A/N: I want to thank elektrikmistress for all her hard beta work as well as Kismit1496 for catching all the little things that make a big difference. You ladies are amazing.

I have to also thank Bettygale and sunray16 for chatting with me on twitter, helping me get into Bella and Edward's head.. You guys ROCK.

Bella POV

I wasn't sure what time it was, I just knew that it was too early to wake up. I closed my eyes, willing my body to return to my heavenly dream.

I woke up a second time to see the first rays of light peeking through the sheer curtains. I inwardly groaned, knowing that this was the last day I would be with Edward. I took a deep breath, taking in as much of his scent as possible. I wanted to remember these last two weeks for the rest of my life.

I had no idea that when I came here I would find love, true love, not just 'high school teenage making out on the couch' I think its love, love. I had loved Jake of that I was sure; it was just a different type of love. However, with Edward, it was the kind of love I had only read about in books; the head over heels kind of love that knocks the wind right out of you, or the type that moves mountains just so you can be with one another. I had no doubt that this was real.

I lifted my head to look at Edward's tranquil expression as he slept. He literally took my breath away. I don't think I could ever get used to the fact that he was with me or that he wanted me. In so many ways we didn't fit together – opposite ends of the spectrum, so to speak – while, in other ways we fit perfectly together.

I couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like if I had been able to go to Dartmouth three years ago. Would we have met? Would we have this intense relationship? And then it hit me, we probably never would have met. He was dedicated to Jessica and his classes; I wouldn't have even shown up on his radar. I would have been the invisible girl he would've run into on his way to class. I could see him being sweet and helping me back up but other than that, nothing. If I would have gone to Dartmouth, I might not have ever met Edward. It was this trip, forced by the best friends in the entire world, that brought us both together under unusual circumstances.

Another thought came crashing down in my head, if I had moved out east three years ago I would have never met Rose or Alice. I wouldn't have them in my life. Sure, I would have made other friends but no one could replace my girls. I couldn't help but wonder if it was fate that I stayed in Washington, that I stayed with Jake for so long. Maybe it was meant to be that Jake and I broke up over a month ago, which only fueled my desire to come here with Alice.

My lips curled up into a smile as I thought about everything in my life. Even my mom not wanting me, forcing me to live with my father was fate. He was everything to me, and if I wasn't forced to live with him, I would have never known what a great father he was or the fact that we were a lot alike. These overwhelming feelings stirred me fully awake. I carefully slipped out of Edward's arms and headed towards the balcony. As I opened the doors, the warm breeze brushed the white sheer curtain against my still naked body. I looked down, and for the first time in a long time, I wasn't trying to cover up, or hide from the world. I wanted to finally be seen for who I was; Isabella Marie Swan a twenty-two year old, confident woman who was just starting to live for the first time.

I looked over my shoulder to see Edward lying on his back across the bed, sheets pulled low, exposing his chest and just the hint of his hips. The tantalizing sight of my Greek God sleeping brought a smile to my lips.

He was mine.

As I took him in, my mind raced with how I was just two weeks ago. I was a broken, naïve girl who came on this trip to get away from an ex-boyfriend. Within the first day here, I felt the fire that had been dying to get out for far too long. Even before I fully knew Edward, he made me feel beautiful. I remember crying the moment he told me so. I had lived so long thinking I was average at best, but Edward made me feel like a Goddess, worshiped and loved. From the first day, he gave me everything that I had been missing in my life. He had taken away the shy girl and replaced it with the woman I was today. Who knew two weeks would ultimately change my life?

I turned my head back to face the morning light. It was truly beautiful here. I could see why Edward loved it so much. So many happy memories, I envied him at times to have had a mother who loved him, a caring father, and a supportive older brother. I would have done anything to have one percent of what he had. I smiled at the hope that maybe one day I would be a part of his life - and possibly - his family.

As the beautiful undertones of red and orange mixed with yellows and blues of the morning, I couldn't help but realize it was a new day for us. We had a long road ahead of us, it was going to be tough, but ultimately in the end it would be worth every second apart. I had to believe that we were meant to be together. I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin as the breeze caused my hair to flutter around my body. I brushed it off of my shoulders, thinking of last night.

Our last night together was everything I could imagine it would have been and more. There were no words to describe how we were together. It was as if we both knew what the other one needed and gave it freely without any words. There were soft whispers and moans throughout the night as we enjoyed every touch, every feeling, every taste, and every smell as we held, fondled, and caressed each other until exhaustion swept over us.

