DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyers owns these characters. We've only borrowed them for this story.

Chapter 21

Bella's POV

I didn't hear back from Jake that week. I was sure there was no cell service where he was camping and he would call when he returned. I knew he was fine, but somewhere deep down I had this nagging feeling that he was hiding something from me. Besides, he'd be back soon enough and I'd have a lot of explaining to do myself.

Despite my uneasiness about Jacob, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Edward didn't respond to my last letter, instead he showed up the next day as I opened the store. Alice had wanted the day off and thought it would be a good chance to spend the day together without any pressure. I know it was her sneaky little plan, but it actually turned out to be a nice day. Edward and I just talked and enjoyed each other's company. He was so well-versed in so many genres of writing that he kept me entertained with interesting tidbits of information about various authors and their histories. I couldn't help but wonder if some of his knowledge was by experience rather than by education.

We spent time together each day the rest of that week. Even if it was just to go for a walk or see a movie. Edward was very romantic, more that I recalled. Every day he brought me a blush pink colored rose…I'm sure the gesture had an underlying significance because the first day he brought one for me, I did just that.

We talked about the obvious physical attraction between us and both decided that we should wait a little longer before crossing those boundaries until the time was right. Not to say that the tension between us wasn't palpable, but he was so gracious and gentle that he never once stepped over that invisible line. We held hands all the time and on many occasions he'd delicately caress my cheek and look into my eyes; just enough to light the flame but never letting it burn too hot.

Thursday at lunch time, Edward and I took a long walk in the park. I hadn't realized how far we'd gone until we reached the perimeter. We were at the cemetery. I had mentioned earlier that week that it had been too long since I'd visited Charlie's grave. It was always difficult to recover from those visits.

"Edward. What are we doing here?" I was anxious now. I was feeling so carefree and happy before that moment.

"Bella I know this is hard for you but I know you've been meaning to come here for over a month. I just thought maybe it would help if you weren't alone." He knew what I needed before I did.

"Thank you Edward. Maybe you're right." I took a deep breath. He was still holding my hand. "I'm nervous. I don't know if I can do this, even with you here." I lowered my head. I felt guilty saying that out loud.

"You don't have to be nervous. If you prefer to go in alone, I'll wait right here for you."

"No! No…I mean. I want you to come with me." The thought of him letting go of my hand right now panicked me. "I just meant that it's so hard for me to do this. I don't want to lose my composure in front of you."

"Bella It's understandable. You loved your father. Don't be afraid to show your emotions in front of me. I will never do anything but be here for you in any way you need me. Come'on... Let's go in shall we?" He tugged lightly and urged me forward. I followed him willingly with my head down, holding tightly to his hand. By the time I looked up I realized he had walked me right to the spot where Charlie was buried.

I was surprised. "How did you know where his grave was?"

"Bella, you are the most important person in my life. Charlie was important to you, which made him important to me. When I got back to Forks, one of the first things I did was ask Alice to bring me here. I felt I needed to pay my respects. I actually felt closer to you somehow by being here. I hope you don't mind?" Who is this amazing man?

I reached up and placed my hand on his cheek and leaned in to kiss him lightly on the lips. "Edward. I don't know what to say." My eyes welled up.

He sat with me quietly while I wept for my father. He held me close and comforted me. How I needed him and his strength. I felt a catharsis; a release of emotions I'd held in for so long. Sometime has passed and he left me alone for a few minutes. I spoke to Charlie out loud and told him all about how my store was doing; about Alice and Jasper..and about me and Edward. I know he'd be happy for me. I know I was happy…for a change.