Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

A/N: Thanks to everyone who's been reading, recommending, and reviewing this story. I'm sorry I've been bad about replying to reviews this week. I was out of town and without an Internet connection, so fell behind. Please know I read and so appreciate each one and I promise to do better this week!

A few questions came up that I thought I'd address here.

Some of you are wondering why Bella is so adamant about Carlisle not intervening with Esme and Rosalie before they are near death. The main reason is that Bella is worried that any major change in the timeline could really screw things up. She only told Carlisle about Esme and the rest of them in the first place because her very presence (and plan to save Edward) was taking Carlisle away from the path that would lead to his family. She believes it's important for nothing else to be changed, or the results could be bad. For example, if Carlisle took Esme now and changed her, maybe that could have a ripple effect on the people around her that could cause problems in the future. No way to know for sure, but it could happen. As for Rosalie, Bella hasn't had the conversation with her where Rosalie tells her about her past (remember, this story is Alt NM)... so she couldn't give Carlisle any more information even if she wanted to. On top of all that, Edward has told her that Carlisle would never change someone unless they were near death, so she's operating under that assumption. If Carlisle steps in to keep Esme from jumping off that cliff, he'll never be able to change her - at least in Bella's mind.

And for those who argue, "But she's screwing up the future anyway..." I'll say what I've said before. Bella believes she was sent to the past for a reason. The only reason she can see is to save Edward. Alice seemed to support that decision. Since she trusts Alice, she's moving forward with that plan. However, she does understand that changing other things could have negative results, so she's doing the best she can not to affect anything else. (Cindy Lauper and chocolate chip cookies being the notable exceptions, Lol!) She is, however, only human and is bound to make a few mistakes.

As for how much is left of the story, I'm estimating a half-dozen chapters or so. I have the story outlined, but when I actually go to write the chapters, some things take longer than I thought... some shorter. I'll have a better idea after the next few chapters.

Thanks to my wonderful betas Aecarlso and Tiffanyanne3, and to GoSpikey for pre-reading.

"It is impossible to fall out of love. Love is such a powerful emotion, that once it envelops you it does not depart. True love is eternal. If you think that you were once in love, but fell out of it, then it wasn't love you were in. There are no 'exit' signs in love, there is only an 'on' ramp."

-Unknown

Chapter 24 – Of Wishes and Watches

I held Edward's hand in mine as we tiptoed down the hallway, even though the house was silent, and I was relatively certain everyone was out.

Well, everyone except Alistair. He was always quiet, so I never knew for sure if he was lurking about.

I could feel Edward's heavy breaths behind me, matching my own rapid pants. Good lord, this had been a long time coming. Longer for me than for him. Edward had been tempting me… taunting me since the first time he kissed me a century from now.

I tried not to think about that too much. It kind of blew my mind a little.

We finally reached my room and I pulled Edward inside, trying not to slam the door shut in my eagerness. Edward, however, had no such qualms, as he whirled me around and pressed me to the door, his body flush against mine. I caught a flash of uncontrollable lust in his eyes one second before his lips pressed to my neck, his tongue darting out to taste my skin. My palms lay flat against the wood at my back. I was unable to move… to think… all I could do was feel.

"I love you, Bella," he murmured against my throat, his lips dragging upward over my chin before brushing my mouth, "…so much."

I whimpered something incomprehensible as his tongue slipped into my mouth, teasing along my teeth and making me tremble. His hands swept up my sides, his thumbs brushing over my nipples deliberately before they slipped between us. I felt the buttons loosening on my blouse and arched away from the door unconsciously, my fingers digging into the wood at my hips. I moaned and Edward wrapped his lips around my tongue, sucking lightly and sending a wave of heat and lust ricocheting down my nerve endings. He released my tongue with a slight pop and slid my blouse from my shoulders, his hands trailing down my arms as his mouth descended on my breast.

"Edward… God… Edward…" I mumbled as his tongue swirled my already pebbled nipple through my chemise before his lips captured it and he drew it deeper into his mouth. He clutched at my back, pressing me toward him as I arched into the moist, wet heat. He turned his attention to my other breast, and I gasped at the tingling, tightening feeling between my legs. Thrusting forward in search of friction, I writhed against the door, my head pounding against it slightly.

Edward pulled away from my breast and his nearly black eyes locked on mine. He tugged at the bottom of my chemise, pulling it free of my waistband, then up and over my head slowly, never breaking eye contact. He licked his lips and finally, his eyes lowered to my now bare breasts.

He gasped, then released his sharp inhalation on a low groan as his erection grew even thicker and harder against my hip. His forehead rested against mine as he stared at my naked chest, his hands hovering over my bare skin.