Replaying memories of last night, I felt Edward's hands lightly caress my hips, moving up to my waist. I felt his lips on my shoulder, kissing me longingly. All my thoughts were reassured by this one kiss.

"I don't want to go." I leaned my head against his bare chest.

"Then don't."

He has no idea how much I would love to just throw everything away just to be with him. It took every fiber of my being not to do just that.

"I wish it where that easy," I said truthfully.

"I know, Bella. So do I," Edward said, kissing my shoulder. His lips lingered for a moment and then swept up my neck to my ear. "Come back to bed," he said with such need. I turned to face him, snaking my arms around his neck. With a crooked smile, he lowered his lips to mine and kissed me.

We spent the next several hours wrapped in each other's arms, refusing to leave the comfort of the bed and the special, little bubble we created here.

"Bella we have to go, we don't want to be late," he said softly as I stood motionless on the beach overlooking the water. I didn't want him to see the tears that were streaming down my face. It was stupid for me to start crying now when we still had a few more hours together. We had to go back to the main island and pack our belongings. I dreaded each minute, knowing it would eventually take me away from Edward.

I wiped away tears, trying my best to be strong, but for the life of me I couldn't stop crying.

"Bella what's wrong?" Edward came around to stand in front of me. "Bella, don't cry. Everything will be alright." He cupped my face and with his thumbs he wiped away tears as they fell.

"I can't help it," I choked out, feeling the heat of my tears stain my cheeks. "I just found you and I don't want to let you go."

"Come here," he pulled me into his arms. I swiftly wrapped my arms around him for the hundredth time today, not wanting to let go. As I cried into his shirt like a little baby, I wondered how I was going to live without him for the next twenty four hours, let alone the next nine months.

"I'm glad you found me. I was pretty fucking lost before I met you. I had no clue what I wanted out of life, and it took meeting you out on the balcony of your room to capture my attention. I know what I want, and I want you." He kissed my temple, lovingly. "And I'm not about to let you go by any means."

"You better not," I said with a chuckle. No matter what was going on, Edward could always make any situation better with a simple word or phrase.

"I won't." His hands slid from my back, cupping my heated face. He gently lifted my head to look into my pitifully red, puffy eyes. As our eyes met, I casted mine down ashamed at how I must look at the moment. "Bella what is it?" he asked just above a whisper.

"I look like shit," I answered.

"You look beautiful," he stated sweetly before placing a chaste kiss on my cheek.

"I look like Rudolf."

"Yeah, you kinda do." Edward was clearly trying not to laugh at our stressful, heartfelt moment, but I wouldn't begrudge him for laughing at my bright red nose. I wasn't a public crier. I knew it.

"Ha ha, you're so funny."

"That's why you love me."

"It may be one of the reasons why I do."

Ten minutes later, I watched as the island grew smaller in my view. I had learned so much more about Edward; about his mother, his childhood, and his passion for cooking, which was a total shock. In return, he learned more about me; my father, my childhood, my love of classic novels, which he thumbed his nose at, as well as my numerous visits to the emergency room. It was pretty embarrassing to fully admit my clumsiness – despite the fact that he has witnessed me in action. It was still fucking embarrassing.

Our time here will always be special to me. If this was all that became of our relationship, I would hold onto these two weeks for the rest of my life.

We arrived at the marina, only to be greeted by Manuel. As he assisted me out of the boat, I had a sudden, empty feeling in the pit of my stomach. Our time was almost up.

"You're awfully quiet over there," Edward said, scooting closer to me in the taxi. He picked up my hand. His fingertips lightly grazed my hand, sending delicious tingles throughout my body. "I'm going to miss this," he whispered into my ear.

I closed my eyes. "So am I."

"Bella, you're back," Alice squealed from across the lobby.

I couldn't suppress the smile on my face for my long time friend as we made our way over to her. "Alice, I've missed you," I replied, hugging her tightly. It was ridiculous, we had only been apart for two days, not weeks, but I had to admit I had missed her as well.

"Edward, do you mind if I steal Bella away for an hour or so?"

I was about to protest when I saw the pleading look she was giving him. He must have understood the look and simply nodded his head. I reached up on my tip-toes to kiss him softly on the lips, "Love you."

"I love you." He kissed me back.

"Oh for the love of god, didn't the two of you get enough of each other on the island?" Emmett asked rather loudly as he came walking up to us.

Edward shook his head and answered, "Not even close."

"Sweet." Emmett came to a halt in front of us. He nervously ran one hand through his hair – a trait that apparently runs in the family. "Eddie, how's the house holding up?" The longing in his voice didn't go unnoticed as he asked about his mother's house.

