A/N: See my note at the end of the chapter.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 27:
November 2009- Seattle BPOV
Where are we going? I asked as Edward took my suitcase and put it in the trunk of his car.
"It's a surprise, I told you," he said with a smirk. We both clicked the seatbelts and then he sped away from his apartment. I hate surprises, but I learned that Edward's were usually worth the wait.
We pulled up to the ferry terminal and I got very excited. I turned in my seat to face him, "Okay, we're getting on a boat, you have to tell me where we're going." I flashed him my flirtiest smile to convince him.
"Well, I guess you'd have figured it out sooner or later. We're going to Victoria."
I squealed and gave Edward a huge hug. "Don't you think it's a bit ironic that you're taking me to a place named Victoria?" I chuckled lightly. "I mean with all that's happened?"
"Touché, Bella." He laughed and kissed my forehead. "I didn't even think about that."
"What's the occasion?" I asked, beaming from ear to ear. "Not that I mind a spontaneous trip, but it just seems like you went to a lot of trouble."
He gave a tentative smile and said, "Do you remember that patient that I was telling you about who's been touch and go for a couple of weeks now?"
I nodded.
"Well, he died from surgery complications two days ago. His death really bothered me because he was so young. It didn't seem right. I don't want to take anything for granted."
"I'm so sorry, Edward. I'm sure it's so hard to lose a patient that you've cared for." I squeezed his hand and he pulled it up to his mouth and gave me a soft kiss.
"So, there's no special occasion. It's just that we've both been working really hard and I felt like we needed a getaway."
It was true. We'd been ridiculously busy all month. He had been working almost every day and I could see in his eyes that he was completely exhausted, not to mention sad. My art had been very well received at the art show and I was busy with special orders.
It seemed like so much time had passed since the show, when in reality it had only been a little over a month. Edward and I had certainly been through a lot with the whole Tanya/Victoria debacle, but we'd come out of it stronger. Since then, we'd been communicating much better than before. We both realized that we needed to talk about things before passing judgment or jumping to conclusions because that had only hurt us in the past. Despite how horrible it had been, I was glad that it happened. It changed things for the better for us and I was more confident than ever that our relationship would thrive.
Edward confronted Tanya about all the bullshit she told me, but she naturally denied it. I didn't want to come in between Edward and his friends but he was so upset with her after that whole thing that they hadn't really talked much.
The ferry ride was long, but incredibly beautiful. The cool air blew gently off the water and Edward snuggled against me as we leaned against the railing taking in the scenery. I'd heard so many great things about Victoria, but I'd never been there. It was supposed to be quaint and picturesque.
Edward had arranged for us to stay at a gorgeous five-star lodge, located in Brentwood Bay just outside of Victoria. It was new with modern, luminous décor that really brought the beauty of the outside in. It was built into a slope of land that ran all the way down to the water. All of the common areas had floor to ceiling windows, showing off the incredible view. It was the off-season, so the lodge was fairly empty and I felt like the entire place was ours.
Edward checked in and led us up to a gorgeous room that overlooked the bay. The linens on the bed were a crisp white set against a contrasting dark wood headboard. The room, like the lobby downstairs, had floor to ceiling windows and the tall trees right outside provided a colorful backdrop. It had a large en-suite bathroom with Travertine tiles with sub-floor radiant heat to keep the chill off in the cold mornings. There was a large walk-in shower that I made a mental note to check out as soon as we were settled.
"Not bad, huh?" Edward said as he came up behind me in the bathroom. "I like the shower."
I turned and laughed at the naughty smirk on his face, knowing that he'd had the same idea that I did.
I continued my inspection of the room, ending up at the balcony door. I slid it open and stepped outside, shivering as the cold fall air hit my face.
"I love the way it smells here. It's so fresh and clean," I called into the room at Edward, who was unpacking his clothes. He joined me on the balcony, slipping his arms around my waist.
