A/N: We're at chapter 25 now, it seems a bit redundant at this point, but I STILL do not own Twilight's intellectual property.
So, my faithful readers, I present to you the chapter you have been waiting for. I hope it will make you happy and be all you dreamed of.
Chapter 25: The Question
BPOV
Carlisle called me from the hospital yesterday afternoon, letting me know that he had been asked to consult on a very difficult case in Vermont, and would most likely not be home for another day or two. I understood, but I was admittedly disappointed. I hadn't slept one night without him since my return from England, with the exception of the three days my mother was in town, and I wasn't looking forward to doing it again. Especially now that bedtime had gotten so much more interesting... I knew he'd be home in the morning, but I missed him more than I wanted to admit. The connection we shared was so strong already. It was quite difficult to be away from him. And not just emotionally. There was a physical strain, as if a string had been tied around my heart and he was holding the other end, trying desperately to pull me toward him. Was it possible that he felt this way too?
When it was time for me to sleep, I slipped into Carlisle's closet and took one of his shirts from the laundry to sleep in, so that even if he couldn't hold me, I could at least be bathed in his scent. It seemed to work quite well, because I fell asleep easily and found myself dreaming of him. In my dream, he was lying in the bed with me, face to face, his arms around me, as he whispered his love for me into my ear. I could feel his cool tongue tracing my earlobe and then licking a trail down my neck to my collarbone. I shuddered, not from the coolness, but because it felt so good. He then placed feather-light kisses in a line across my chest, from shoulder to shoulder and I moaned. God, what this man could do to me! I was putty in his hands. His mouth moved up to the other side of my neck and he began to lightly suck on my pulse point. I breathed his name, begging him to continue.
Rather than continue his ministrations, however, he spoke. "Bella, sweetheart, I know you're dreaming of me... But I can promise you it will be even better if you wake up for it."
Suddenly, I wasn't sure what was real. Afraid to end such a good dream, I only allowed one eye to open by a centimeter. That tiny crack was enough, though, for me to check. He was really here!
"Carlisle! You're back!" I cried, throwing my arms around him.
"Yes, sweetheart, I've just arrived. I drove back as soon as my business was finished. I missed you so much, my love."
"I missed you too! I'm so glad you're back with me."
Without waiting for a response, I pushed my lips against his so that we could continue where he left off.
CPOV
After a rather exquisite hour of kissing Bella, she finally went back to sleep. It had been my intention to get everything into place for my afternoon plans while she slept, but I had missed her so much while I was in Vermont that I couldn't bear to leave her side.
A few hours later, when she was fully awake, we entered the kitchen together to get her some breakfast. I noticed on the way that she was wearing one of my shirts, and couldn't help feeling a bit aroused at how good she looked in it... And at the thought of how good she'd look out of it. Not now, Carlisle. This is an important day. She sat down on one of the high stools at the breakfast island was eating when the rest of the family made their entrance.
"Hey Carlisle," Alice said, greeting me with a hug. "Welcome home. I know you were otherwise occupied overnight and didn't have time to attend to the business you had intended, so I just wanted to let you know that it's all taken care of, and you'll find it where you are going. Everything you need will be in the basket, alright?"
"Alice, you are a lifesaver. Thank you."
I could see Bella, as well as Rosalie and Emmett giving me questioning looks. Obviously Jasper had been filled in by Alice, as his smile matched hers.
"Come on, guys, let's go hunting!" Alice called to her siblings and husband. She gave me a quick wink before adding, "You two have a nice day, we won't be back until late this afternoon."
With that, they all ran out to the garage.
I glanced over at Bella, only to see that she was still staring at me. "Carlisle? What was that all about?"
I did my best to keep my voice from betraying my excitement, "Sweetheart, it's nothing. I had hoped that you and I could have a picnic by the river today-there is a nice spot that we all like to sit after hunting that I'd like to show you. Luckily, Alice knew of my plans and prepared the picnic basket for us so that we wouldn't have to go to the store. What do you think? Would you like to spend the day there with me?"
"That sounds great, honey," she answered, the skepticism still obvious in her voice.
"Alright. Why don't you go get yourself ready while I clean up these dishes? We will hike down to the clearing together, rather than running. Don't worry, though, it's a very easy walk."
Just over an hour later, we came out of the trees and walked into the clearing. I had enjoyed walking with her, as it gave us time to talk and simply enjoy each other's company.
As we entered, I saw that Alice had gone above and beyond this time. There was a red and white gingham blanket spread out in the grass, held down by several large rocks. Off to one side of the blanket sat a picnic basket and CD player. I gestured for Bella to sit and then walked over to press play on the device. It began to play and I immediately recognized the song as one of Frank Sinatra's. While I did enjoy the current music style, this was truly my era when it came to music. I laughed to myself-Alice had really outdone herself. I'd be sure to thank her again later. I then went to the picnic basket and found what I was looking for, taking it out and slipping it into my pocket at vampire speed.
I walked back to Bella and sat behind her, pulling her back to me so that she was between my legs and leaning against my chest. She snuggled close to me and nestled her head into the crook of my neck.
"It's very beautiful here, Carlisle."
"Yes, it is. Not nearly as beautiful as you, though, sweetheart. Truly, Bella, I absolutely adore you."
"And I love you, Carlisle, more than anything," she said, leaning back and pressing a sweet kiss to my cheek.
"You know, I realized something while I was away."
"And what was that?"
"I realized that I very much dislike being away from you. It actually causes a physical pain in my chest. Bella, I don't want to be away from you anymore."