Finally, I gained some control over my own body, and my hands lifted to Edward's shoulders. He jumped slightly at the contact, then relaxed as I gently rubbed his tense muscles through his clothing. I pushed his jacket from his shoulders and he shrugged slightly, lowering his arms so it could slide to the floor. I reached up to loosen his tie, pulling the knot until I could lift it over his head. My trembling fingers worked the buttons of his shirt free, and it too landed in the pile on the floor. Edward's white undershirt was damp with perspiration, and I could feel the heat from his skin through the moist cotton as I ran my fingers down his chest to his belt, dipping below it to tug the shirt up and over his head.

The whole time Edward said nothing. The only sounds filling the room were shuddering breaths and the muted rustling of clothing as it fell to the floor.

I barely had time to register the masculine beauty of his chest, the smooth ripples of his abdomen… the soft trail of hair leading downward, cut off from my vision where his pants hung low on his hips. I pulled him toward me, feeling the pull and bunch of his muscles as he leaned against me… then… finally… we touched… skin to blessedly delicious skin.

I can't find the words to describe the feeling of Edward's bare chest against mine. It was soothing, but also shocking. Like a wave of relief followed quickly by a surge of desire for… more. Our bodies melded together in a sliding, sinuous merging of love and lust, and I felt tears fill my eyes at the impact. We clung to each other, absorbing the overwhelming sensations – me stroking Edward's hair softly as he held me in an iron grip, his arms around my waist. I have no idea how long we stood like that, locked together, but eventually I pulled back, tugging Edward's head up so I could see his face.

I gasped when I saw his eyes were glassy as well. His gaze dropped again and he lowered his head to plant a soft kiss over my heart.

"You're so beautiful," he breathed, but the words caught in his throat. Something was wrong.

I stroked his hair, my hand drifting down to rub his neck gently. "Edward, what is it?" I asked. He just shook his head.

"Edward, look at me, please," I pleaded. He looked up then, his face stricken. "Tell me what's wrong." I touched his cheek and he leaned into my palm, closing his eyes.

I knew.

"You don't want to do this," I said as understanding finally washed through me. His fingers gripped my waist, digging into my flesh, but I knew that I was right.

Edward opened his eyes and gazed at me intently. "Believe me, I want it… I want nothing more," he said earnestly.

"But you want to wait until we're married." I finished his thought, and he looked away, flushing.

"I feel like an idiot," he muttered. "I practically beg you to bring me up here. I have a beautiful woman just waiting for me to…" His eyes flashed to mine, then back away. "…and all I can think is, 'not yet.'"

My hands slid up into his hair and I pulled him up against me again – not in a sexual way, but I hoped in a comforting one. Electricity hummed through our skin and I smiled into his neck.

"Edward, it's okay," I murmured, kissing him softly.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled.

"No… don't apologize. I think you're right," I told him. He pulled back and looked at me in disbelief. "Really!" I laughed, and his lips raised in a smirk. "I swear sometimes you make me feel like a villain in an old movie, trying to steal the hero's virtue!"

His grin widened and I leaned in to kiss him softly. "I know it's important to you, and I think it should be special," I assured him. "We'll wait."

"Thank you," he murmured. He took a step back and reached down to pick up his shirt.

"Now, just wait a second." I grabbed his wrist to stop him. His eyes flicked up to me in confusion. "You know," I said casually. "Just because certain things need to wait until the wedding night, doesn't mean everything does." I bit my lip and smiled suggestively. His gaze darkened with interest.

"What do you mean?" he asked, straightening and taking a step back toward me.

"Well," I continued flirtatiously, running a finger along his lips. "Kissing is okay, right?" He leaned in to brush his lips against mine.

"Yes," he said, his voice husky.

My finger trailed down over his chin, down his chest and stroked the trail of hair on his stomach. His muscles twitched. "And touching?" I whispered.

His hands stroked up my sides, hesitating only briefly before drifting over my breasts. "Touching is good," he rasped, his jaw tightening slightly, "…very good."

"Mmmm…" I murmured, running my fingers along the top edge of his belt. "So maybe we can do some kissing…" I pressed my lips to his chest. "…and touching." I reached down to unbuckle his belt and Edward froze, his hand shooting down to grab my wrist.

"Bella…?" he groaned, both question and plea. His ears were pink, the flush quickly spreading to his cheeks. "I don't think…"

"It's all right," I whispered soothingly. "I just want to touch you, Edward. I love you. I just want to make you feel good."

He moaned and released my hand, his head bowing as he buried his face in my neck.

