A/N: I just want to clarify that Edward did not decide between Bella's life or her soul yet. That would make it too easy! Haha. If you read the last part of the previous chapter again, you''ll see that Edward realized that her happiness was important too – but that doesn't mean he's decided to change her because there are other ways to make Bella happy. And you'll find out what in this chapter. Hope you all like it. :)

21 - Sunset

~ Bella ~

"Stupid vampire," Alice muttered under her breath, slamming her tray of food on the table.

It had been a five days since Edward had run away. According to Alice, he was at Denali. He wasn't really staying with the Denali clan; he was always wandering around in the snow, thinking.

I looked up at her from my seat. Despite Edward's absence, I had been sitting with the Cullens each day during lunch hour at their insistence. "What's the matter?" I asked her worriedly.

"He keeps changing his mind," Alice complained, banging her tiny fist on the table. "After Eleazar talked to him two days ago, he was definitely leaning on the possibility of changing you." Alice's pretty face was contorted into a scowl.

Rosalie rolled her eyes. "What's new?"

"What could have made him change his mind again?" Jasper wondered out loud.

Alice rolled her eyes, and scowled even more. "He ran into new vampires on the way home. Savage new vampires."

I sat up straight in my seat. "On the way home? Edward's coming home?" I asked Alice hopefully. I didn't care if he decided not to change me. I just wanted him to come home.

Alice frowned. "Yes, Bella. It might take him longer, though, since he's just running."

"When is he coming back?" I asked. I missed Edward terribly.

"He's going to arrive tomorrow. And you can bet I'm going to give him a piece of my mind," Alice said through gritted teeth.

"Edward worries too much," Emmett said, shaking his head. "I didn't mind the change at all. Well, I did wake up to a beautiful angel, but still."

Rosalie giggled and gazed into Emmett's eyes.

Alice rolled her eyes at me. "Those two never let up," she said as-a-matter-of-factly, shaking her head.

"Bella," Jasper said, ignoring Emmett and Rosalie who were staring dreamily at each other. "You understand why Edward is hesitant to change you, right?"

I sighed and nodded. "But it's my soul, Jasper. Don't you think I ought to get a say?" I asked, feeling frustrated.

Jasper nodded in agreement. "I can see Edward's point clearly, but I can definitely see yours too."

Alice moaned. She looked at me sympathetically before turning to Jasper.. "Bella has clearly made up her mind. She's willing to give up everything for him, there's no doubt about that. Why can't Edward just be happy and change her?" she said in frustration.

Jasper squeezed Alice's hand. "He has his reasons, Alice. He has his own convictions."

"Stupid convictions," Alice muttered, dropping her head to her hands. She raised her head. "And he's not even sure that we're soulless!"

"How is he supposed to know, anyway?" Emmett suddenly demanded. "Talk to dead vampires? Do a séance?" He snorted.

I sighed again and stared at my food. "I don't care anymore. I just want him to come home."

The day dragged on with me feeling forlorn. Even with Alice keeping me company, I still felt lonely. It was as if a part of me was gone whenever Edward was not around. I lay wide awake that night, listening to the pitter patter of the rain. The downcast weather matched my mood perfectly.

The trees illuminated by the light outside formed shadows on my wall. I jumped as the wind whipped a tree branch to my window. I hurriedly stood up, switched on the light and drew my curtain. What was the matter with me? I never used to get scared in the dark. I lay back down on my bed and threw the covers over my head, hiding and closing my eyes, forcing myself to sleep.

"Bella!"

I looked up when I heard a voice call me. I would know that voice anywhere. It was the voice of an angel. My angel.

I ran forward, whipping my head in every direction. I was surrounded by trees. Where was he? Why was it so dark? Why couldn't I see him?

"Bella!"

I felt tears begin to well up in my eyes. Where was he? Why couldn't I see? What was wrong with me?

I ran forward still, almost running out of breath. I squinted my eyes and looked onward. In the distance, I could make out a figure glittering in the darkness. It was him.

As fast as my feet could, I ran. I gasped for breath. I felt like my lungs would explode.

"Please, Bella!" His hands were outstretched, reaching for me. His eyes were pleading. Pleading so hard, I thought my heart would break if I didn't get to him.

