A/N: This chapter was originally posted the night BD 1 premiered. What a day that was for us all! As of now, it has been updated for content compliance. The unedited version is available on the STARS library.

Chapter 21:

What feels like minutes — but turns out to be hours – later, I awaken to find Edward's verdant eyes gazing at me. It's dark and warm, and I can tell from the all too familiar hum of a motel room heating unit, we're obviously no longer in the car. We are, however, still wrapped up in each other.

Lying face to face, our heads share the same pillow and our legs are tangled together beneath the same blanket. His arm is thrown over my waist and I have a hand fisted in his shirt.

I blush when I realize how tightly I'm holding onto him and release my grip, smoothing the material down where it's become wrinkled. His hand covers mine and stills it.

He smiles softly. "Hi."

"Hi."

"You're awake."

My eyes grow misty. "You're here."

"So are you."

I smile, but it's as though a dam has broken inside my heart.

"Hey... what's wrong?"

I shake my head, unable to articulate what I'm feeling. Instead, I lift my arms up and fold them around his neck, pulling myself as close to him as I can.

It's not close enough. "Hold me," I whisper.

He wraps me in his arms, doing as I ask. "Like this?"

I nod against his shoulder and squeeze tighter. I need more. He answers my silent request and tightens his grip as well, causing me to slide almost completely beneath him.

My tears spill over, wetting his shirt, but I am helpless to stop them. My breakdown in the car was just the tip of the iceberg. I've been holding things in for so long. For months, not just since Edward was shot, but ever since my parents died, I've been keeping so much inside. I've merely been surviving.

Now, in the safety and comfort of this man's arms, I'm feeling.

Relief and joy, pain and grief, anxiety and fear, peace and love; they all course through me at the same time.

It's overwhelming; too fast, too much, and yet I feel like everything I've been holding onto is being stripped away just so I can be built back up again.

Catharsis.

When the last of my pent-up emotions have finally been dumped out and sorted through, the tears slow and eventually stop. A sense of peace like I haven't felt in years radiates through me. Breathing is suddenly much easier, especially when each breath is full of Edward.

Without a word I release my iron-like hold on his neck and lower my head against the pillow. One of his strong hands stays beneath my head, his body nearly on top of mine.

His gaze is questioning.

Are you okay? he seems to ask.

I am now, I answer, nodding.

I smile lovingly, wiping away the moisture on my face with some embarrassment. He catches my hand and links our fingers together before lowering his mouth to kiss the tears from my cheeks.

I take a shuddering breath. His lips are soft, their caress electric.

He pulls back and stares. His eyes are searching, seeking something I can't quite define. Reassurance, maybe?

I lift my head, nudging my nose against his. His breath hitches. The electricity is there, too, even in such a small touch. Pulling back, I look at him. His eyes are heavier, darker now, but still seeking.

I lift my head again, kissing him softly with my eyes open. His eyes flutter closed and the hand on my hip tightens. Slowly, watching him, I kiss him again. His body noticeably relaxes, his hand on my hip being the only exception.

Pressing my lips against his once more, I slide our joined hands above my head while my free hand runs down his neck and over his back. He groans and his face pinches with concentration or restraint. I can't tell.

Lowering my head to the pillow, I rub soothing circles over his muscles and wait for him to open his eyes. They actually shut tighter as his breathing grows labored. Perhaps it's a result of my fingers sliding beneath his Henley and blazing a slow trail across his lower back, from one hip to the other.

When I finally do get the honor of seeing his heavy-lidded gaze, it shines with desire, love, and most of all concern. I smile and lay my palm flat against the skin of his back before pushing his shirt up deliberately.

He drops his forehead to mine, his chest heaving and his hand more possessively holding my hip. His long fingers graze my bottom where they reach around. I arch my body against him.

"Are we alone?" I whisper.

He answers with a nod, gazing longingly into my eyes. Yes.

I keep my eyes locked on his. Good.

His shirt is first to go, followed by mine. Then gradually, reverently, he helps me peel away the rest of our clothing until we are skin to skin. He covers my body quickly, his mouth finding mine and his hands sliding up my arms until our fingers are once again tangled above my head.