I unbuckled the belt and flipped the buttons on his pants, working my way down as I felt Edward's harsh breath against my skin. I actually had no idea what I was doing, but I just felt the urge… the need to give him something. I wanted him to feel my love for him… my acceptance of him… my unending desire for him.

I took a deep breath, and slipped my hand into his pants, stroking his erection over the thin fabric of his underwear. It twitched under my hand, and I heard Edward whimper my name. I smiled as I lifted my hand before sliding it down his stomach and into his underwear. When I touched the smooth, hot skin, Edward hissed loudly, his hands slamming flat on the door on either side of my head. I looked up at him in surprise, but his eyes were clenched shut, his mouth parted as his breath escaped in harsh bursts.

I must have been doing something right.

I stroked him softly, marveling at the feel of him under my fingers. I longed to see it… to see all of him, but I knew that would have to wait, for now. A drop of moisture gathered at the tip of his penis and I smoothed the warm liquid down his length before wrapping my fingers around him.

"Bella…" he moaned tightly, "I can't… I'm going to…"

I stroked my hand up slowly, then down again and felt his erection swell even further, then begin to throb within my grasp. Mesmerized, I squeezed a little tighter and was rewarded by a low curse escaping Edward's lips. I looked up at him as he shuddered, thrusting twice in my hand as he climaxed. He collapsed against me, his chest heaving, and I pulled my hand out, unsure what to do about the mess that was now all over my fingers.

Then I heard it.

Voices.

Laughter.

Footsteps.

Downstairs.

Shit!

"Edward," I whispered, pushing against him slightly with my clean hand. He mumbled something, but didn't move. "Edward," I repeated, a little louder. "They're downstairs!"

"What?" he lifted his head, his eyes glassy and a goofy smile on his face.

"I said, they're downstairs!" I hissed, shoving him a little harder. He stumbled back and I grabbed a towel from the top of my dresser, wiping Edward's spunk from my fingers. "Everyone's back," I told him. "And we've got to get you out of here!"

I wasn't so delusional that I didn't realize Edward being found in my bedroom would be a very, very bad thing. I mean, it would be bad if the world knew we were engaged. But they didn't. That made it even worse.

Edward's parents would kill him. The scandal would shame them… and Edward.

What the fuck was I thinking?

Oh, yeah. I wasn't.

I picked up the pile of clothes on the floor, throwing Edward's shirt at him as I pulled on my chemise. We dressed quickly and my mind raced to come up with a plan.

"Okay… okay…" I babbled, "What are we going to do… what are we going to do?"

Edward grabbed my shoulders and shook me gently. "Bella, it's all right," he said firmly, leaning forward to kiss me and cutting off my rambling words. "I mean, if they catch us, what are they going to do? Force me to marry you?" He raised his eyebrow and smirked, and I couldn't help returning his smile.

"Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that," I retorted, finally getting control of my thoughts. "It sounds like everyone's in the kitchen. I'll go down and distract them. You sneak out the front door. Okay?"

Edward nodded. "Okay." I turned toward the door. "Oh, Bella?" he called. I whirled around and gasped as he grabbed me by the waist and dipped me backward over his arm, bending over me for a devastating kiss.

He pulled back slightly, "Thank you," he murmured, his breath washing over my lips. "Maybe sometime soon I can return the favor."

Holy shit.

He winked and set me back on my feet, and I stumbled a little as I turned toward the door. I heard Edward chuckle lightly as I walked into the hallway.

I started to tiptoe down the stairs, then realized that was ridiculous and would only look more suspicious, so I walked down quickly, my eyes scanning the room. I was right, the sitting room was empty and I found Maggie, Tom, Liza and Jared in the kitchen, chatting over glasses of lemonade.

"Bella," Tom said with a smile. "I didn't even know you were home."

"I… uh…" I swallowed, trying to get a grip on myself. "I was just taking a nap upstairs… you know… alone."

What?

God, I was pitiful. I hoped nobody ever entrusted me with state secrets because it wouldn't even take torture to get me to break. Just a hello and a guilty conscience.

"Uh huh…" Tom said, eyeing me warily. "Well, we were just talking about next Saturday."

"Saturday?" I repeated.

"Yeah, the picnic… at the shore?" he was looking at me like I should have known what he was talking about, so I acted like I did.

"Oh, of course, sure… the picnic," I stammered, catching a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye.

Crap! Edward was in the living room.

"What's that?" I screamed, pointing at the back door and making everyone jump.

"What?" All eyes turned to the window and I waved my hand frantically behind my back, telling Edward to get a move on.