My breathing was coming in short gasps, each breath painful. I breathed until I couldn't anymore. "Edward," I whispered as I took my last breath. I couldn't speak. I stared into his golden eyes full of pain. "I'm sorry," I choked out.

I tried to make it. But I just couldn't anymore.

I love you, Edward.

And then I suddenly fell into a dark endless black pit.

My eyes snapped open, and I found myself lying in bed, gasping for air. Calm yourself, Bella. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.

Once I was a little calmer, I checked my clock. 7:58 in the morning.

I rolled out of bed, took a pill from the medicine bottle on my night table and drank it quickly. Once I had showered, I rummaged my closet for my blue jeans. As I slipped it on, I stared at myself in the mirror. The jeans nearly slipped down my hips. I was losing a lot of weight. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. It made the reality of my death even more eminent. I hurriedly finished dressing and bounded down to the kitchen.

Bella,

Went fishing with Harry.

Be back by sundown.

Dad

So Charlie was out. That was fine. More than fine, actually, as I wanted to go out. The sun was shining and I was missing Edward too much. I wanted to go to the one place that made me feel extra close to him.

After filling my picnic basket with goodies, I carried it to my car. I backed out of the driveway and took the road to Edward's house. When I got to the turn-off, instead of taking the trail to the Cullens', I took the trail that led to the secret garden. I drove carefully, thankful that the sun was out, or else I would have been scared of the dark forest. Reaching the end of the road, I got out of the car, taking my picnic basket with me.

I walked through the forest, following the small trail. I carefully made my way through, not wanting to trip or run out of breath. I was about half an hour into the walk when I stopped and looked around. I couldn't see anything but trees around me. Was I going the right way? What if I got lost? I shivered, vividly remembering my dream. I pushed the thought away and quickened my pace. After about another hour of walking, I finally saw the clearing at a distance. I walked eagerly towards it, almost breaking into a run.

Stepping into the clearing for the second time, I was still awed. The beauty of it was something I could never get used to. It still took my breath away. I gazed around at the beautiful rolling hills, beautiful vibrant flowers and the green-manicured grass.

I loved how peaceful the garden made me feel. I took out a blanket from the picnic basket and spread it over the grass. Instead of sitting down, however, I took off my clothes and went for a dip in the lake. As I waded in the cool water, I remembered how much fun I had when Edward and I played in the lake together. I remembered soaking in the water with him and forgetting all my worries.

I stayed in the water until I had goosebumps all over. I relished the moment, filling my head with blissful memories. It was when I began to feel intolerable cold that I finally got out. Feeling hungry, I munched on the food that I brought, smiling as I remembered Edward's successful attempt at cooking. After stuffing myself full, I lay on the blanket and basked in the sun. Again, I was reminded of Edward, how his beautiful skin sparkled in the sun.

I ran through the memories of Edward in my mind. Seeing him for the first time, hitting his Volvo, avoiding him and tripping all over the place in the process, getting out of my car to find him waiting for me, walking me to my classes, hanging out with him and the Cullens during lunch hour, Edward singing me to sleep, his golden brown eyes and how they always shone with happiness at the sight of me, his crooked smile and how it always made my heart skip a beat. I could go on forever.

I sighed deeply, missing him even more. I smiled to myself as I realized most of my happy memories were with Edward. Truly, the last months were the happiest of my life.

And though nothing else could be better than spending forever with Edward, all the love and happiness I have felt is enough to last me through lifetimes.

As I realized this, I decided to leave the decision entirely to him. It didn't matter anymore if Edward decided to change me or not.

All I wanted now was to be with him every single day.

Every single day that I had left.

Just that – and I would be the happiest person alive.

Just that – and I could die happy, not wishing for anything else.

I closed my eyes and let myself get lost in thought.

Edward, until the end of my days.

Edward, until my eyes closed for the last time.

Edward, until the last beat of my heart.

Edward, until my last breath.

I opened my eyes to find the secret garden blanketed in an orange glow. The sun was setting beneath the mountains. I walked over to the edge of the field and sat down. I rolled up my jeans and dangled my feet into the water. As I took in the breath-taking view, I couldn't help but be so grateful that Edward had shared his special place with me.