Our tongues dance together, languid and unhurried as I subtly part my legs. He moans when he settles between them, then pulls back to look at me.

His eyes ask me the question. Are you sure?

I nod and bend my knee ever so slightly. Yes.

Edward releases one of my hands and runs his fingers down my body. After a momentary pause to circle and caress my breasts, he grips my backside and kisses me deeply. His hands continue their journey downward, over my hip and along my leg. Our kiss stretches on and we slowly, gently, begin rocking together. Our bodies shudder and shiver as we move closer and closer to our unspoken mutual goal.

~(~)~

Being pressed nose to nose with Edward — sweaty and breathless— is heaven. If I had my way, I'd stay here for eternity. To my delight, or perhaps because of an inability to move otherwise, his hands stay tangled in the hair at the nape of my neck and his lips remain close to mine. We both need the time to recover, but obviously do not desire any space.

"Bella..."

"Mmm...?"

His lips move against mine, his tongue brushing them so softly, I might have imagined it. "Are you okay, love?"

I nod, attempting to take a deep breath and sigh in satisfaction. Unfortunately, my lungs can't manage the feat with Edward on top of me. I half giggle, half cough. "I'm wonderful, but I can't breathe."

"Oh, shit... Sorry, baby." He rolls to his side.

Laughing fully now, I go with him. Soon we're wrapped up in each other all over again, only now I can breathe.

"Is that better? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No, not at all. I was pretty happy how we were before, just..."

He kisses my forehead. "I was smothering you."

"Smothering is such an ugly word. You were just cuddling me."

He chuckles quietly and I smile, snuggling close to him.

His hands ghost up and down my back. "Are you really all right?"

"I'm more than all right. I'm sorry if I freaked you out with my little breakdown there."

"You did scare me a little. I didn't know what was wrong, or what to do."

"You did everything you should have. All I really needed was you."

His lips brush my forehead again. "I needed you, too."

I rise up on my elbow and gaze at him with all the love in my heart. "Are you okay?"

His fingers twist gently in my hair, pulling me to him for a tender kiss. "Now that I'm here with you? More than okay."

Our mouths meet again, repeatedly, each touch soft and sweet.

I roll onto my back and Edward is not far behind. We lie close together, staring at one another and kissing intermittently in the darkness. Long minutes later, he pulls away and smiles down at me.

"This feels too much like a dream."

I grin playfully. "Do you dream of being naked in bed with me often?"

He sputters out a laugh. "Yes."

I giggle. "Really?"

"Best night of my life, remember?"

"I do remember. I remember it well, as a matter of fact." I point my toes and run a foot up and down his calf, teasing him.

He smirks, but then sighs and stills my leg, growing more serious.

"I don't know what I would have done if things hadn't worked out like this. I never would have been able to look at another woman without thinking of you, let alone touch someone else."

I cringe internally at the mere idea, not just of him touching another, but the idea of ever even looking at another man myself. I couldn't do it.

"I know. I would be the same," I say, leaning up to kiss him.

He deepens it and leaves me breathless when he pulls away.

"I was so afraid I'd find your feelings altered. I hoped for the best, but I didn't know what to expect until you called the other night. Thank God you did."

I smile, but my eyes tear up once again. "I was worried you'd have figured out I wasn't really worth it. I'm still afraid that will happen."

He looks horrified. "Bella, you can't be serious."

I shrug. "It's not like we really got a chance to know each other the way a normal couple would, and now... Well, as happy as I am that you are here, if you go with me, our lives are about to get turned upside down. Again."

Edward's gaze bores into mine. "That doesn't have to be a bad thing, Bella. Every couple has challenges. Every road has unexpected bumps. That doesn't mean it's not worth the journey. You are worth the journey."

I flush. "I just... I don't think I could bear it if I lost you again someday."

"Baby... I'm not going anywhere. I spent all day yesterday having every possible worst case scenario thrust in my face by the Deputy Marshal in charge of witness security for the whole state of Washington. And you know what? I'm still not going anywhere. I'm with you until you wish me otherwise."