"I guess it was nothing," I said sheepishly. Maggie cast a narrow glance my way as I heard the front door close.

"Is someone at the door?" Jared asked.

Shit!

"I'll check!" I said brightly, turning to walk into the living room. I panicked when I saw Edward's tie lying on the floor by the door, whipping it open and calling to him in a hiss as he walked toward his car. He turned around with raised eyebrows and I waved the tie at him. He grinned sheepishly and ran up the steps to take it from me.

"Who is it, Bella?" Maggie came up behind me and my stomach dropped.

"Uh… it's… Edward," I replied, opening the door slowly. Edward had pulled the tie over his head and tightened it quickly. It was a little crooked, but hopefully not too noticeable.

"Ah, Edward," Maggie said with a smile, moving to stand next to me. "Weren't you just here a little while ago?"

Edward flushed slightly, but his voice was steady. "Yes," he answered, "I dropped Bella off after the graduation party, but I forgot to ask her about the picnic next weekend."

Wow. Edward was pretty good at this whole sneaking around and lying thing. I'd have to keep my eye on him.

"Of course." Maggie nodded. "But you could have telephoned." I shot Maggie an annoyed glance, but she seemed to ignore me.

Edward tugged at his collar. "Yes… well, I suppose I could have done that. I just was in the neighborhood, so thought I'd stop by."

"Mmm hmmm…" Maggie replied noncommittally. "Well, it was nice to see you again," she said. "I'm sure we'll see you soon."

Edward swallowed nervously. "Yes. All right. Goodbye, Mrs. Oleson… Bella." He turned on his heel and practically ran to his car.

I closed the door and turned to Maggie. "And what was that all about?" I asked, my hands on my hips.

"I don't know what you mean," Maggie said innocently. Too innocently.

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Oh, you know exactly what I mean," I accused.

"What I know," Maggie said, crossing her arms over her chest, "is what it's like to be young and in love. I know how it feels. I know what it's like to be swept away." Her eyes flickered toward the kitchen and she lowered her voice.

"And I know how to make sure my blouse is buttoned up correctly," she added with a pointed glance toward my chest before turning and walking back into the kitchen.

Son of a…

x-x

The next few weeks passed in a blur. I know people say that all the time, but in this case, it really seemed to be true. Edward and I spent as much time together as possible, although I had yet to be able to claim the promise of reciprocation he'd made that day in my bedroom. Once I'd gotten over my mortification that Maggie knew we'd been up to some hanky-panky, I had been relieved that Edward and I hadn't gone any further. Not only because I knew it was important to Edward to wait, but also because I still hadn't received an important package I'd asked Eleanor to procure for me.

I had finally studied the birth control brochure and settled on the method that seemed to be the most effective. Eleanor agreed with my choice of a diaphragm (although it was called a pessary in this time and place) and told me she would get one for me as soon as possible. When I thought about the fact that I'd been so caught up in Edward that I'd forgotten all about birth control, my blood ran cold. Not because I didn't want to have children with him – because I really did – even if I never anticipated having them at such a young age. No, the panic set in when I realized that if I got pregnant our child could be exposed to the very disease I was here to protect Edward from. I couldn't let that happen. Once the epidemic was over, things would be different. In the meantime, I'd have to be careful. Although at the moment, it looked like pregnancy and birth control wouldn't really be an issue until our wedding night.

It was nice, actually. It took the pressure off, and Edward and I could enjoy each other without worrying about things like babies and scandal and shotgun weddings. I found myself relaxing and looking forward to what the future would bring, at least to a limited extent.

I still worried, of course… about the epidemic… Edward's parents… and what I might have fixed - or ruined - in my efforts to save Edward. Carlisle was still spying on Esme, which also concerned me, but I couldn't really say I blamed him.

"She seems lonely," he'd revealed one evening while we were working.

"Carlisle," I said in warning.

"She has no family around her," he told me. "No real friends. She's isolated and alone."

"You need to wait," I told him.

"I know… I know…" Carlisle muttered, mumbling to himself as he flipped through some medical journals. "Her husband barely writes," he spat.

"Have you been reading her mail again?" I asked, incredulous.

"I don't open it," he said defensively. "I just see it on the table when she brings it in."

I shook my head. "I don't even know what to say to that."

"I went by the local hospital," he said, "just to take a look around."

"And?" I couldn't wait to hear what else he'd been up to.

"It's a decent facility," he said. "I think I'll be able to do good work there when the time comes." He wouldn't meet my eyes, and I knew there was more.

"And?" I repeated.

"And…" he took a deep, unneeded breath. "I might have seen Esme's medical records."

