A/N Here it is! The chapter many of you have been anxious for! Time to put on your dancing shoes while Bella puts on her big girl pants and asks that all important question :) I'll let you get right to it. See you this weekend with one more! Happy reading!

To All the Boys Chapter 21

I couldn't believe it when we stepped outside and I saw the limousine waiting for us. I'd never been in one before, and it was just Homecoming, right?

"A limo?" I asked in disbelief as the driver got out and opened the door for me.

Edward shrugged after he slid onto the leather seat next to me. I couldn't believe how much room there was, and how sleek and cool it was. There was even a TV!

"It's your first dance, right? I wanted to make it special."

My heart skipped a beat at his words. "It's already the most special night of my life."

Edward laughed and brushed his lips over my cheek. "What about your birthday?"

I had him on this one. "That was the most special day."

He smiled. "As long as they're both with me."

I twined my fingers with his. "They're both because of you."

And then his lips were on mine, and wow. The temperature inside the limo went up about a thousand degrees or so as our tongues slowly tangled. My free hand found its way up into his hair, as it always seemed to when his lips were on mine. I tugged, and Edward pulled me right up against his body. So good. So hot. So…

Edward pulled back and shook his head. "We need to be careful, or we won't even make it to the dance."

I was having a hard time caring about that at this time. Couldn't the driver just drive us around for a few hours? Or even park and get out and leave us alone? That would be fine, right? My whole body was tingling.

Edward grinned. "I'm dying to know what's going on in that head of yours."

Actually, I doubted that he'd mind these thoughts at all. "I was thinking that it wouldn't be so bad if we missed the dance."

He chuckled and slid his arm around me. "Is that because you want to keep kissing me or because you don't want to actually go to the dance?"

A couple of weeks ago, my answer would have been the dance. Funny how things change. "The kissing."

He looked so cute when he flashed his adorable lop-sided grin. "I promise, tonight you'll get both. We don't have to stay for the whole thing, after all."

That was a very good point. Plus, for the first time, I loved how I looked and actually wouldn't mind the eyes on me. Not when Edward was at my side, anyway.

"That sounds good."

"I'm glad."

"Are we picking up Ben and Angela?" I asked. We'd talked about going together, but I wasn't sure what the boys had decided upon.

Edward smirked and shook his head. "No, we decided we'd meet up at the restaurant."

I wasn't sure what that smile was about, but hopefully it was the kissing time we'd just discussed. That would have been difficult with Ang and Ben right next to us.

"Speaking of that," Edward murmured as the limo slowed in front of The Lodge. Wow. We were going all out tonight. The Lodge was the best restaurant in Forks.

"Sorry it's not someplace fancier," Edward told me as he helped me out of the limo.

"Forks doesn't have any place fancier, and it's great! I love The Lodge." We only came here for special occasions. Last time had been Rose's graduation.

Edward smiled, slipping his arm around me. "One of these days, we'll do a big night out in Seattle, and I can show you fancy."

The way he talked about the future thrilled me to no end. I was certain of what he was going to say when I asked that all-important question tonight, but I still felt like we needed to say it out loud. I needed it, at least.

"I don't need fancy." In fact, other than nights like this, I far preferred just cuddling up with a movie or two.

"I know." He held the door open and led me inside. "But I think a night like this is good every now and then."

"It's better than good." I gave him a quick kiss before we walked up to the hostess station.

The Lodge lived up to its name. It was all gleaming wood and big glass windows that overlooked what looked like miles of trees. It was the town's prettiest setting, except for Edward's meadow maybe.

The hostess took us to one of the tables toward the back, right next to the window. Ang and Ben were already there, and she looked amazing in the dress we'd picked out, with curls spilling down her back.

"Bella! You look gorgeous!" She was out of her chair, hugging me and laughing. "Can you believe this is us? I swear, my mom almost passed out when she saw me. And my brothers are totally pissed because I'm such a girl now."

"You're the gorgeous one! And of course your brothers can't stand to see you all dressed up."

She giggled and released me. "They were grumbling about betrayal when we left."

"They'll get over it." I smiled over at Ben. "Hey, King Ben, you look great, too."

He grinned. "Your king has to shine next to his queen, of course."

"And by queen he means me, not Maggie," Angela supplied, not that there'd been any doubt in my mind who he was referring to.

"Of course!" Ben kissed her cheek as Edward pulled a chair out for me next to the window. Naturally he knew I'd want to be able to look at that gorgeous view.

"What did your dad think of his baby girl all dressed up?" Ang asked once the waitress had taken our drink and appetizer orders.

I smiled, thinking of his reaction. "He was a little emotional about it."

Edward laughed, sliding his arm around my neck along the top of my chair. "He thought she looked stunning, because she does. And he warned me that she'd better look just as good when I bring her home."

I shook my head. "He may have said that, but he adores Edward. He took a few pictures of us, and anything he didn't get, Edward's mom did."