At the thought of Edward, I suddenly heard his voice. "Bella."

Sure that I was just imagining things, I continued to look at the gorgeous horizon. The beauty of it all was enough to last me through this lifetime.

"Bella, love." This time, the voice was louder, as if closer to me.

I looked up to see my sparkling angel gazing down at me with tender eyes, the setting sun shining beautifully on his skin.

"Edward!" I cried in disbelief, jumping up and flinging my arms around him. "You're here! I can't believe you're here!"

Edward chuckled as he stroked my hair. "I've missed you so greatly, my love."

"I've missed you terribly." I felt a tear slide down my cheek.

Edward's eyes were immediately filled with guilt. "I'm so sorry, Bella. I'm sorry I had to leave without saying goodbye to you. It was terribly wrong, and I promise I will never leave you again." He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and stroked my cheek gently.

I nodded in understanding. "It's fine, Edward, I know why you had to go. I've just missed you so much, that's all." Another tear slid down my cheek as I recalled how lonely the entire week had been without him by my side.

"Sshhh," Edward shushed me gently. He kissed my forehead and hugged me tight. "I'm here now."

"I know," I whispered. I pulled away from him and looked at his face carefully. He looked happy, probably of having seen me, but a part of him still looked troubled. "Have you come to a decision yet?"

Edward sighed and looked frustrated. "About that, I'm as confused as ever. I'm so sorry, Bella. I'm so so sorry. But with such a beautiful soul, I would never let you lose your chance at paradise."

"Paradise, Edward," I said, looking into his hazel eyes. My voice shook with emotion, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes. "Paradise is here on earth. With you."

Edward gazed into my eyes for what seemed like the longest time. And then he pulled me into a hug, tight but gentle, as if he was afraid of letting me go. I wanted to stay there forever. "Oh, Bella."

"But it doesn't matter anymore, Edward," I said, pulling away. He gazed at me looking puzzled. "I don't care what you decide. I feel so incredibly happy to have known and loved you. To have an angel like you love me in return. I will be perpetually grateful for the time we have had together, no matter how little it may seem compared to forever. Although forever would be nice, I just couldn't ask for anything more than what you have already given me. You have already made me happy. So very happy."

The tears that were threatening to fall finally did. Tears were streaming down my face. My heart was so full of love, I thought it might burst.

Again Edward stared at my face, as if memorizing every line and every contour. "Bella, there is something I want you to know. You are someone with such an incredible soul, and there is nothing I want more than for you to be happy each passing day. Nothing more than for me to make you smile, make you happy every single day."

"You have captivated me in ways that I could not even begin to comprehend. I gaze into your eyes, and all I see is forever," Edward continued, his eyes so full of passion. "I know in my heart that I am going to love you until the end of my days. Nothingness, eternal damnation, or paradise – wherever I may be, I am certain I will still love you with all of me. And, Bella, my love for you – I want to promise, I want to vow."

And suddenly, he let go of me.

Very slowly, very agonizingly, he pulled something out from his pocket, his eyes never leaving mine.

My heart started to pound. Faster and faster, as I realized what he was doing.

He got down on one knee, opened a small box, and revealed a diamond ring. A diamond ring that, like his beautiful skin, glittered in the setting sun.

"Allow me to love you longer than forever," Edward said, his voice shaking with emotion. He looked up at me, his golden eyes boring into my own. "Bella, will you marry me?"

I couldn't speak. I opened my mouth but no sound came out.

I nodded wordlessly and threw my arms around him, overcome with happiness and disbelief. My Greek god wanted to marry me.

My Greek god wanted love me forever, even longer.

Edward slipped the ring around my finger. He cupped my face in his hands ever so gently, and very gently kissed my lips.

He had his arm around me as we gazed at the sun, almost hiding behind the hills. "Twilight. It is the end of one day, symbolizes the beginning of another. And I, Bella, promise to make you happy all the days of your life."

A/N: Sorry the update took longer, guys. I've been so busy with work lately. I know the real Bella didn't really like the idea of marriage all that much, but Jamie in A Walk To Remember did. So that explains Bella's reaction and response here. Thanks for the reviews, faves and alerts for the previous chapter! I hope you liked this one. :)