I wrap my arms around him and stifle a sob. Edward holds me as only he can while I try not to cry. I fail, of course, but when I'm done, he lovingly kisses away my tears for the second time in an hour.

Just before things start to get heated between us once more, he pulls away.

"I have a little bit of a surprise for you."

I blink. "Uhh... What kind of surprise?"

He smiles. "Well, hopefully one that helps you understand what you mean to me."

"You didn't have to do anything for me to understand that."

"Well, I wanted to, and it doesn't matter because it's already done. I planned to show you when we first arrived, but you were so exhausted. I couldn't possibly wake you."

I bite my lip and try not to get emotional over how perfect he is. I also try not to think too much about what he could possibly have up his sleeve. Unfortunately, his half-excited, half-nervous countenance makes that nearly impossible. My heart gives a little stutter of anticipation.

"Would you like to take a shower while I order some dinner? Alice said to give her a call when you were up. What sounds good?"

I take a breath and let it out slowly. Oh, no... The mere thought of food is enough to bring on my morning sickness. I've been fine up to now, but as soon as I think about it I feel a little unsettled. I know I'll need to eat soon, but nothing really sounds good. Well... except maybe one thing.

I frown and bite my lip a little in embarrassment.

"What is it?" Edward asks.

"Nothing. Just a craving, I guess."

He laughs. "Oh, no. Don't tell me you want pickles already?"

"Eww! No." I swat at his arm, my face twisted into disgust. "Way to make me want to gag, though."

His eyebrows go up as he tries to ascertain if I'm serious.

I laugh. "I'm fine. For now. I just want McDonald's."

His face goes blank. "McDonald's?"

"Yes. I want a plain cheeseburger and a small vanilla milkshake."

He looks confused, maybe even a little disappointed. "Okay... but surely there's a better place to get that for you."

I shake my head. "No, I want McDonald's."

"Okay... McDonald's it is then." He still looks befuddled.

I can't help but giggle. "It's just that I know what to expect from them. Small restaurants are unpredictable and my stomach can't handle the unexpected right now."

He sits up and sighs. "Whatever makes you happy, baby. I guess we're limited in our options anyway, so... if that's what you want, it works for me, too."

I begin to sit up, but Edward stops me. "Wait. Don't move."

"What?"

"Close your eyes for me."

"Why?"

He hovers over me. "It's part of your surprise."

I'm seriously tempted now and my head turns to the side almost without thinking about it. Edward grabs my chin and holds my face so I can't move.

"Please?" he begs. "Just give me five minutes once you're inside the bathroom and you can come out and see."

Oh, wow... His beautiful eyes are pleading.

"Okay."

"Thank you." He kisses me and leans close to my ear. "Now close your eyes and keep them closed."

I take a shuddering breath and do as he requests. Moments later, he's scooping me into his arms and standing up. I yelp and fight the urge to open my eyes.

"I've got you," he murmurs. "We're there already."

I hear the squeak of a door and then a light flicks on. I flinch even though my eyes are closed. It's a stark contrast to the complete darkness of the other room.

"Ouch," Edward laughs, apparently in the same boat as I am.

He sets me on my feet and kisses my forehead. "There's a robe on the back of the door when you're done."

"Where are we that they have robes in the bathroom?" I start to open my eyes and look around, but it's still very bright and I end up with a hand over them anyway.

"Alice got them for me."

"You had her buy robes?"

He chuckles and kisses my cheek. "They were her suggestion and also a part of the surprise, but like I said earlier, we're sort of doing things out of order now. Just keep your eyes shut tight until I close the door and then give me at least five minutes, okay?"

I take a nervous breath and nod. "All right."

"Keep your eyes closed until I'm gone," he warns.

"I will if you kiss me before you go."

He chuckles and I can feel his body relax. "I think I can live with that."

I smile as his hand disappears from my face. He places it on the back of my head and wraps his other arm around my body, making me shiver as he dips me back. He lays one on me, Old Hollywood style, and then leaves me standing there, eyes closed and in a daze.