He grinned. "That camera was going from the opening of the door to the closing, I swear. You really made her day by letting her come over and help get you ready, baby. Thanks for doing that."

As if it had been a trial for me? "It was great. I loved getting to know her better, and God knows my hair wouldn't look nearly as good if I did it myself."

Angela snorted across from me, and I stuck my tongue out at her. But she knew how truly hopeless I was when left to my own devices.

"I'm just saying, some of the hairdos I ended up with during sleepovers left a lot to be desired."

"I was the master of the lopsided ponytail just like my dad! In another decade, I'm sure my hairstyles would have been wanted by all."

'You keep telling yourself that." Ang leaned against Ben's arm. "I still can't get over the fact that we're here. The outcasts and the school studs."

Ben blushed. "I don't know that I'd call me a stud."

"Whatever, King." Angela pointed across the table. "And next year's king."

"Edward would have been king this year if he was a senior, though. I'm just king by default."

I snickered at the scowl on Edward's face. "You all act like I'm Mr. Popular or something. I'm just me."

He was too cute. But I had to tease him. "You're so popular that I got on Homecoming Court just because we're dating. We all know that wouldn't have happened without you."

"Maybe, but I'd say it's more that nobody saw the real you until I did. You have to admit that you didn't exactly hang out with the rest of us before that."

He had a valid point, though my guess would be it was about 80 percent dating Edward that had gotten me on the radar and 20 percent me.

"Being on the outside looking in was a lot easier." Angela grinned at us. "I certainly never spent hours getting ready for dances until tonight."

That was true, but there was more. "It was easier," I agreed, turning to look at Edward. "But this is much more fun. I wouldn't take it back." None of it. Not even my letters.

Edward kissed my forehead. "Neither would I."

Xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxox

Ben and Angela followed our limo over to the school. The dance was, of course, being held in the gymnasium. There weren't many other places to do it in Forks, after all.

Edward held my hand as we left the limo. He told the driver he'd text him when we were ready to leave, squeezing my hand when I let out a little laugh. I couldn't help it, though. I was looking forward to some kissing time in the back of that car.

We joined the line of people waiting for pictures, because Elizabeth and Angela's mother would both lose their minds if they didn't have the professional pictures done as well. And I had to admit, I wanted to put one in my locket. The picture I had now was great, but we'd been pretending then. And as of tonight, if I had my say, we weren't going to be anymore. I was 99 percent sure that we already weren't, but I planned on confirming that for sure.

It seemed like it took forever, but finally we were directed to stand in this flowered arbor thing. Edward put his arm around me, and I smiled up at him while the photographer clicked away. Then I had to put a hand on his shoulder, and his hand joined mine, and more clicking. Then one of us cheek to cheek, and last there was one of Edward kissing me, which had NOT been directed by the photographer, but he took the picture anyway.

Edward looked quite smug as he took some kind of receipt from the guy. It was hard to mind, though. Kissing Edward was quickly becoming my favorite pastime. Pictures of that would never bother me.

Edward twined our fingers as we waited for Angela and Ben to get their pictures taken, and then we headed inside. The gym had been converted nicely, actually. There were pretty twinkling lights hanging from above, some balloons and streamers mixed in. A banner proclaiming our victory the night before, with the final score, also hung over the little stage area, where Ben would be getting his crown.

Music was already being played by the DJ, but kids were mostly milling around or sitting on the bleachers, people watching and talking, likely critiquing dresses and whatnot.

"Are you ready to dance?" Edward asked me, gesturing to the dance floor area, which was currently completely empty.

The look I shot him had him laughing. "I didn't think so. How about we go stake out a spot, and Ben and I will grab you ladies something to drink?"

"And dessert," I added, catching sight of a table full of cookies and cakes and such. Dinner had been incredible, but I hadn't wanted to eat too much and then feel like crap. A cookie wouldn't hurt though.

"Sounds like a plan."

So, we sat as the boys went off to get us some stuff.

"This is unreal," Ang said, making me laugh.

"I know." I waved at a few people as they came in, people I hadn't spoken to in years until Edward came along.

"What are you two doing hiding out in the bleachers? You look entirely too good to be wallflowers! Where are those boys of yours? I'll have to kick their asses!"

I laughed at Eric's bravado. He could dare to dream. "Thank you for the compliment. They're over there." I pointed at the table where the boys were studying the desserts as if they held all the answers to life's questions. "Should have known better than to send boys to get food, I think."

Eric smirked as he sat next to me. "Too true, but now we can all admire them from afar. Such fine gentlemen you ladies have landed!"

I linked my arm through his. "And what about you? Where's your date?"

"Please, honey. Like any of the boys in this town could handle all this?" He gestured to himself. "I came alone."

Though he had a smile on his face, it didn't meet his eyes. It had to be hard for him. He was the only guy I knew who was gay or at least who openly admitted it.

