Fighting Temptation

Epilogue

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. The original characters and plot are property of me, Dobber17. I am in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

This chapter has been edited by CherryBerry12.

Edward Cullen

The only sound louder than my clapping was Jasper's high-pitched whistle I would know anywhere. I didn't break my gaze as Bella walked across the stage, receiving her diploma. I was beyond proud of her. I couldn't be happier for my best friend, my girlfriend, my Bella, as the chapter of our high school careers officially came to its own end.

Minutes later we found each other, patiently waiting to return our caps and gowns with our giddy classmates. We were free. Never again would we have to walk the halls of Forks High. I grabbed Bella's hand as we wove through the masses crowding the hall until we found our families.

Our hands tore apart as we were enveloped in bone-crushing hugs. Charlie held Bella close, displaying rare emotion as his eyes lined with silver. My mother's grip barely loosened as she pulled back to kiss my cheek.

"I'm so proud of you, honey." She released her grip, only to scoop Bella in an impossibly tighter hug. "I'm so proud of both of you." We didn't acknowledge Renee, Bella's mom, didn't make the trip to Forks to see her daughter cross the stage.

My mom didn't hesitate to welcome Bella and Charlie into our family with open arms. She already adored Bella, and it didn't take long until she was sending Bella home with an inordinate amount of food to help feed Charlie.

Charlie clapped me on my back, his grin wide. Rarely did I see him smile, especially to this degree. Truly, the last time I saw such emotion was when Bella told him we were dating. Well, blurted it really. It was the day after we returned from Seattle, and Bella told Charlie we were dating before I even shut the door behind me. Charlie stood in silence for a few solid moments, long enough for me to wonder if it was a good thing I still had my shoes on, before he burst out laughing, telling us it was about time. Much to her chagrin, he apparently had been suspicious since Bella mumbled my name in her sleep months ago when she passed out on the couch.

My mom grabbed my arm as she craned her head, her short stature limiting her field of vision. "Where is your father?"

Dr. Carlisle Cullen, my father, responded for himself, weaving his way through the throng of people. "Trying to tame the children," he grumbled, though his eyes were full of amusement.

Alice elbowed him in the ribs. "I'm a grown woman, thank you very much."

"Are you?" Emmett quipped, dodging Alice on his way to squeeze Bella. Rose took pity on Bella, prying her brute of a husband off her to give her a far gentler embrace. I hugged Rose next, careful to lean over her swelling stomach. She laid a hand on it, protective as the crowd around us grew.

"Pretty Bella," Lucas's high voice drew our attention. Jasper carried him on his shoulders, a tall bacon in the chaos. Jasper let him run the last few steps into Bella's awaiting arms.

Jasper pressed a kiss to Alice's head, before looking over at Rose. "You're looking bigger by the minute."

"And you're an asshole," she ground out, her voice low enough Lucas couldn't hear.

He grinned, using Alice as a human shield. "That's no way to speak to your babysitters."

Rose was four months along, and still looked as radiant as ever. Emmett moved to stand behind her, his hand resting on top of hers.

"Is there room for two more?" I jolted at the voice, surprised to see Jared and Jaclyn.

"Surprise!" they both exclaimed, pulling both Bella and I into hugs.

We still kept in contact with them, even texting them weekly. We made a point to visit them anytime we made our way to Seattle. It wasn't often, but Bella and I managed to get in a few weekend road trips in the months that passed, visiting them as well as Alice, Jasper, Rose, Emmett, and Lucas.

To this day, we still bugged Jasper and Emmett, trying to get them to organize a basketball tournament with the athletes who spent two weeks in Seattle. It never happened, but we were able to organize a pick-up game the last time we were in Seattle, Jaclyn and Jared recruiting a bunch of willing friends.

Jaclyn admitted to us Lori wanted to join when she caught wind of the plan, but she quickly shut it down. Things really weren't any better with her family, but Reid moved to Olympia shortly after graduating. Jared and Jaclyn were looking for apartments near Seattle University, ready to start their own lives.

As were Bella and I. We were both accepted to programs at the University of Washington, and neither of us was eager to live in residence halls. Both Alice and Jasper, and Rose and Emmett offered to house us. Their generosity was astounding, but Bella and I wanted to try finding an apartment close to campus. We knew we would have family nearby, and an awesome support system behind us.

My mom glanced at her watch, clapping her hands to grab our attention. "We have fifteen minutes until our reservation time. Let's continue this at the restaurant!"

None of us were willing to be told twice. I swung Lucas in my arms, keeping him high as we moved as one, pushing toward the doors. Bella kissed me quick on the cheek, ruffling Lucas' hair as she branched away, telling me she'd meet me at my car. I kept going, following Emmett and Rose as they wove through the cars in the lot.

"Mommy," Lucas called, drawing Rose's attention. "Can Uncle Edward and Pretty Bella come with us?"

Rose glanced at me, a soft smile on her lips. "That's up to them, baby."

His blue eyes hit me in full force, and I was already pulling out my phone before he could ask me.

"I just have to check with her, but we should be able to, buddy."

Lucas wants Pretty Bella to ride with him in the Jeep.

Her reply was instant.

I'm on my way.

A/N: Short and sweet to wrap up our happy little couple! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to read Fighting Temptation (and especially for those of you who experienced it both old and new). Words cannot express how happy and grateful I am for all of you lovely readers out there! I love you guys!