Once the door clicks shut, I open my eyes and allow them to adjust to the light while I slow my breathing. The first thing I notice is the newness of the room. It's not swanky, but it is pristine. The neutral colored walls and similarly colored tile floors look untouched. The black granite vanity top and moderately upscale fixtures shine. The towels are fluffy and the bath accessories are name brand.

Hmm... I take it back, this place is a little swanky.

As soon as I've acclimated to the light, I'm relieved to see my toiletry bag is already in here, as is what I assume to be Edward's. I open my bag and brush my teeth, then my hair before putting it up to get in the shower. I really don't feel like dealing with wet hair later, but I definitely want to freshen up and shave my legs again before rejoining the man I'll be sleeping next to tonight.

By the time I'm finished showering and am wrapped up in the smaller of the two robes hanging on the door, I'm fairly certain it's been far longer than five minutes. I knock on the door anyway, and open it slowly.

"Can I come out now?"

I hear what sounds like drawer sliding shut and then Edward clearing his throat. "Sure, come join me."

I take a deep breath and swallow back the nervous butterflies before opening the door all the way. As soon as I do, what I see takes my breath away.

Candles.

Dozens of candles.

And Edward.

Edward looking nervous.

He smiles sheepishly and walks towards me at a slow, but steady pace. I step tentatively into the room and try to ignore the way my stomach flip-flops at the sight of the man of my dreams by candlelight. He's beautiful. Moreover, what he's done for me is beautiful.

Simple, white pillar candles of varying heights cover nearly every flat surface available; the nightstands, the dresser, the entertainment cabinet, the half-wall by the door. There's a separate sitting area with a desk, and across from that, a small granite countertop with a sink and a half-size refrigerator below. More candles are strewn across those surfaces as well.

Serving as the lone source of light in the room, they create an atmosphere that is both romantic and sensual. The only thing missing is music. Music playing softly in the background would set the tone and help me deign Edward's intentions. Sultry jazz, for instance, would take it in the sensual direction. Classical piano would be perfect for romance.

Nervously I look back to Edward for a clue. He smiles and reaches out for me with one hand.

I take it and glance around again before meeting his eyes.

"What is all this?"

"Surprise?" He shrugs, looking uncertain.

I smile. I can feel it now. Romance.

I reach up on my tip-toes and put my arms around his neck, kissing his lips. "Thank you. No one's ever done anything like this for me before."

"Really?"

I shake my head.

"That's a tragedy, love."

I laugh. "That's the life of a single girl."

"Single no more. I promise this won't be the last time. Minus the fast food. When you're feeling better, I'll do better than McDonald's."

"Hmm... I may hold you to that." I press my lips to his again. "But this is beautiful, Edward. It's perfect. You're perfect."

He shakes his head. "I don't know about that... I just wanted to do something special for you. For us."

My emotions swell. "Thank you."

He leans down and kisses me softly. "Are you hungry?"

I wrinkle my nose. "Sort of."

"Is it because of the baby?"

I blush lightly. "Yeah. Whoever dubbed it 'morning' sickness obviously had little experience with it."

"So it's worse at night then?"

"Sometimes. Strong smells set me off and dinner foods seem to be more aromatic. The worst part is, I never know what will bother me until it's too late."

"Yeah, Alice warned me about onions, garlic and coffee already." He chuckles.

I grimace. "Thanks for reminding me."

He chuckles again and rubs my shoulders. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. Why don't you come sit down?"

He leads me over to the sitting area and has me sit on the small sofa while he retrieves my milkshake from the small refrigerator.

"My Lady..."

"Thank you."

"Your cheeseburger is probably cold. Do you want me to warm it up?"

I swallow the milkshake in my mouth. "No thanks. Lukewarm is fine."

He nods and sorts through the fast food bag that I hadn't noticed. "Okay... here you go. Mickey D's finest."

I laugh and take the little yellow and red bundle from him.