"Well, I guess you'll have to hang with us."

"Such a trial, to have to spend time with the most beautiful girls and boys here." Eric gestured around the gym. "What do you think of my vision?"

"It looks great," I told him honestly. "I love the lights."

"Yeah, it doesn't look like we're in a smelly gym for sure," Angela agreed.

"You did a great job, Eric."

He looked pleased. "I'm glad you think so."

Edward and Ben returned then, and I smiled when I saw that Edward had grabbed an extra cup of punch for Eric.

"Thank you!" He beamed at the boys. "I was just telling your girls that you all are the most gorgeous people here."

"I agree," Edward said, his eyes on me.

I felt myself heating up again, like I did all the time in his presence these days. To distract myself, I bit into the cookie he'd handed me.

"When are you going to get this girl out to the dance floor?" Eric demanded. "If you're not going to, I am, in honor of our junior high dance."

Edward smirked, no doubt reminded of my letters. "I already asked her, but she wasn't ready."

I finished my cookie and pointed to the dance floor. "Nobody's out there yet."

"So, we'll be the first," he told me, holding out a hand. "Someone has to get it started."

Eric clapped and looked at me so expectantly that, coupled with Edward's smile, there was no saying no.

"Fine. But it better be a slow song," I told them.

"On it!" Eric jumped up, and Edward took his arm before he could run off, whispering something in his ear before Eric dashed off to the DJ.

"It'll be totally painless, I promise," Edward told me, pulling me up and leading me down to the dance floor.

I hoped so. I could feel all eyes on me as we stood in the middle of the dance floor. Well, on us, I guess. Whatever song had been playing cut off, and "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran started to play.

Edward pulled me into his arms and started swaying to the music. I put my arms up around his neck, noticing that he kept his eyes on me as we moved.

"Did you request this?" I asked, wondering if that's what he'd told Eric.

"Yes."

Wow. Okay. "But…"

"Parts of it fit." Edward shrugged his shoulder underneath my hand. "And you look perfect tonight."

God. I was melting. And I couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Edward?"

He smiled. "Yes, Bella?"

"Is this real?"

His smile got wider. "Do you really have to ask?"

Now it was my turn to shrug. "Yes. No. I don't know."

He laughed. "I knew you didn't read my notes."

Notes? "What notes?" Why wasn't he answering the damn question?

"The ones I give you every single day."

Oh. Those notes.

"I thought you only did that for…" I broke off, staring at his neck, not really wanting to bring her into this moment.

"Yeah, I did. When it wasn't real."

My eyes flew up to meet his and he nodded. "Of course it's real. It's been real for a while now."

"And you told me that in your notes?" Damn it. I'd thrown them out.

"Well, and everything I've said and done for the past few weeks, at least I thought so."

Crap. I was an idiot. "You did. But you were so good at it in the beginning that it was hard to be sure. And then I wanted it to be real so badly that I was afraid to ask."

He brought a hand up and touched my cheek. "I get it. Believe me, when you didn't reciprocate anything from my notes, I was a little worried, but I figured out you weren't reading them when you didn't respond to stuff I put in there."

What had he written? "Like what?"

He laughed and shook his head. "Oh no, you'll have to read them."

Mega crap. "I threw them out."

He smiled. "Talk to your sister."

What? "Alice?"

He nodded. "And go easy on her. She's a romantic, just like you."

Ali had the notes he'd given me? Why?

"You have to ask her. But she means well. Remember that."

Huh. I wasn't sure what he was talking about, but I decided to focus on the most important thing. We were real. This was real. Just like I'd hoped.

I leaned my head on his shoulder, and he tightened his arms around my waist.

"I'm really glad this is real," I told him, which was an understatement. I was crazy about the guy, and if this was still about Tanya, it would have broken my heart.

"Me, too," he murmured, brushing his lips across my hair.

"Edward?"

I felt his heart beating underneath my ear.

"Yes?"

"I…" Crap. Should I do this?

He tilted my head up, and I looked into his gorgeous green eyes. "You?" he asked, smiling softly.

"I'm pretty sure I love you," I blurted, because it was right there waiting to be said.

The look on his face… I'd never forget it until the day I died. His grin grew wider, and I felt like he was looking right inside of my head, my heart maybe. I don't know. It was crazy.

"I am completely sure I love you."

He loved me! Edward Cullen was in love with me, Bella Swan. This was definitely the most incredible night of my life.

And then his lips were on mine, and yeah, the night got even better. Perfect was the perfect word for it.

A/N They're real! Of course we knew that, but now it's confirmed! And we have an L word, and... Edward's notes are not lost forever! I know some of you were very anxious to find out what he'd been writing, and I told you to have faith. You shall be rewarded next chapter! Have a great rest of the week (Friday to get through, and then vacation begins!) See you Sat/Sunday depending on how things are going with the holiday.