"It looks good man. It brought back some strong memories for me." Edward looked over at me and winked. "But now I have some new memories as well." He said the last part softly as he passed me, brushing his hand down my arm and latching onto my hand. The small gesture made my legs turn to goo as he finally released my hand and disappeared from my sight.

"Come on Bella, spill it. What happened?" Alice asked as soon as the door to my room was shut.

"What is there to tell?"

"The man took you to his family's personal island and you're saying there isn't anything to tell? Bella, I'm not buying it." She crossed her arms and arched her eyebrow.

Before I was able to open my mouth, a knock on the door halted our conversation. Alice leaped over the bed like a baby gazelle and opened it up.

"You two better not be in here spilling sex stories without me," Rose blurted out as she forced her way in the room. She came over to me and hugged me within an inch of my life.

"Rose I can't breathe." She quickly released me, taking a step back.

"So what did I miss?" she asked, plopping down onto the couch.

"Nothing much, really. Bella here was going to tell us the details of her getaway to the Cullen's private fucking island." Alice declared leaving me no choice but to spill some details.

I felt my body temperature rise as my mind replayed several scenes especially what we did on those stairs.

"Hmm, where do I start?" I asked nervously, more to myself than to Alice or Rose.

Alice perched next to Rose on the couch as both of them looked up at me like starving baby chicks waiting for their next meal. I internally grunted at having to share our personal moments with my girls, but I knew they wouldn't leave me alone until I told them something, anything.

As I dove into a few small details of my magical time on the island, I wondered what they were going to do about Emmett and Jasper. I wondered if they felt the same sadness as I felt leaving Edward. What were they going to do? How where they going to cope with the separation?

"Guys, I have to ask you something. What are your plans when we leave regarding Emmett and Jasper?"

My question fell silent amongst my friends. They looked at each other and then looked at me; possibly not knowing what to say. Alice was first to break that silence.

"Jasper and I have talked about that subject for the last week. I plan on making many trips out east to see him until I graduate in December. Until then, we plan on talking as often as possible. Some video chat may be in order," Alice said confidently.

"You are such a perv. Who knew you were such an exhibitionist?" Rose quipped, grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm not a perv; I'm just willing to try new things to keep my man interested while I'm away. How about you Miss 'I never have cyber sex'?"

"I never said 'I never have cyber sex'. I love to have cyber sex, it's the safest form of sex, plus I always get off no matter what."

"Okay, I didn't need to know that both of you will be having cyber sex." Although the idea was intriguing, I wasn't sure if I could actually go through it.

"Would you prefer that I tell you I have had phone sex as well," Rose informed me.

"No, I don't want to know that either. But thanks for sharing anyway."

"Anything for you, Bella."

"Thanks," I said sarcastically, "So Rose, what are you going to do about Emmett?" I asked.

"I honestly don't know. I like him a lot, but I don't know where to go from there. He is the first guy I have ever met that has challenged me, pissed me off to no end, and that sees me, not for the superficial outer layer, but the person I am on the inside. I like him a lot."

"I think you like him a lot more than you are admitting," Alice stated.

"Well, time will tell," she said strongly. I knew she had been hurt in the past and that she had built a shield around her. She was right; time would tell if she was willing enough to let her guard down, at least for Emmett. Surprising enough they were perfect for one another.

"What about you Bella? You and Edward?" Alice asked.

"Well, we talked about it, and we are going to have a long distance relationship, until I graduate from college. I told him I want to be with him after graduation. I have to admit that I am scared," I admitted.

"Scared. Why?"

"Because, I don't want to lose what I have with him right now. What if three months down the road he realizes that he is held down by a girl he met in Hawaii for two weeks and wants to date some hot blond in med school? I don't want to hold him back from having a life."

"Bella you aren't making any sense. Edward loves you. I can see it," Alice stated, "Would you want to see anyone else at our school? Would you do that to him?"

"No, I wouldn't, but I don't want us to change. What if when we see each other again, we aren't as crazy for each other as we are right now? What if he realizes that I am not the same girl he met and doesn't want me after we graduate? What…"

"If you say 'what if' one more time, I'm going to ram my foot up your ass," Rose said rather forcefully.

"But….."

"But nothing. Edward isn't Jacob."

Her words penetrated deep within my soul. She was right. He was nothing like Jake. All my fears of our relationship had been based off of how Jake acted during our long distance relationship. After all it was the only relationship I had ever known. But Edward was different.

"You're right, he isn't Jake. He's proven that time and time again."

"See? Told ya so," Rose said, rather smugly.