Unfortunately, twenty minutes later, I learn that lukewarm cheeseburgers are not my friend. Or maybe it was the half dozen French fries I stole from Edward that did it. In any event, I make a humiliating return trip to the bathroom not long after we finish our not-so-gourmet meal.

Edward is a trooper through the ordeal. Not that I let him in the door until I'm sure I won't get sick in front of him. He carries me back to the bed, which he's made, and surprises me by having a plastic cup full of ginger ale waiting for me.

"I kinda figured that's why there are three bottles of the stuff in the fridge."

I smile gratefully and sip on it until my stomach is settled. Edward sits on the floor in front of me and plays with the hem of my robe while he watches me.

I grow self-conscious. "What?"

"Nothing. You're beautiful by candlelight."

"So are you." I sigh. "I'm sorry if I ruined the mood, by the way."

"No, sweetheart. You didn't ruin anything. And technically, even if that were true, it would be just as much my fault as yours."

I blush and giggle softly, looking down. "That's true enough, I suppose."

"I'm still in shock a little, to be honest."

I glance at him nervously. "Are you?"

He nods. "I think it's just going to take some time to sink in. I mean, I know you are, but..." He shakes his head, trying to find the words. "I don't know."

"If it makes you feel any better, I feel the same way. Other than being sick and crying all the time, I really don't feel so different. And the concept of a baby hasn't really set in even though I've seen it with my own eyes. Oh!"

I look up at the same time Edward does. "You've seen it?"

"The ultrasound! I'm so sorry. I forgot!"

I hand him my ginger ale and scramble off the bed, looking around the dimly lit room for our belongings. "Do you know where my duffle is? The one that I had at the hospital?"

"It's in the closet. I'll get it."

"No it's fine. Just stay put."

It doesn't take me long at all to find what I'm looking for. Both ultrasound photos are in there. The new one is in my discharge packet from the hospital. The old one is in my handbag, which is also inside the duffle.

Taking a deep breath, I turn around and return to my spot on the bed in front of Edward. I reach over to the nightstand and fumble with the lamp for a moment until I can figure out how to turn it on to its lowest setting.

When I look back down at a blinking Edward, I have to laugh. He's biting his lip.

"It's okay, they won't bite."

"They?" His previously squinting eyes grow to the size of saucers.

I blanch and feel my stomach dip when I realize how he took my words.

"No, no, no... I have two pictures. There's only one baby." I hand him one of the pictures. "Here, see for yourself."

Tentatively, he reaches out and takes it from me. It's the first of the two, the gestational age on the image says "seven weeks, five days" and it's an almost indistinguishable blur of black, white, and other shades of grey.

"This is from a few weeks ago. That's the, um, the uterus." I trace the shape with my finger for him. "And that's the baby. Or it's supposed to be."

I make a face. It still looks like a blob to me. The second ultrasound is much better. It's clearer and it's in profile, which makes everything more distinguishable.

"This one was taken last night." I hand him the second image even though he's still staring at the other one, trying to make it out.

"Last night?" he asks, taking it from me.

I sigh. "Yes. I'm sorry you weren't there. I just didn't think it was right to dump that on you over the phone and then ask you to come for a sonogram."

He nods and blows out a breath. "Hmm... That would have been pretty... shocking."

I smiled sadly while he looks at the profile shot of our baby.

"There will be more ultrasounds, if you want to be there at some point."

"Yeah? That would be... Wait, what am I looking at now?"

I laugh under my breath and point. "This is the crown of the head, the nose, chin, and belly. Those little things are the arms."

He nods and examines it a while longer. I don't know what to say, so I stay silent.

"And he's healthy? Or it's healthy?" he asks finally, his face twisted into a worried frown.

A lump rises in my throat. "Everything's just as it should be."

He exhales a breath and meets my gaze. His eyes are glassy. "Good."

I start to move towards him at the same time he pushes himself off the ground towards me. My arms go around his neck and his around my waist. He stands, taking me up with him, and holds me as tightly as he dares. I can tell he's being careful.

"I won't break."

He takes a ragged breath and nods, slowly increasing his grip on me.

