A/N- Whats this?! A new chapter?! Don't be too shocked haha, there was no way I was giving up on this :D Yeeahh... Things have been crazy in real life until recently, and when I got back to writing I found that it wasn't easy to get back into writing this story unfortunately. But yeah.. finally got a chapter back out. So, so sorry for the long wait.

Thank you once again for the reviews for the last chapter! Can't believe that this story is so near 800... should hopefully make it by the end which I never expected when I started it, so really- thank you! Especailly for all the lovely comments!

Anyway... this is the last chapter. Only the epilogue to go after this! It is mainly explanations and time skipping, but hope people like it. Let me know if its what you expected!

Please review!! Though I won't blame you if I don't.. especailly after the delay.

Previously…

He smiled and then stood up in front of me, holding out his hands to help me up. I glanced in the direction of the kitchen where I knew everyone was, and without thinking much more my decision was quickly made.

More time with Edward certainly wouldn't be a bad thing…

I smiled up at him, and placed my hands in his larger ones, noting once again just how well they fit together- it was like two puzzle pieces finally put next to each other.

And then together we went to where everything began, while only thinking of certain future we had together.

No matter what we were certainly going to have to face.

(Song for the chapter- You fill my heart- Jason Walker)

When I, I saw your face, it was like a space in my heart was filled
Its like I knew, from the very start, that you were every other part of me

And its like I have loved you since, from the moment we met…
Since time began... you fill my heart

When did it take so long to find your touch?
Hope, was never gone, even though it took so long to find you, yeah…

Because I have loved you since, from the moment we met…
Since time began... you fill my heart,
And I have loved you since, from the moment we met…
Since time began... you fill my heart.

A thousand miles

Chapter twenty-five: Moving and beginnings

"The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."
- Allan K. Chalmers

Bella's point of view

The two weeks back in Forks passed in a blur… they say time flies when you're having fun though right? Well, if that's the case then fun certainly must mean being happy also… which is exactly what I was.

Even though it would be a while until my cast could come off my bruises from the accident were starting to heal, as were the painful memories of everything that had happened over the past month.

And now, both Edward and I were on our way to making it together.

Edward had been accepted into Dartmouth a few days ago, though due to the late start it would mean that he would have to do an extra semester and not graduate until January- needless to say though he was very surprised and thrilled about it.

Just like I was… his acceptance had only made me even more confident about mine and Edward's future. He had said countless times that he would be moving to Hanover no matter what their response was, and while the selfish side of me rejoiced at the thought of getting to be with him no matter what, the selfless side of me didn't.

… Because I knew that he deserved better then that, he deserved the college place he had worked so hard through school for.

So for him to get the acceptance was pure relief for both of us… now all he had to do was find somewhere to live-, which he constantly assured me, was the easy part.

Unfortunately due to his late entry he would have to find somewhere to live outside of the dorms, and even though it was tempting… I knew I wasn't ready to live with him just yet. Sure, I had known him virtually my whole life, and loved him more then anyone… but needless to say we still had to build up our relationship… now I finally had him I was determined to not rush into anything and ruin it.

So instead Edward was now set on finding somewhere near to the college… so that we could still be close together without the permanent pressure of living together.

Which we both knew was the ideal solution… for now.

And as for everything else…?

Well, Jacob continued to stay at Charlie's house with me for a few days before returning home… and while I was happy to have another one of my best friends around for the holidays I knew it was making Edward very jealous. He had somehow gotten the idea into his head that Jacob liked me as more then a friend, and had insisted on pointing it out to me several times over the few days Jacob was here.

I always argued with him over it though… I knew that Jacob only saw me as a friend, just like I did with him. There was no need for Edward to feel any kind of jealousy towards him.

Although… the extremely selfish side of me was slightly happy to see Edward jealous like that- it made me pleased to see that I had that effect on him. Plus… when I remember all the times I've sat back silently jealous while seeing him with Tanya it seems somewhat fair…

It's in the past; it's in the past.