"It does smell nice," he hummed, resting his chin on my shoulder, "but you smell better."
We finished our unpacking then set out exploring the area. There were trails along the water and we must have walked for several miles, stopping to notice crabs or the huge starfish that lingered just below the surface of the water. It was cold, but clear and the walk was very refreshing, especially after being stuck on the ferry.
We reached a dock with a small restaurant at the end and decided to have a drink. We easily secured a table right along the window so we could enjoy the serenity of the afternoon. Brilliant crystals of light glimmered off the water as we sipped our wine and talked.
"How did you find this place, Edward?" I asked. "I mean, it's so beautiful but it's kind of hidden."
"A guy I work with came here last year and was telling me about it. It sounded like a perfect spot."
"Hmmm, it is," I said, as I grabbed his hands across the table.
We finished our drinks and began the walk back to the hotel. Time had gotten away from us and it was nearly sunset. The air grew colder as the colors of dusk settled on the water. I walked behind Edward and as we turned a corner, he stopped suddenly.
"What's wrong?" I asked, looking around.
"Nothing," he said, "It's just so pretty, isn't it?"
The trail had taken us to the top of a small cliff, with a view of the entire bay and all the small islands spotted around. The dense trees went all the way to the water and it was so quiet you could hear the birds calling from high amongst them.
I smiled as I checked out the view and when I turned around, I was overwhelmed by the sight of Edward on his knee in front of me.
Oh my God!
"Bella," he said with a wide smile on his face, "May I have your hand?"
I was shaking visibly as I slid my left hand into his. He held it tightly, rubbing the back with his thumb and gazed into my eyes.
"I was going to do this tomorrow at dinner, but I couldn't wait any longer. My patient taught me the importance of living each day to the fullest." He looked really nervous, but so adorable. I couldn't believe this was happening to me.
"Five years ago, I went on a trip that was life-changing for many reasons. I traveled to amazing places, saw amazing things, and it led me to you. I had no idea when I went into that pub in London that I would meet the love of my life."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to his sweet memories.
"We've been through so much together and through it all, one thing has always been true, I love you, Bella Swan. I always will."
Emotions and memories washed over me and the tears poured down my cheeks as I tried to maintain composure.
"When I think of my future, it's always with you. When I think of a family, I think of one with you. When I think about growing old, I picture it with you. It's always you. So, as we were walking tonight, I decided that I wanted my future to start right now, not tomorrow."
He briefly let go of my hand as I stood there in awe of his words and reached into his jacket pocket, procuring a small, black velvet box. The nervous look on his face was trumped by his sweet smile as he opened it, revealing a gorgeous diamond solitaire ring, set in platinum. It was beautiful and understated, everything I'd ever want.
"Isabella Marie Swan, will you marry me?" He gazed into my tear-streaked eyes with a look that I'd never seen before as he slipped the ring onto my finger. I knew without a doubt that he'd take care of me and love me and I him.
I launched myself into his arms, knocking him off his knees to the ground as I kissed him with everything I had. He sighed and hugged me back, laughing at the fact that we were rolling around on a dirt trail.
I realized that I hadn't answered him. I pulled back slightly, smiling through my tears as I said, "Yes, I'll marry you. I'll be honored to be your wife."
Wife.
Saying it out loud made it real and I could tell by his reaction that it had the same affect on him.
"I'll make you happy, Bella. I promise." Edward kissed my cheek and neck, wiping away the tears.
"You already have," I sighed.
We both sat up, and he held me as the sun sank over the horizon. I glanced down at the ring and the promise that it held and felt truly at peace.
The temperature had dropped enough to notice the cold through the bliss. He stood, extending his hand to help me up, and we walked the rest of the way back to the lodge hand in hand. We didn't say much on the way back, each of us wrapped up in the moment.
When we got to our room, we both began shedding our layers, enjoying the warmth of being inside.
"I'm going to hop in the shower," I told Edward over my shoulder as I walked to the bathroom.