"Yeah, yeah, you know everything," I stated

"Yes I do."

I took a deep breath, realizing – not for the first time, mind you – that this was going to be the toughest nine months of my life. As long as I had the end result waiting for me, I knew I could make it though, that we would make it though.

Alice and Rose talked about their uninterrupted two days of paradise, while I packed up my belongings. It was reassuring that they enjoyed themselves just as much as I had with my alone time with Edward. I was worried that my absence would upset them, after all this was a trip for us girls; not intended to sneak away for two days with a gorgeous man. But they seemed pleased not only that I was happy, but that I was with someone who really cared about me. I think Rose said it best "It's about fucking time you found someone who actually loves you." I couldn't agree with her more.

I had my bags packed and waiting by the door. Alice and Rose excused themselves to gather their things, leaving me alone in my room. It felt so empty and cold. As I made a pass around the room to make sure I had everything, my eyes landed on the drawn curtain that covered the balcony door. I walked over to the sliding glass door and opened it all the way. The warm ocean breeze assaulted me, bringing back the first day I arrived here. I walked out onto the balcony, memorizing the breathtaking view in front of me and closed my eyes. How wonderful it was to come full circle, to where I started this amazing journey. How much I have grown in the two weeks, I have rediscovered myself, and found who I was meant to be. It was awe-inspiring to know that Edward had a part in all that has happened to me.

I opened my eyes and looked to my left. I wasn't sure of what I would see. But to my surprise, I saw Edward standing on the balcony, facing me with a huge smile on his face. He was just as breathtaking as he was two weeks ago, when I spotted him for the first time in this exact spot. I smiled back realizing that he must have been standing there the whole time. We had come back to where it all started.

"I'll be right over," he said quickly as he darted back into his room.

It was silly, but the mounting anxiety of seeing him again, after only an hour apart, was making my heart pound, rather loudly, in my chest.

There was a knock at the door.

I opened it to see Edward propped in front of the door. One hand high up on the door frame, while the other hand was braced against the wall. My favorite grin plastered on his face. I moved closer, feeling the electricity flowing between us, pulling us like magnets towards one another. I didn't dare fight it.

In one fell swoop, I was in his arms and firmly wrapped my legs around his waist. As the door slammed shut behind him, he led us to the bed. He gently laid us both down, with him on top of me. His lips sought mine; lightly touching as his hands softly caressed my bare legs, moving painfully slow up my legs.

His lips trailed down my jaw to my neck. As his tongue darted out and tasted my flesh, a soft moan escaped my lips. My impatient hands reached up into his hair and pulled him forcefully back to my lips.

"Stop teasing me," I playfully demanded.

"Oh, I'm not teasing you," he said coyly.

"Prove it."

Without another word, Edward attacked my lips, deepening our kiss as his tongue claimed mine. His body pressed deliciously against mine, sending my body into near convolutions, wanting nothing more than to have him one more time. My hand greedily clawed at his shirt, trying to take it off of him. I was barely able to get it up and over his head without resorting to ripping it from his body.

His hands cupped my ass and pulled down my semi-soaked panties from my body. As they flew over his shoulder, my hands were at the waistband of his Khaki shorts. I quickly undid the button and started to unzip, feeling how restrained his beautiful cock was.

Knock…knock….knock.

"You have got to be fucking kidding me," he said under his breath.

"Go away," I said loudly.

"Bella… Umm… I'm sorry but the bellman is here to collect our luggage," Alice's timid voice spoke from behind the door.

I looked up into Edward's dark eyes, seeing the need within them to continue. His eyes bore into mine as we both contemplated ignoring Alice's warning. He closed his eyes and placed his forehead against mine. "If I don't stop now, we'll never leave this room."

Then don't stop, I shouted in my head. But I knew he was right. What was one more day in paradise if we missed our flights?

"You're right, but just for the record I wouldn't have minded if you didn't stop."

"Bella," he chastised me, "you are a very dangerous woman you know that, right?"

"Yes, I do," I said with a mischievous grin.

"Come here," he said, holding out his hand. I scooted to the edge of the bed and took his hand as he lifted me to a standing position. He captured my swollen lips, kissing me for the umpteenth time today. It didn't matter how many times we kissed, each time felt like the first time. How he tastes, the warm texture of his tongue, or the softness of his lips over mine. "My beautiful Bella."

I let out a silent sigh at his words. I was his.

It's almost time for these two to leave their paradise. But the journey isn't over for these two… so much more to come.

Thank you all for your reviews and lots of love for this story. Keep them coming. I love to hear what you thinking.