And so, I continued to reassure Edward that there had never been and would never be anything between Jacob and me. And soon enough he became much more comfortable with it, while Jacob also became more accepting of me being with Edward. He initially had worries because of all the hurt Edward had caused me, but after many talks of me telling him that I had forgiven him, Jacob gradually warmed up to the idea. And once the day came that he left to go home both him and Edward were now more civil towards eachother and more comfortable about the other being in my life once we got back to college.

Though deep down I still knew it was all an act… they probably would never like eachother much, which was something I would have to accept.

And as for the other problem…?

…Well, I only saw her or should I say 'it' once.

It was when I was out at the store- I was out collecting stuff to fill up the fridge back at home, and she seemed to be doing the same. She didn't notice me until we were back out in the car lot. She only looked up once with a blank expression on her face- when she registered it was me, she almost had a flicker of guilt mixed into that expression.

Almost.

But still, Tanya didn't say anything to me, just like I didn't with her. Even though my expression was less then friendly I really didn't see the need to yell at her- as far as I'm concerned everything's now in the past.

… And hopefully with a little luck I'll never see her again.

So on to the good parts…?

… Well, the highlight of the two weeks was definitely, the start of the year of 2008 of course.

This year New years eve was celebrated just between Edward and me- we didn't feel the need to spend it at some wild party, and neither did we feel the need to be surrounded by our friends. We just wanted to be with each other; just the other person was enough company.

… And it was more then enough.

We both knew that the change of the year was a big deal for us- sure, it wouldn't be first we were spending with each other, but it was the first we were spending as a couple. After so many years of me being too afraid to tell him how I really felt, and too many years of him not realising his true feelings, we were both certain that this New years eve together was the start of many.

I knew that we'd both made mistakes… Edward was insistent that his were far greater then my own though, and soon I gave up arguing with him. All I insisted on was him forgiving himself… like I said before, all the mistakes made were now in the past.

And eventually he gave in.

And so the night was spent just the way we used to… watching cheesy movies, eating junk food… and just relaxing in eachother's arms.

Though this year when the clock striked midnight Edward started our new tradition, as he pulled me into his arms, tighter then ever before and pressed his lips to mine.

And then when we broke apart for air, his lips didn't leave my skin as he gently whispered- "Happy New Year… my love."

Like I said… perfect.

*~*~*

Edward's point of view

The three-story building in front of us did not stand out of the crowd… it was simple, red brick, with a small yard clearly for all the residents to share. It – well one floor of it – was where I was going to be living from now on.

Appearance wise it didn't compare to the beach house I had in Miami… but I loved this so much more, for many more reasons.

The last couple of weeks in Fork's with Bella had been perfect- besides from her lovesick puppy friend of course- and I was determined to continue with that mantra.

After hours of searching, and hours upon hours on the phone I had found somewhere that sounded good… a two-bedroom apartment located just a five minute walk away from the college.

Just about near enough to my beautiful Bella then.

The only downside was that I would have to live with a roommate that I wouldn't be meeting until later today, but still… I didn't care if he turned out to be an enemy of mine, heck I would even life with Jacob if it meant being near Bella.

I just hoped that she liked it, because if she didn't… well I would be homeless for a while.

"Well… here it is" I mumbled, smiling down at Bella beside me. I myself was secretly relieved that the place so far seemed to look exactly the way it did in the pictures… it certainly was a gamble getting this place without ever seeing it before.

Although, I honestly wouldn't mind living in a box if it meant Bella liked it… which I hoped she would with this apartment.

She was silent for a while, staring up at the building with awe "T-this? You're living here?" she asked in shock,

"Yeah… well only one floor of it of course" I shrugged, smirking.

She rolled her eyes at me, before looking back at the building with the same expression as before. "Well… it definitely beats mine and Alice's dorm room that's for sure…"

I laughed quietly, "would you like a tour?" I asked, holding out my arm for her.