I heard a loud pop and turned to see Edward walking into the room with two champagne glasses filled with bubbly.
"I thought it was an appropriate time for a toast," he said playfully as he handed me the glass.
He grabbed my left hand, grasping onto the ring on my fourth finger as he lifted his glass, "Here's to me for finally getting up the nerve to ask you," he said as I chuckled. "Here's to you for making me the happiest man alive. And here's to us for persevering when everything was stacked against us."
"I love you so much, Edward." Our glasses clinked and we sipped the champagne, our eyes never straying from each other.
He grabbed the glass out of my hand and set it on the counter, as a devilish grin crossed his face. "Now, about that shower you were planning on taking....Would my gorgeous fiancé like some company?"
He stepped towards to the shower, turning the handle until the water was steaming, fogging up the glass.
I giggled playfully as he made quick work of my clothes, his hands gently brushing my skin. His soft touches became extremely erotic and I was desperate for him as I quickly helped him undress.
Once we were both naked, we stepped into the steamy shower, his hands roaming my body. My eyes followed the path of his hands as they ghosted my shoulders and arms. His face hovered right above mine and I wanted desperately to kiss him, but I could sense his hesitation. I let my hands slide down his sides to his hips and then lower, but he stopped me. "No, there'll be plenty of time for that, but right now I just want to love you."
I moved my hands to the small of his back and pulled him into a tight hug. His arms came around me and I felt completely enveloped by him, safe, home. His hands clutched at my back as his forehead came to rest on mine.
"Bella, I'm so happy." His words melted me. Simple, yet so powerful.
"I can't wait to be your wife," I replied.
"Hmmm, my wife. I like the sound of that." He kissed me gently and then reached for the shampoo, pouring it into his hand, and then slowly massaging it into my scalp.
The rest of the shower passed as if it was in slow motion. Each of us took turns tending to the needs of the other. There was nothing sexual, just the tender touches of his hands on my body. I'd never felt so cherished.
Steam completely filled the bathroom by the time we finally emerged. I donned the thick, white bathrobe that the hotel provided and threw my hair up in a towel.
Edward wrapped a towel around his waist, leaving me just enough of a glimpse of what was underneath to make me look forward to ravishing him. Although I had no idea about the proposal, I had done some shopping for the weekend and I had a few surprises for him when we got back from dinner.
I pulled the matching bra and panty set out of my bag, as well as the garter. I didn't usually wear stuff like that, so I knew that Edward would love it. I pulled on a grey sweater dress over my sexy lingerie and tall, black high heel boots. My hair was curled and flowed down gently over my shoulders; the way I knew Edward liked it.
He wore black pants and a caramel brown cashmere sweater. He looked amazing and I couldn't believe that this was the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with.
He escorted me out of the room and downstairs to the hotel restaurant. It was in the main building and had grand high ceilings and a wide-open feeling. The view and ambiance were stunning.
Our drinks were delivered and I couldn't help but stare down at my finger, shimmering with the reflection off the gorgeous diamond ring.
Noticing me, he reached over and grabbed my hands, as he smiled, "Do you like the ring?"
Like it? Is he crazy?
"You know me so well. It's exactly what I would have picked. It's perfect," I replied, looking lovingly into his eyes.
He looked like a kid who had just been given his parents' approval, beaming with pride. "I looked at a lot of them, but this one stood out to me."
I pulled his hand to my lips and kissed it gently, "I love it."
Our appetizer came and we enjoyed the fresh prawns that were likely caught only hours before.
"There's something that I've been meaning to ask you," I said, as I pulled the tail from a prawn.
"Oh yeah? What's that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
"I've been thinking about those letters you wrote me," I said casually.
His interest was clearly piqued, "Did you read them all?"
I nodded, "Of course. They were beautiful. Even though I gave them back to you, I'd like to read them again."
He picked up his wine glass, slowly taking a sip, "You liked them that much, huh?" he asked evenly.
