A/N: Since its Memorial Day I thought I'd surprise you all with some more ArmyWard. Its going to be short but sweet but I hope you all enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I do not own twilight or its characters, SM does. I just like toying around with them and making them nymphos.

I smoothed down the tight fitting black dress I picked for tonight. I re-fastened the jewelry I'd picked to wear. A simple Tiffany's Heart Chain link necklace and matching bracelet, a present Edward had gotten me for our anniversary. I decided to go with simple since tonight wasn't about me – It was about him. I looked into the mirror. Edward was at the edge of our bed, trying up his shoes. He was already fully dressed in his Army formal dress uniform. His black jacket that held all his medals and showed his rank was fastened with gold buttons. His blue slacks still hugged him since the last time he wore it. Gotta love a man in uniform.

Tonight a bunch of men in Edward's unit were getting together for a dinner to honor their service in the Army. Though looking back on Edward's final days in the Army I am reminded of how I almost lost him, I am also reminded on how much we've been through. Edward risked his life and our relationship on the day he re-enlisted after 9/11. I had never been more proud of him for fulfilling his duty and protecting his country. Making it a better place for our children to grow up in.

As my eyes made their way back up to his glorious face, I could see he was smirking. "Bella…" he warned.

"I know. I know."

I had to try not to stare this was our third time getting dressed this evening. Seems I just couldn't keep my hands off him tonight. The first time was entirely his fault since he should know better than to hop into the shower with me. Then when he was putting on his tie I couldn't help but slide my hands up his body and undo it and tie his hands to the bedpost. The last time… well, lets just say we have to buy a new bookshelf.

"We'll have plenty of time for after, love." He whispered as his hands glided up my body.

I turned around and placed my arms around his neck. "You know how impatient I am."

"My ever insatiable wife." He pressed his lips softly to mine. "How did I ever get so lucky?"

Just then the doorbell rang and we both sighed. "Let's go." I whispered.

We walked down the stairs and opened the door to be greedy with an ever eager Emmett with his arm around Kate. I smiled warmly at the both of them. Edward, Emmett and I were lucky enough to be able to put the past behind us. We had made a mistake, Emmett and I. But, that mistake had allowed Emmett to open his heart and for me to realize the depth of my feelings for Edward.

"What do you say we head out?" Emmett suggested. "Mom and Dad are in the car."

Edward nodded and took my hand as we all walked to the stretch limo his family had rented for the night. Inside the limo we hugged and kissed and Edward was toasted for his bravery and service. I realized he had been wrong before in our bedroom. It was I who was the lucky one.

We arrived at the dinner—Esme and I, a little buzzed—and I joined Edward as he greeted friends in the room. This was his second family. The people he lived and would have died for. Men he had chewed at and cussed at but had come to love. The room was filled with love and we, the family of the heroes, were able to show our respect and honor for all they had done for us.

A voice at the podium called the place to order and everyone took their seats. Once everyone was seated a man approached the podium and looked around the room. He cleared his throat and smiled.

"Tonight we come here to remember and show support for all those who have serviced our country. Each man or woman in the room who has fought to protect what we Americans hold dear may not always be remembered. And although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, their remembrance will be as lasting as the land they honored. For the love of their country many men and woman accepted their deaths."

Everyone bowed their heads in honor.

"The men and women we honor tonight are heroes. Many ask what is a hero? For me, I agree with Joseph Campbell's definition. He stated, 'A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.' These people did just that. This night—and all nights—are in honor of them." He lifted his glass and everyone followed. "To them."

Everyone in the room took a seat. The night carried on with guest speakers and a saddening speech by a woman who lost her husband to the war fought after 9/11. I was overwhelmed with the saddest that came upon as I was able to put myself in her shoes.

What if Edward never returned? That simple question not only effected my life but the lives of some of the people in the room. Edward often taught and gave instruction on survival to Army soldiers. Survival that he was able to learn first hand. I also stretched my thinking on to what if he had died earlier? The men he rescued. The lives he effected. It put everyone in this room, and very well the country, in a connecting line.

One life can make a difference.

When the dinner ended and Edward and I had said goodbye to our family, we returned to the comfort of our bedroom. I undressed him slowly, taking my time to run of my fingertips over the body I knew so well. He never rushed me. He stood there, eyes closed, breathing in contentment. With each new patch of skin uncovered, my lips kissed along it.

His hands reached up and with expertise that could only come from ten years of marriage he slowly pulled down my zipper and guided my dress down my body. His rough calloused hands were gentle as they brushed against my skin.

I guided him onto the bed as our lips joined. They never parted even as our bodies became one and moved together pushing us both to slow powerful releases.

In our bed, as I stared into the deep pools that were Edward's eyes, I was overcome with the need to thank him. To thank him for returning. To thank him for marrying me. To thank him for protecting our country. To thank him for our children. To thank him for loving me.

But I knew, that in three simple words, Edward would know. He always knew.

I pressed my lips to his and placed his hand on my heart.

In a soft voice I whispered, "With every beat."