My face dropped into my hands. "Carlisle, what are you doing?" I moaned.

"Bella, listen to me." His voice was tense… urgent. I looked up and was surprised at the worry in his eyes.

"Esme's been to the hospital on several occasions. Broken bones, cracked ribs… bruises and abrasions."

My stomach clenched. "Was she in an accident?" I knew she wasn't.

Carlisle scoffed. "Five visits in the few months between her wedding and when her husband shipped out," he practically snarled. "The bastard beats her."

I swallowed thickly. "I didn't know that." My heart broke for Esme's pain… that kind, loving woman a victim of brutal abuse. "I'm sorry," I whispered, tears clogging my throat.

"She's so sweet… so delicate… she doesn't deserve that," Carlisle murmured, and I could feel the longing in his voice. Edward once told me that vampires rarely changed, but when they did, it was irreversible… irrevocable… forever. I could see that in Carlisle. I doubted he even realized it yet, but he was in love with Esme.

"No, she doesn't," I agreed with a heavy sigh. "I told you that you might learn things you wished you didn't know."

Carlisle nodded sadly. "It's so frustrating just to stand back and watch… wait…"

My heart broke for Carlisle. I wanted to say something to make him feel better.

"You'll play baseball," I blurted out.

Carlisle choked slightly. "What?"

"Someday, you'll play baseball," I told him, grasping at a happy memory that could give him hope. "You'll go out to this big field by your house… but only on stormy days, so the thunder hides the sound of the bat."

Carlisle was smiling, so I continued.

"Esme doesn't play, though. She prefers to umpire," I told him.

He laughed. "Really? Why is that?"

I grinned. "She told me she has to keep the children honest."

His eyes softened at the mention of children, and I leaned toward him earnestly. "That's what you're waiting for, Carlisle. Don't forget it."

His smile fell slightly, but he nodded in understanding before turning around to get back to work.

x-x

Before I knew it Edward's birthday party was a week away… and I still had no idea what to give him.

"How about a nice shirt?" Samantha suggested as we walked down a downtown street, shopping.

"Meh," I mumbled with a shrug.

"Meh?" Samantha repeated, laughing.

I smiled. "A shirt isn't… special enough. I want to get Edward something meaningful," I explained.

We rounded the corner and Samantha spotted a bookstore. "How about a book? Or a journal?"

I frowned, looking in the window. "Maybe…" I let her pull me into the store and we browsed for a little while. Samantha bought a stack of books, but I still couldn't find the right gift.

"I think you're worrying too much," she told me as we walked back out onto the street. "Edward will be happy with whatever you give him."

"Spoken like a woman who's already bought an amazing present," I muttered. Samantha had showed me the silver pocketknife she'd purchased almost a month ago. I knew Edward would love it. "Besides, I know he'll be happy with anything… but I want it to be perfect."

Samantha, God love her, was exceedingly patient with me as we walked through clothing stores, haberdasheries (I couldn't bear the thought of Edward covering that glorious hair), hobby shops, jewelers, and shoe stores. We looked at shirts, ties, gloves, socks (yes, I was desperate enough to consider socks), and even car accessories. I was frowning at a bottle of leather polish for car seats when a shop on the other side of the street caught my eye. I set the polish back down and walked across the street, Samantha trailing behind me.

I walked through the door into the dimly-lit interior and a smile spread across my face.

I'd found it. The perfect gift. A gleaming pocket watch that was a slightly larger version of my pendant. I weighed the chain in my palm as I popped the lid open, examining the spinning gears visible in the center of the face.

I spoke to the owner and found out – to my delight – that I could have it engraved in a few days. Which meant I could give it to Edward on Thursday - his actual birthday - and didn't have to wait for the party the following Saturday. It took almost all the money I had saved, but I knew there was nothing else I'd rather give to him.

"Well, it took a while, but I think you made the right choice," Samantha said as we left the little shop.

"You really think he'll like it?" I asked, when in reality, I already knew he would.

"Absolutely," Samantha confirmed. "Now, how about we get some lunch? I'm starving."

x-x

"You have to make a wish," I insisted, holding the cupcake in front of Edward's mouth, a lit candle flickering from his breath. It was Edward's seventeenth birthday and we were sitting in Maggie's garden on our bench, having a private celebration. I'd baked chocolate cupcakes and picked the best-looking one to present to him.

"I don't know what to wish for." He laughed, almost blowing out the candle. I carefully moved it away, protecting it with a cupped hand.

"Well, you better think of something," I scolded. "You don't want to let your birthday wish go to waste."