"I just missed so much of your life during those five years, and although I don't want to live in the past, it's reassuring to know that you thought of me during that time. You never gave up on me. I don't know, it's like the letters remind me that I wasn't crazy for thinking of you and for never getting over you. In a way, it makes me feel like I was with you during that time. It's comforting."
He smiled widely and looked into my eyes, "I wrote them for you. They're yours. My only regret is that you had to wait so long to get them."
"Thank you, Edward," I said softly. "Not just for the letters, but for seeing what we could have, even when it didn't seem possible."
"Bella, I'd wait another five years if it meant I could have you. You're worth the wait."
We finished dinner and although were having a wonderful time together, I couldn't wait to get back to our room and show him what I had on underneath my dress. There was some unfinished business that needed tending to.
EPOV
Bella was flirty and excited all the way back to the room. She wouldn't tell me what she had planned, but I definitely had an idea of what I wanted for the rest of the night.
I pulled her into my arms the minute the door shut to our room and she kissed me gently in response, sighing as I held her in my arms.
"This feels nice," she hummed, giving me a squeeze, "but I've got bigger plans."
That's my girl.
"Why don't you get undressed and wait for me on the bed," she said over her shoulder as she walked toward the bathroom, shaking her ass a little as she walked. "I'll be right back."
"You don't have to tell me twice," I laughed, already kicking off my shoes.
It couldn't have been more than five minutes until Bella emerged, still completely dressed, which confused me since I was sitting on the bed in only my boxers, per her instructions. I was expecting something sexy. She was holding two long white scarves in her hands, pulling them gently through her loose grip.
"Do you know what these are?" she asked with a smirk.
"They're scarves, aren't they?" I asked lamely.
"Yes, but do you know what they're for?" By this time, she was crawling onto the foot of the bed.
"No, but I'm guessing you'll tell me," I said grinning from ear to ear, hoping it was what I thought it was as I inched back toward the top of the bed.
"I want to have my way with you." She straddled me, revealing a garter belt underneath her dress and I became extremely interested in seeing what else she had on under there. She ran her hand down my arm and grabbed my wrist, "And I want you to stay put."
I had never seen this side of Bella but she never stopped surprising me in good ways. I really didn't deserve this beautiful temptress but I sure as hell wasn't going to stop her.
She carefully tied one of the scarves around my wrist and then pulled it to the headboard, securing it in place. She leaned over me in a way that positioned her breasts right in front of my face, so I leaned in and buried my nose in her chest. She leaned back, feigning indignation but I could see the sparkle in her eye.
"Uh, uh," she huffed, grabbing my other arm and securing it to the headboard as well. "You don't get to touch."
With the ties in place, she slid down my body and off the bed, turning around so her back faced me. She reached down to the hem of her dress and slowly began pulling it up, revealing her legs, then the garter, then the sexy panties she had on. I was already hard as a rock before she got off the bed, so this was making me actually start to ache. I shifted a little bit on the bed unsuccessfully seeking relief. Then she turned over her shoulder with a seductive look and said, "Uh-uh, you aren't going anywhere."
"You're beautiful. I want to touch you," I said, pulling at my wrists to no avail.
"Patience is a virtue Edward," she teased.
She continued with the dress, revealing the curves of her back and the lacy bra she wore. Finally she pulled the dress over her head, her back still facing me and I wanted to reach out and grab her. She shook her head to free her hair as she threw her head back, I swear, I almost came right then. The vision of my girl in lingerie, stripping for me while I was tied to the bed was almost more than I could handle.
"Bella," I moaned in a low guttural voice.
She didn't stop there. Bending at the waist, she slowly reached down and unzipped her boots, essentially baring her ass to me as she slid them off.
I was aching for her and had I not been tied up, I'd have been up off the bed in an instant.
She turned and climbed once again onto the bed, her knees on either side of me as she slowly crawled up my body, giving me a brief kiss once she reached my face.