She laughed softly as well, taking my arm in hers. "I would love one"

I supported her with one of my arms tight around her waist she walked using her one good leg, I knew that it was lucky that the apartment block had elevators because I knew this journey would take a lot longer if not. Before I knew it we were upstairs and I was nervously opening the front door for her, "Before you get too dazzled I will admit this place isn't just for me, I do have a roommate" I warned her quietly, as she entered the apartment using her crutches.

"Oh yeah?" she murmured, running her hand along the kitchen cabinet which she had walked straight up to. "…This 'roommate' doesn't happen to be blonde and female does she?" she murmured teasingly, with some doubt underlying in her tone.

"Hm, no… I'm sure that the ad on the website said that he was male, and called Emmett," I smiled as I followed her.

She continued her avid search through the kitchen, "Emmett huh? As in Emmett McCarty?" she asked offhandedly, taking a particular interest to the fridge.

"Yes… do you know him then?" I asked curiously, interested to find out more about people Bella knew here.

She shut the fridge, cringing at something she saw in there- "Not personally, but I've heard my friend Rosalie mention him tons of times, I think she has a crush on him" She replied curtly, before walking towards the window.

"Oh right…" I mumbled, before walking over so that I was standing right behind her, within reaching distance.

"This apartment has such an amazing view…" she murmured softly.

I looked up so I could see what she meant, but didn't see much- only trees and fields that seemed to go on for a long while.

"The trees remind me of home" she whispered quietly to herself.

She turned back in my direction, but apparently didn't know that I was right behind her as she walked right into me, jumping in surprise.

I laughed quietly and pulled her into my arms tightly, "so do you like it here?" I murmured softly, kissing her neck.

She relaxed in my grip, but her words were certain and strong as she replied- "How could I not…? It's amazing here… I mean of course it needs a major clean, but the view… the space… its perfect"

"Good, that's all that matters- that you like it" I whispered, kissing her again.

She sighed softly in content; "I love it"

"That's good… because maybe someday soon it could be us two living here" I murmured softly.

She turned round to look up at me, a thoughtful look on her face. "Someday" she nodded, smiling.

I leaned forward so our noses were touching; "soon" I breathed.

And with that I silently vowed to myself that the 'someday' Bella was referring to would definitely be soon. I now know that I would never fail her again.

I knew I could spend the rest of my life regretting the things I've done… like the fact that I was blind for so long, and stupidly believed that I could be with some girl other then Bella.

Yes… things like that.

And I also knew that it would take a long time to make it up to Bella, but I was certain that I would do it eventually. All those things are in the past… but Bella…?

… She's my certain future.

*~*~*

ONE YEAR LATER…

*~*~*

Bella's point of view

Would it be too cliché of me to say that things were brilliant for me this past year?

Yes…?

No…?

I don't care… because it has been.

Today is new years eve and once again both Edward and I will be entering another year together, though I'm certain that this year will be even better then the last… if that's even possible.

Admittedly, it took a while for me to gain complete trust in Edward, and full confidence that I'm enough for someone like him. But persistence pays off… and the way we are now just shows that waiting can be worth it.

Things were all good… just like I had hoped neither of us had seen or heard from Tanya in the past year, which was a relief for obvious reasons.

I had seen Luke about several times about college-, which was inevitable of course- he would usually say hi and ask how I'm doing but never more then that, I noticed that he was usually with the same girl and despite everything I felt happy for him. I couldn't hate him despite what he had done… simply because I had cared for him a lot, and I just wasn't a hateful person- everyone makes mistakes after all. Besides, I know he's not going to affect me… he was just another part of my past, and all I've been focused on is my future.

Speaking of my future… despite some initial doubts, all of my friends from Dartmouth quickly accepted Edward and we quickly became a close group. Edward especially got on with his roommate Emmett, who turned out to be a year older then all of us and in my own words 'a big, loveable teddy bear' … he too was quickly accepted into our friendship group. And after much advising Rosalie told him about her feelings- and they are now together and inseparable, as are Alice and Jasper…

… And Edward and me.

