneeling before me. "You okay?"

"Yeah." I stared into his concerned eyes as mine welled up with tears. "I'm just a little surprised."

"Do you need this?" Edward reached inside my purse and pulled out the packet of tissues Jamie had given me.

"Where is Jamie? Did he have anything to do with this?"

"It was his idea. I might have questioned why he pushed so hard for you to move out in the first place, and he said you didn't really want to sell the house, but he talked you into it. He told me about taking down the wedding pictures and hiding them from view. I mentioned my hopes of coming back here and my vision for the nursery and the house, so he offered to help. He really thought you'd like it. I thought you'd like it. We… neither of us thought you'd be upset. We thought you'd be happy."

I shook my head in disbelief. I was overwhelmed and unprepared to deal with all the emotions and memories that were clamoring for attention in my head.

"I know. I told him what we talked about last month, but he convinced me you just needed time and that you'd come around to love it."

Edward's hands were resting on my legs, caressing me tenderly, trying to soothe the stormy chaos of feelings that was bubbling up and threatening to overflow. I recognized the fear and regret in his eyes, and that uneasiness brought me back to earth.

"What we talked about last month," I muttered.

We were sitting on my couch, eating Chinese food and watching re-runs of The Big Bang Theory.

"I. Am. Stuffed," Edward said, placing his carton on the coffee table and leaning back against the couch, rubbing his belly.

"Not me. Eating for two," I said in between bites.

"I have some leftover if you want it."

"This is plenty. Thanks."

"So, do you know what tomorrow is," he asked.

I shrugged. "Your MRI?"

"No." He stared at me, waiting for me to get something that apparently I had yet to grasp. "The date, Bella. The date."

I put the chopsticks down and leaned back against the couch with him. "What about it?"

He turned his head toward me, so we were face to face, our noses practically touching. He kept blinking at me as if there were some code I had to decipher with each close of his eyelids.

"Today's the twelfth, so that makes tomorrow the thirteen – Oh, the thirteenth. August thirteenth," I said.

"Yeah."

I scooted to the edge and picked up my chopsticks. "Why are you bringing this up?"

He joined me, sitting on the edge, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands clasped together.

"What did you do last year?"

I stabbed at the noodles with my chopsticks. "You really want to know?"

"Yes."

I inhaled deeply, blowing a puff of air through my nose. "I drank a bottle of wine and cried myself to sleep." I picked up a noodle and let it slide back down, repeating the motion as if in a trance. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I've been trying to make new memories with you for all the special occasions we missed while we were apart, but I didn't know how you'd feel about tomorrow and whether you'd want me to acknowledge it or not. It's painful for me to think you're no longer my wife because of my failures. I didn't know if you felt the same."

"Wait right here. I have something I want to show you," he said, bringing me out of my memories.

He left the room, returning moments later carrying a large picture frame. It wasn't just any picture. It was the engagement photo we had enlarged for the wedding, the one that had cracked.

"Look at the corner." He pointed to where the crack used to be. "I had it fixed." He set the frame down against the wall and sat down at my feet. "I don't want us to start over. I want us to fix what was broken. I love you, and I want you to be happy. I want us," he reached out and placed his hand on my abdomen, "all of us to be happy. If you tell me that you can't do it – that you can't live here, then we'll find some other place to live. . . I just want to be with you, no matter how or where you choose to let me do that."

His eyes were so earnest, so real. I couldn't deny him, not any longer.

I thought about every weekend since our fishing date. He'd planned an activity for every major holiday, special occasion, and tradition we had missed during the year we were apart.

He'd recreated the Fourth of July by taking me tailgating and to a baseball game with fireworks after we left my parents' barbecue. We celebrated my "unbirthday" with dinner and a movie night. He'd made me a CD of his piano compositions, which included the song I heard him play in the music room at his parents' house and a new lullaby for E.J.

One weekend, he took me to a homeless shelter where we prepared and served a meal with other volunteers. I had always wanted to do that for Thanksgiving, but neither of us could convince our families to join in.

The following weekend I came home to find a decorated tree in the apartment, and we had our very own Christmas in July. He was as eager as a five year old on Christmas morning when he gave me my present.

"This is for you."

I walked toward him. "What is it?"

"I know how much you love Jane Austen, so I got you the full collection."

This was the book I saw in the Cullens' library in Texas, the one Alice said Edward had bought. It was for me.

I lovingly fingered the gold inlay of the pages and began to silently read the first page.

Afterward, we made love in front of the Christmas tree with carols playing on the stereo in the middle of summer.