"Do you like my surprise?" she asked, her lips just inches from mine.
Jesus Christ.
"Mmmm, very much," was all I could say.
She sat up again, reached down to the waistband of my boxers and with a devilish grin on her face, lowered them down my legs, her fingers grazing my skin as she went down. She lowered her face and kissed my torso as her hands stayed fixed on my boxers. Her hair fell and tickled my stomach as she gently kissed lower and lower.
Once my boxers were removed, she started back up my body, letting her fingers barely touch my skin causing me to press up into her touch. I needed her hands on me and the small amount of contact she was giving me was teasing me mercilessly.
My breathing, now quite rapid and shallow, became audible as she passed over my hips with her mouth, dangerously close to where I wanted her. I whimpered a bit as she continued upward, finally straddling me.
While I was naked, there still the issue of her lingerie to deal with, not to mention the fact that I was tied up. I wanted to touch her, but it was exhilarating watching her take the lead.
All that separated us was the thin lace of her panties and I could feel her heat and dampness against my hips as she rubbed along the length of my cock.
I hissed as she moved on me, making me crazy with need to feel her, to be inside her. She closed her eyes and rested her hands on my chest as she ground herself into me. I tried to press into her, but I needed my hands.
"Untie me, Bella," I said in a low growl, the need in me reaching its peak.
She smiled, and obliged and my hands immediately went to her hips, pulling her into me with a loud groan. I slid my hand between us, slipping a finger beneath the delicate lace of her panties, sliding it toward her entrance. She was slick with arousal and gasped as I passed over her clit.
In one quick movement, I pushed her panties to the side and grabbed my cock with my free hand, thrusting into her sharply.
"Oh fuck," she yelled as she lifted slightly and then thrust back down on me. My fingers dug into her hips and held her panties aside as I guided her movements with a feral passion that I couldn't control.
She began to pant heavily, small whimpers escaping each time I penetrated her and I knew that she was close. I lowered my hand between us, my fingers resting gently against her clit and she swept her hips forward against my hands. I let her control the movement as she moved over my hand, bringing herself to orgasm as I continued thrusting into her.
Needing more, I flipped us over resting my weight on top of her, my hand used as support on the bed beside her face as I guided myself into her again. I leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I like your lingerie, but this need to go." I quickly pulled out of her just long enough to slide her panties down and quickly thrust back into her.
She chuckled slightly, still out of breath from her orgasm and wrapped her arms and legs around my body, clutching me tightly. I reached around with one hand and grabbed her ass, pulling me deeper into her.
"You rock my world, Bella," I sighed.
Our movements slowed, the frenzy from before reined in, and all that remained was the two of us loving and cherishing one another. What had started out as pure unbridled lust was ending as passionate love. I could have made love to Bella forever and never tired of it.
It thrilled me to no end thinking that I would actually have forever with her.
Our bodies moved in unison until she screamed out my name as she came again, pushing me over the edge with her.
I couldn't stop smiling as we cleaned up and got ready for bed. It was hard to believe that we were engaged. So much had happened between us that I knew that this was right. We belonged together. I knew that I would never love anyone the way I loved her. The last thing I remembered before falling asleep was Bella kissing me gently as she curled up against my side and I slept more soundly than I could ever remember.
A/N: So, what did you think of the proposal? I'll be posting the epilogue this week. I'm so grateful for my readers. It's not always easy to write and you guys keep me going. Thanks so much for going on this journey with me.
The link to the resort that they stayed at in Victoria is on my profile. It's gorgeous. I'll also post them on Twilighted.
Please let me know what you thought of the story. I'd really love your feedback, even if you've never commented before.
My betas have worked so hard with me and I can't thank them enough. Also, thanks to Sunfeathers for the beta work this chapter and pre-reading for me.
Shameless whoring: Please check out my entry in the FML contest called "So, How'd You Two Meet?". Voting starts 2/25 and I could really use your support! Thanks. Link is in my profile!