It's currently closing in on midnight and just like last year its just Edward and me curled up together on the couch. Only now it's in the apartment we are sharing, as of a week ago.

Yeah… I had quickly decided not to waste any more time, I knew that I would never want anyone but him, so why not show the world how serious we are?!

Of course we would never be the picture perfect couple, we still argued over stupid little things just like when we were younger- which I doubt will ever change.

Although I was currently a little worried, Edward had been acting slightly off all night… he seemed quieter then normal, and constantly deep in thought.

It was only as the clock finally struck twelve that my Edward was back. Just like last year he pressed his lips against mine and whispered against them- "Happy New Year… my love"

"Hmm you too" I hummed in contentment, smiling at he continued to kiss down my neck, "Edward…?"

He hummed against my neck to show he was listening.

I sighed softly; "…Did you ever think we'd get to this point?" I whispered gently, not wanting to talk any louder.

He moved his head up and kissed my cheek gently, "Honestly?" he replied slowly, "…I never thought I would be this happy."

A slow smile spread across my face, "Really?"

"Yes, really" he smiled back at me, cupping my cheek in his hand while grabbing one of my hands with his spare one, "Erm, Bella, I…" he began talking quietly.

"What is it?" I asked nervously.

He sighed softly, his expression tender- "You know how much I love you right? You don't doubt it?"

Not anymore I don't. "No, I don't doubt it," I replied instantly.

He smiled slightly, "…And you know just how much this past year has meant to me right? When I said I never thought I'd be this happy just a minute ago I meant it" he murmured, rubbing his thumb over my cheek.

I breathed out gently, "I know you did"

He exhaled softly running his hand through his hair, and then let go of my hand.

And then he did the last thing I expected.

He slid off the couch and knelt in front of me… on one knee. He didn't say anything, but I knew exactly what was going to happen when his free hand reached into his Jeans pocket and pulled out a small red velvet box.

Oh… my…

He cleared his throat, "Bella, you are my life now. I love you more then words can possibly express, and I will spend the rest of my life just trying to show you just how much I adore you… if you'll let me that is…" he murmured, staring up at me tenderly.

It was staggering. The amount of love and hope in his expression, was truly beautiful… I knew that if I were standing that my legs would give out on me- because this was it. This was the moment I had always wished for, and it was wonderful.

He smiled up at me, though he looked incredibly nervous- "Bella… I promise to love you forever, every single day of forever… Will you… marry me?"

Oh wow…

Of all the times I had imagined this, I never expected it to feel as unbelievable as this. The love I felt for this man was more then I ever thought I could feel- it was as if it was in the air around us.

As I came back out of my thoughts and formed my response, I noticed just how nervous he looked- it was as if he was actually imagining the possibility of me saying no… such an absurd idea!

I knew it was time to end his misery… after all I knew all along what I was going to say.

It was something I had always wanted to happen, but never believed that it actually would. It seemed so impossible a couple of years ago after all with everything that happened…

We were a thousand miles apart back then, but now we couldn't be closer.

But its amazing how things can work out isn't it? … I got the ending I had always wanted- all the hurt and pain was worth it to get to this moment. It didn't matter what Edward had done in the past, and that it had taken me so long to tell him the truth…

It didn't matter, because we had made it now.

And so, I finally responded with the answer I had imagined for years. And I said it with a smile on my face-

"Yes… a thousand times yes, I'll marry you"

The smile that broke out on his face was blinding, and before I knew it I was in his arms as he swung me around the room. He was kissing every part of me he could reach as he kept whispering, 'I love you, I love you, I love you,' over and over, while I laughed loudly out of elation and happiness.

…And the rest as they say, was history.

:D :D :D Predictable ending… Yes? No?… well it was planned from the very start, when I first planned the story and I never once considered changing it, it fits after all. Just hope people liked it!

Anyway the epilogue will be up next, should be up by Monday. Really hope you like it! I'm sorry once again for the wait!

But please review!!!

Thanks for reading.. Emma.x