For our Valentine's date, he bought me maternity lingerie and chocolate, but my most cherished memory was when he'd recreated Easter.

Edward rented out the rose gardens and terrace at his old country club, and he set me to the task of hunting for eggs. Inside each plastic capsule was a favorite quote he'd found in my book. There had to be about one hundred of them.

I shook my head, clearing it of the myriad of thoughts replaying in my mind.

"Okay. I'll…I'll marry you."

"What?" His smile grew big, crinkling his eyes. "I was just asking you to move in."

"I know, but I'm ready. I'm sorry it took me so long, but I'm ready to move in. I'm ready to marry you."

"Really?"

I nodded. "Really."

He stood up and practically yanked me out of the rocking chair, hugging me close and peppering my face with kisses: on my cheeks, my nose, my forehead, my eyelids. "And the house? Do you want to live here with me?"

My face was framed in his hands, so I gave a brief nod and smiled.

"You have made me the happiest man. I love you." His lips met mine in an unhurried and sweet kiss, his forehead resting on mine after our lips parted.

My heart was beating frantically, excited and nervous all the same about taking this leap once again with the man I loved. My mom was right, though. If I kept waiting until everything was perfect, I'd never be ready. It felt good making this decision. We were finally getting it right.

"Oh!" He pulled away from me. "I forgot something in the car. Wait here." He was like an overgrown kid, speaking fast and grinning.

I watched as he ran down the stairs and out the door, all the while rubbing my belly. "You're going to have so much fun with your daddy."

The ringing of my cell phone startled me out of my thoughts. It was almost midnight, and I couldn't imagine who would be calling at this hour. I walked over to my purse and pulled out my phone. "Hello."

"Bella, it's Carlisle. Have you seen Edward? He's not answering his phone."

"Yes, he's just outside. Do you want me to get him?"

"Just have him call me when he gets back."

The carefully controlled tone of his voice had me scared. This wasn't my former father-in-law talking. It was Dr. Carlisle Cullen. "Is everything okay?"

"Just have him call me, please."

The call ended, and I just stood there frozen, the rapid beating of my heart an indication it wasn't a dream. Edward had to be okay. He just had to be. Maybe Carlisle wanted to talk to him about something else.

Edward ran back up the stairs and stopped when he saw me. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah." I held out my phone. "Your dad wants you to call him."

He gave me a quizzical look and then held out the book in his hands. "This is for you.

"It's the journal my parents gave me for my birthday. I've been writing down all our memories in it. I've written down the story of us – the reason I fell in love with you, and all the reasons I love you now. I wanted to put down on paper all my hopes and dreams and desires for you and E.J. and the future. I want to always remember what you mean to me and never forget how close I was to losing you. If things should change, and I ever get lost in my head again, I wanted to have this as a reminder to never lose sight of the fact that your love is a gift, and I will live each day cherishing life, cherishing us, cherishing you. "

I sat back down in the rocking chair and opened the beautiful leather book, filled with page after page of his crooked handwriting. I could barely read the words through the tears in my eyes.

I was grounded in the knowledge that Edward and I were nearly healed. Everything he did was with us in mind, and despite this house holding some sad and painful memories, the good far outweighed the bad.

I felt like I was in a fairy tale, and a magic wand was erasing all the hurt and mending the broken pieces of my previously shattered existence. I was being handed a second chance at my happily ever after until the buzzing sound of a missed message alert on Edward's cell phone broke the magic spell.

"Looks like I have some missed calls. Let me check my messages." He held his phone to his ear while I continued reading. From my periphery, I could see him lowering the phone to delete a message and then lifting it back to listen to the next. Each time he did it, the furrow in his brow became more pronounced.

"What is it? What's wrong?" I tried to quell the growing concern in my stomach at seeing his pale face and furrowed brow.

He deleted the last message and looked at me. "You'll marry me? You'll really marry me?"

"Yes." I closed the journal and placed it upon one of the bookshelves before walking over to him. "I will. Are you worried I won't?"

"A little, yeah." He hung his head as if trying to hide his expression from me. It was too late; I had seen the panic in his eyes.

I reached out and grabbed his hand, interlocking our fingers. "Who were the messages from?"

"One was from Dr. Barrow and two were from my dad. I guess I had the phone on silent and didn't realize they'd called me." He lifted his head and met my eyes again. "The tumor has grown, Bella. Dr. Barrow wants to see me in his office tomorrow."

I squeezed his hand tight and said nothing. My perfect, beautiful day was now marred by this news.

Jamie was right about one thing. I needed the packet of tissues, but not for the reason he thought I would.