Edward observed me for a moment, a crooked smile on his face as he concentrated. "All right, I have one," he told me. I lifted the plate in front of him and he closed his eyes. "I wish…"

"No!" I interrupted. "You can't say it out loud!"

Edward arched a brow. "Why not?"

I rolled my eyes. "Because then it won't come true!" Didn't everyone know that?

Sheesh!

"You're adorable," he said with a smile, leaning forward to nuzzle my cheek. I giggled and shoved him playfully with my shoulder.

"Your candle's melting," I reminded him with a pointed look.

He sat up. "All right." He closed his eyes and a moment later blew the candle out. "Happy?" he asked me.

"Thrilled," I replied, kissing him softly.

We shared the cupcake, playfully feeding pieces to each other in that lovey-dovey way that would make me sick if it was anyone else. I didn't care. There were so many clouds hanging over our heads that I grabbed hold of any sunshine that came our way. We avoided talking about what would happen after the wedding. Instead, by tacit agreement we tried to cram all the fun and silliness and clichéd romantic gestures into each hour we had together until then.

I dipped my fingertip in frosting and held it out to him expectantly. "Want some?" I asked saucily.

Edward grabbed my wrist and licked the frosting from my finger before sucking it into his mouth. "Delicious," he said with a wolfish grin. I giggled as he leaned in to kiss me, tasting the sweet chocolate on his tongue. His fingers slid along the chain of my pendant before slipping beneath it, pressing lightly where his ring lay beneath my blouse and against my skin.

"I can't wait until this is on your finger," he said quietly, circling the ring with his knuckle. Goosebumps burst out all over me, but whether it was from his touch and proximity, or the thought of wearing his ring, I couldn't be sure.

"When are you going to talk to your parents?" I asked. He sat back on the bench, taking my hand and pressing his lips to my palm before responding.

"Tomorrow, after my father comes home from the office," he replied. "I've already told them I need to speak with them. I think they know what's coming."

"Really?"

Edward flashed a wry smile at me. "It's not a big secret how I feel about you, Bella."

I couldn't stop the blush that washed over my cheeks. "Do you want me to be there?" I'd asked before and he'd always refused, but felt I should offer again.

He shook his head. "No. I think it's better if I speak to them alone."

"Will they be upset?" I leaned my head against his shoulder, loving the feel of being so close to him.

"Not about the engagement, no," he assured me. "The rest, I'm not so sure. I think they'll come around when it comes to us getting married right away. But leaving Chicago? That could pose a problem."

I bit my lip, considering that. "Do you think… Edward, do you think there's any way they would come with us?" I knew I was treading on precarious ground, giving Edward a glimpse of the future he might not even want.

He stilled. "Should they?"

I knew what he was asking. But I didn't really know how to answer. If I told him his parents were going to die, he would probably do whatever he could to get them to move out of the city. If they refused, would he be able to leave them behind? I didn't know.

Plus there was the whole fate issue: Maybe they were meant to die. It was enough to drive you crazy.

"Chicago is going to be a dangerous place," I replied slowly. "It might not be a bad idea to see if they'd be willing to leave… even for a little while."

Maybe we could save them too.

Maybe not.

But I didn't think I could bear the heartbreak… the betrayal that Edward would feel if he found out I knew his parents were going to die, and I didn't at least make an effort to protect them.

He sighed. "I'll ask," he said. "I don't think they'll leave, but I'll try," he added.

We sat in silence for a while. Edward looked off into the distance, his brow creased in concentration.

"What is it?" I asked eventually.

Edward, lost in thought, jumped a little at the sound of my voice. "Nothing," he said quietly, but he didn't meet my eyes.

I wrapped my hands around his arm as I leaned into him. "Tell me, Edward."

He took a deep breath, his eyes still unfocused, and exhaled heavily. "It's just so much," he replied finally. "You tell me all of these things…" His voice drifted off.

"…and it's crazy and unbelievable." I finished his thought.

Edward turned to me quickly. "It's not that I don't want to believe you," he corrected.

"Edward, it's okay," I reassured him, although uncertainty twisted in my stomach. I didn't know what I would do if Edward changed his mind and refused to leave Chicago. I'd placed all my cards on the table, and realized it had been a gamble. "I know I sound like a lunatic," I mumbled miserably.

He grabbed my hand, bringing it to his lips. "No. It's not that," he said firmly. "I do believe you. When we're together and I see the truth in your eyes, I believe what you're telling me." Our entwined hands dropped to his lap and he looked away again. "It's just that when we're apart… when I'm alone…"

"You have doubts," I stated flatly.