"I could have missed this, Bella."

"I know... Why do you think I ran away from Alice?"

He chuckles and kisses my neck. "You're amazing. You saved my life. You fought tooth and nail to get back to me. And now..."

He sets me down, and looks at me in wonder. My breath hitches as his fingers brush over the curve of my cheek.

"Now you're having my baby."

I nod and smile through teary eyes. I ask him the question he first asked me. "Are you happy?"

He smiles serenely and lowers his mouth to mine. "Only one thing could make me happier."

"What?"

He shakes his head and presses his lips to mine softly before pulling away. "Come sit."

Once I'm seated where he wants me, he leaves my side only to turn off the bedside lamp I'd turned on. When he returns, he kneels before me, never taking his eyes off of mine.

My heart stutters. "What are you doing?"

"Confessing."

I stare at him in confusion.

He grins crookedly, but nervously. "Bella, I um, I realized something the morning that I was shot. Well, I actually think I knew it the night before really, but I never had a chance to tell you since..."

He squeezes my hand and I nod, squeezing back and telling him silently that I know what he means. He smiles sadly and continues.

"Everything happened so fast, and at the time I was more worried about how we would handle things if you were to stay in Forks and continue living as Anna Bella. So when I suddenly thought that I wasn't going to get a chance to tell you, I may have accidentally blurted out a question that should not have been thrown out there while I was basically dying in the back seat of my brother's car."

I gasp.

"Unfortunately, I don't really remember the exact circumstances leading up it and I honestly can't remember what, if anything, you said in reply, but..." He takes a deep breath and meets my gaze. "Well, I'd very much like to know."

My chest heaves as I struggle to maintain my composure. Tears fill my eyes again, even though I'm sick and tired of crying. Edward smiles tenderly and takes my face between his hands, steadying me.

"I love you, sweet girl. More than my own life. I would have given it gladly to save you then, and I would gladly lay it down again for you now. I am laying it down for you now."

He turns away from me and opens the top drawer in the dresser behind him. He reaches inside and, faster than I can see, he's removed something and is facing me once again. I blink back tears and panic. It's obvious where this is going, but I honestly never expected it. I have half a mind to doubt this man's sanity, and half a mind to doubt my own.

Is this real?

His nervous laughter makes me believe it is.

"I wasn't sure I was going to do this now, tonight I mean, but I guess if there's anything I've learned from this whole ordeal, it's that you shouldn't waste a single moment."

Taking my left hand in his, he opens my palm and places a small velvet box in the center. My heart flies into my throat, pounding wildly, and I'm unable to even look at what's inside.

"Bella... Isabella... Anna Bella... whatever Ella you decide to be in the future... " I laugh unexpectedly and he smirks before growing serious again.

"I know that we haven't really had a chance to get to know each other in the way a man and woman in love traditionally would, but I also know that I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know you. Whatever name you might take in the future, wherever you go, I'd be honored if you would consider sharing your life and your last name with me.

"Will you marry me?"

I inhale a sob when the words are out. I'm stunned.

Except that I'm not.

Yes, my mind is a jumble of questions, hormones, and plain old self-doubt. But in the center of it all is the certainty that I love this man. It's only when I'm wrapped securely in his arms that I feel like myself again. It's in his arms that I'm home. And it's only in his arms that I can find the strength to voice my answer.

Trembling, I slide off the bed and into Edward's embrace, burying my face against his neck.

"Yes."

His body freezes in place. "Yes?"

I nod and whisper it once more, closer to his ear. "Yes."

He inhales quickly.

Pulling back to look at him with my red, swollen eyes, I answer again. "Yes."

I guess I must have taken too long to answer him because now he looks stunned. "You're saying yes?"

I laugh lightly. "Yes!"

It takes a moment, but his face breaks out into a blinding smile. He shouts and picks me up, spinning us in a circle.

The words and motion are so unexpected that my stomach gives a lurch, but it's not a bad one. My laughter grows. He stops when he hears me giggling and lowers me to the ground in front of him.