"Nor I you, Carlisle."
I lifted Bella and turned her so that she was facing me.
"Bella, sweetheart, you and I have overcome heartache together. We have healed and found a way to live again. We became friends and confidants, and over time, we fell in love. You have made me whole again, Bella. I know, now, that I would be lost without you. You bring me so much joy, so much peace. I love you more than I ever imagined I could."
I took her hands in my own, clutching them to my chest.
"I cannot live without you, Bella, nor do I ever wish to do so again. I promise I'll spend every moment of eternity making you happy. Isabella Marie Swan, please, say you'll be my wife. I would not wish any companion in the world but you."
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the small blue box, handing it to her. She took it, and opened it slowly, then gasped.
"Oh my God, Carlisle... It's beautiful!" She said, still looking at the ring. She looked up at me, then, her beautiful chocolate eyes wide with surprise, but full of love. "Of course, Carlisle! Of course I will be your wife! Nothing in this world would make me happier!"
I took the ring from her. It was amazing: a one and a half carat Lucida diamond cut in an wide octagonal shape, set deeply into a thick platinum band. Taking her left hand in my right, I slid it onto her ring finger, and then kissed it.
"Four years ago, I thought my world would be forever shrouded in darkness. But you saved me. You, Bella, are my light."
And with all said, I kissed her fiercely, making sure she felt all of my love for her. I heard the track on the CD change, and Only Forever began to play. "Come, dance with me, my beautiful fiancee."
APOV
I had seen the vision of Carlisle's proposal while he was driving back from Vermont, and wanted to make it easier on him. I didn't want to let everyone in on the secret, though, so that Bella and Carlisle could be the ones to announce their happiness to all of us. Jasper, however, felt my emotions while I watched the vision, and they were borderline ecstatic, so I shared the news with him. After all, he had worked hard to help them get to this point, he deserved to know.
Jasper and I took my Porshe to Boston, to pick up the ring I had Seen Carlisle order from Tiffany & Co there. When we returned home, we went out to set up his picnic surprise, and I even added a CD of his favorite music so that they could dance - I knew how much he loved dancing with Bella. Once everything was set up, Jazzy and I took some time to enjoy nature ourselves...
In the morning, I convinced Rose and Emmett to go to a nearby wildlife preserve to go hunting so that we'd all be far enough away that Carlisle and Bella would have privacy. Rose and Emmett grilled me the entire time we were gone about what was happening, but I wouldn't give them any information. Emmett was certain that Carlisle was going to consummate the relationship, and had quite a few crass remarks to make about it.
Finally, I had the vision of them beginning to pack up the picnic supplies, so I demanded that we return home immediately. I drove, so we made it with time to spare. We were all sitting in the living room, looking out the window, waiting for them to return, when we caught first glimpse of them emerging from the forest.
It was at that moment that I saw my second vision from that day three years ago come true: Bella and Carlisle, hand and hand, emerged from the forest, each with their face turned toward the other, gazing into each other's eyes. The love shone from their faces, and I was filled with joy for them.
Carlisle saw us all standing there, and waved to us. He hurried Bella along, and they entered the house.
"I'm so glad you are all back, though I'm sure I have Alice to thank for it," he said, smiling warmly. "Bella and I have some news to share with you."
"Oh my god! That ring is amazing!" Rosalie screeched, running to Bella and grabbing her hand.
"Does that mean what I think it means?" Emmett asked.
"Yes," Carlisle answered proudly. His smile was as wide as I'd ever seen it, and his eyes were sparkling with a light I hadn't seen in so very long. "I've asked Bella to be my wife, and she's accepted."
I felt it immediately-Jasper had absorbed all the bliss and love that Carlisle and Bella were feeling and sent it out in waves for all of us to share. It was incredibly powerful and intense.
"Aw, that's great! Congratulations Dad! Congratulations...Mom?" Emmett said, unsure of that last part.
"God no!" Bella cried. "No. I am not, nor will I ever be the mother in this house. That was, and always will be, Esme's position. I may be older than you in human years, but the four of you practically raised me! You will forever be my siblings."
Emmett laughed and wiped the back of his hand on his forehead, breathing out a loud sigh.
As Rosalie hugged and congratulated Bella, Jasper and Emmett clapped Carlisle on the back and whispered their approval. When they had all finished, I grabbed Rose with one hand and Bella with the other.
"Come on girls! There's no time to waste! We have a wedding to plan!"
As we ran from the room, I could hear the three men laughing behind us, and I smiled... Finally. Our family was happy again.
A/N: Well, what did you think? Did it live up to your expectations?
Next up: Bella takes Carlisle for a wild ride.
Here's some info from the chapter:
The last bit of Carlisle's proposal ("I would not wish any companion in the world but you.") is actually a quote taken from Shakespeare's The Tempest, Act 3 Scene 1. Carlisle knows how much Bella loves Shakespeare, especially since she wrote her thesis about his work, so he knew she'd recognize that line and it would be special to her.
Bella's engagement ring: See my profile for the link, for some reason it won't load here. Sorry. It's worth a look, though, it's gorgeous!
Lyrics to Only Forever, which belongs to Frank Sinatra (as far as I know it's his song)
Do I want to be with you as the years come and go?
Only forever if you care to know.
Would I grant all your wishes and be proud of the task,
Only forever if someone should ask.
How long would it take me to be near if you beckon,
Offhand I would figure, less than a second.
Do you think I'll remember how you looked when you smiled,
Only forever, that's putting it mild.