Edward nodded once. "I'm sorry, Bella," he murmured, his face falling.

I squeezed his hand. "No… no… it's okay, Edward," I repeated. "It's completely understandable. I mean, here I am telling you that I know the future. It's fantastic! It's ridiculous! And I'm asking you to change your life based on my predictions." I laughed humorlessly.

"I'm changing my life because I'm in love with you," he corrected.

"Well… whatever!" I stood, throwing my hands in the air. "It's just so frustrating! I know these things, but I have no way to prove…" My words faltered as a memory flashed through my mind. A headline.

I had been absently clicking through links on the Internet… looking at scanned newspaper pages from the days around Edward's birthday. I was looking for a birth announcement. I hadn't found one before I had to go to school… but… I had seen something else. Something that stuck with me.

June 22, 1918.

Two days from now.

I whirled to face Edward, my voice urgent. "Edward, what if I had proof?" I asked.

His face clouded in confusion. "I thought you said it didn't work like that."

I bit my lip and turned to pace in front of him. "It doesn't… not really… but I remember something," I said in a rush. "Something that's going to happen soon."

"Bella, what are you talking about?"

I hurried to the bench and sat back down, grabbing his arm as I gazed intently into his eyes. "Two days from now. It happens early in the morning… before dawn. Somewhere in Indiana… crap… I can't remember the name of the town." I clenched my eyes shut, willing myself to remember. "Something starting with an 'H', I think… Hanson… Harmon…"

"Hammond?" Edward asked. "That's actually not too far from here."

"Yes! Hammond! That's it!" I focused back on Edward, leaning toward him. "One of the trains is a circus train. That's why I remember it. I mean, a circus train… that sticks in your mind, right?" Edward had a concerned look on his face and I realized I was rambling like a crazy person. I took a breath and forced my voice to steady.

"Early Saturday morning, the circus train is going to be stopped on the tracks… and another train is going to crash into it," I said somberly. At Edward's shocked look, I continued. "The engineer fell asleep… will…" I corrected, "…will fall asleep and won't see the train until it's too late. It's going to be bad, Edward… eighty-six people are going to die. More than a hundred injured."

I watched him warily as he absorbed what I had just said. Did he believe me? I couldn't tell.

It didn't really matter, though. It would happen. Then he would have no choice. He'd know I was telling the truth.

"Don't say anything. Okay, Edward?" I said after a moment. "Just… wait and see."

Edward shook his head. "But," he began, "if that's really going to happen, we need to tell someone. We need to stop it," he argued.

Yeah. If it was only that easy. I smiled sadly. "How, Edward?" I asked. "Who's going to believe us?"

"It doesn't matter," he said hotly, running a hand through his hair. "Don't we have to try?" But even as he spoke, I saw the realization sink in. His shoulders slumped. "Can't we try to help?" he asked defeatedly.

I sighed. "Honestly? I really don't think there's anything we can do." At his troubled look, I continued, "Besides, if I really am crazy, then there's nothing to worry about anyway."

Edward's mouth lifted slightly and I leaned into him again.

"You're not crazy," he said quietly.

"No. I'm not."

"How do you do it?" he asked. "Knowing these terrible things are going to happen. How do you cope?"

I sighed again. "It's not easy," I said, which was the understatement of the century. "I feel guilty a lot," I admitted, thinking once again of Edward's parents. "I just realized that I have to focus on the things I can change… the things I'm meant to change."

"Like keeping me alive," he said with a wry smile.

"Yes," I agreed. "Keeping you alive. Building a life with you. I believe it's why I'm here… why I know the things I know. Fate is giving me a chance… giving us a chance to be together."

He nodded and we were quiet for a while, absorbing each other's heat… strength… and pondering what the future might hold. The sun was warm on my face and I closed my eyes, breathing in Edward's scent mingling with the blooming flowers around us.

Peace.

I felt him kiss my temple and I smiled to myself.

"What are you thinking?" he asked.

That made me smile even wider. How often had he asked me that question?

"I was just enjoying sitting here with you," I told him, my eyes still closed. "It's a perfect moment."

His hand lifted to run through my hair. "Yes. It is," he agreed.

I sat up, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him quickly. "I still need to give you your present," I said excitedly. "It's inside. Wait right here."

I ran into the house and up the stairs, grabbing the wrapped package off my dresser. Returning to the garden, I placed it in his lap, watching him expectantly.

He gave me a teasing smile and lifted the box, shaking it gently. The muted rattle made him frown in concentration.

"It doesn't sound like a pair of socks," he said.

I rolled my eyes. "Samantha told you I was looking at socks," I huffed.