Eyes alight, he cradles my face and kisses me passionately. The sheer adoration pouring from him touches me all the way in my toes and I melt against him, accepting him in every way I can. We're both trembling when we part; breathless and smiling.

"You're so beautiful," he murmurs.

I feel my face flush.

"You are, Bella. I feel like the luckiest man alive right now."

"I love you." It's all I can say.

He brushes his thumb over my bottom lip. "As I love you."

We stare at one another a moment longer, and just as I rise up on my toes to kiss him, he speaks.

"Would you like to see if your ring fits?"

I gasp. I completely forgot about the small box he placed in my hand!

Horror washes over me. I'm immediately mortified and were it not for the low chuckle and highly smug look on Edward's face, I'd probably start crying again. Instead, I stand there with red cheeks.

He leans down and kisses each one. "Don't be embarrassed. You've done wonders for my ego, love."

Standing straight, he winks at me and I almost fall over from lack of oxygen.

Moments later, Edward laughs when he's unable to locate the discarded piece of jewelry. He gets down on his knees to search beneath the bed and dresser, which is where he ultimately finds it. Pulling the missing black box out from under the dresser, he snaps the box shut and turns back to me.

I bite my lip almost painfully as he kneels before me once more. He takes a deep breath and smiles playfully, rolling his shoulders back.

"Okay. Take two."

I laugh unexpectedly and then cross my arms in front of my chest because I'm nervous. He looks up at me from under his eyelashes and opens the box slowly. I try keep my gaze locked on his, but I can see the sparkle out of the corner of my eye.

Oh, my...

I glance down.

"Holy crap..."

Slapping a hand over my mouth, my eyes nearly bulge out of my head.

Edward stays silent and I look at him in question. He smiles uncertainly.

"Do you like it?"

Like it...?

The ring before me isn't something one likes. It's utterly breathtaking.

The band is white gold and simple in design. It's thick but elegant, with two tiny sapphires set on either side of the diamond. And the diamond... The diamond is huge! It's at least twice the size of the one my mother wore all my life and twice as shiny as well. It also happens to be an oval cut stone, which has always been my favorite, though I don't see how Edward could have possibly known that. Nevertheless... it's absolutely stunning.

"I don't know what to say, Edward. It's beyond beautiful."

"Then you like it?"

I give him a watery smile. "I love it."

He seems to sag in relief and then holds his hand out for me.

"May I?"

I take a deep breath and nod, placing my left hand in his.

He beams as he slides the ring into place on my finger and seals it with a kiss.

My hand shakes lightly in his as I look at it. It's so pretty.

It shimmers in the candlelight, causing Edward to toy with it when he stands. I squeeze his fingers and smile at him. Tucking a wayward strand of hair behind my ear, he pulls me close to him. Blinking back more tears, I stare up into his jubilant, green eyes.

"Are these happy tears?" he asks.

I laugh, causing a few of them to spill over. "Very happy."

"Good." He leans down and presses his lips to mine. "That's good."

He kisses me again and I open for him instinctively, sliding my arms up his chest and around his neck. My fingers tangle in his hair and he groans. Then, without breaking our kiss, he scoops me up as if I weigh nothing at all and carries me back to bed.

~(~)~

**The U.S. Marshal Service is actually split up into two federal districts in the state of Washington. I reduced it to one district simply to excessive wordiness in the above chapter, however, I am aware there really are two. Additionally, if anyone is curious, here's a little civics lesson:

In the United States, individual states are divided up into federal judicial districts. Some states have only one, some have several. There are 94 in total. The U.S. Marshal Service is the enforcement arm of the federal court system here in the United States and each judicial district has a presidentially appointed U.S. Marshal directing it. Those 94 directors oversee a force of nearly 4000 "deputy" Marshals and other criminal investigators who have a range of duties. Among them, witness security.

According to their website, over 8,300 witnesses and 9,800 family members have been relocated since the program began in 1971. Also according to their website, "no Witness Security Program participant following program guidelines has been harmed while under the active protection of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Thanks for reading!
-Ginnie