Edward laughed. "She might have mentioned it."

I shook my head with mock exasperation. "Just open it."

He tore the paper from the box and lifted the lid as I watched him carefully. His eyes widened and flashed to mine before he lifted the pocket watch from the padded lining.

"Bella, you shouldn't have…" he began, but a smile teased at his lips and I knew he liked it. He tested the weight in his hand, flipping the watch over before popping the clasp and examining the clock face.

"Do you like it?"

He grinned and wrapped his hand around my chin, pulling me forward for a kiss. "I love it. It's beautiful. You're beautiful." He kissed me again. "Thank you."

Edward released me and looked at the watch again. I saw when he noticed the engraving.

To Edward,

With all my love, Bella

Beyond Time

"Beyond time?" He looked at me with a question in his eyes.

"It's from a poem," I explained quietly, shifting closer to murmur in his ear.

"'Swept up on love's wing... above the trees, conquering fate, beyond time…" I pressed my lips to his neck before continuing.

"'Soaring, spinning, dipping low to rise again, fingertips brushing the stars…" I stroked his arm gently before linking our hands together.

"'Trembling, electrified. Breathing in passion… exhaling lust…" My nose trailed along his chin and I felt him shudder slightly.

"'Clinging desperately... lest I crash back to earth, broken… bleeding…" I kissed his lips, then breathed the last two words into his mouth, "'Forever lost.'"

His hands lifted to cup my face, the watch dangling from the chain laced through his fingers. "I love you," he said sincerely, his eyes locking on mine.

"If I lost you, I don't know what I would do." My words choked on a sob as I considered the very real possibility.

"It's not going to happen," he said between sweet kisses. "We'll have a long and happy life together… you'll see."

Edward's beautiful green eyes broke through the mist in mine. "Promise you'll never leave me," I asked him again. Our exchange was becoming a habit. His response was always the same, but I needed to hear it anyway.

His thumbs brushed over my lips as his smile soothed my soul.

"Bella, where would I go?"

x-x

That night I dreamed I was flying. I didn't have wings or a hang glider or anything. I just soared above the treetops, floating like I was swimming in the air currents.

Below me I saw the stadium where Samantha graduated… Edward's church… his house… Lincoln Park. I laughed in sheer joy as I glided lower, until I could make out the small forms of people walking down the streets, little matchbox cars racing down the road.

A green meadow caught my eye and I flew in that direction. The rolling hills were so peaceful, interspersed here and there by large trees that provided shade from the hot summer sun.

I saw a group of people gathered under one of the trees and felt drawn toward it.

Then, suddenly, I wasn't flying anymore, but walking across the grass toward the group. As I drew nearer, I heard low sounds coming from the people. At first I thought it was laughter.

It wasn't.

They were crying. Holding each other and sobbing together. I wondered why they were so sad. What had happened?

My steps slowed as I came within a few feet of them. I didn't want to intrude, but I felt so bad for them. Finally, a young man at the front of the group turned to face me.

I gasped.

Edward.

His eyes were red and his face was drawn in anguish… streaked with tears. Samantha clung to his arm and she too was weeping. I looked around the group and found I recognized a lot of them… Maggie… Liza… Tom.

"Edward, what happened?" I asked, choking on a sob at the sight of his grief.

His gaze focused on me and I was shocked at the anger I saw there… the betrayal… the accusation.

"You!" He growled, pointing a finger. "How could you do it? How could you do this to me?"

I ran to him, grasping his arms. Tears flowed from my eyes as confusion and fear twisted in my stomach. "What, Edward? What did I do?"

He said nothing, just moved his hand, pointing down toward the ground. My eyes followed the motion, and I realized with a sickening feeling that we were not in a meadow.

We were in a cemetery.

Standing at the graves of Edward and Elizabeth Masen.

Edward fell to his knees, sobbing mournfully. I knelt next to him.

"Edward, I'm so sorry," I murmured.

He turned to me, grief-stricken. "Why didn't you stop it? Why didn't you save them?"

I reached for him, but he shook me off.

"You should have saved them!" he shouted.

"I couldn't! I didn't know how!" I covered my face with my hands and wept. "I'm sorry, Edward! I'm sorry!"

After a moment, I realized I couldn't hear him anymore. I looked up and everyone was gone.

Then I looked down.

And saw a third grave next to Mr. and Mrs. Masen's.

Edward's.

A/N: The lovely SparklingWand will be hosting a readalong of Beyond Time on Friday, August 27th. Watch this space for more information or follow her (SparklingWand) or me (Tkegl) on Twitter! Hope you can join us!