Here we go...this is it everybody...I tried my best not to leave you with any loose ends. Please remember we still have the epilogue because there is one more thing I think you all are waiting for. :)
Again, thank you so much for letting me share my story with you. It was always so great to see all your reviews, listen to your thoughts. I hope I did this story justice in your eyes.
Song of the day: Then by Brad Paisley
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: SM owns Twilight. I own all the football knowledge. :)
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A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.
Vince Lombardi
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Renee watched Charlie's face proudly as Bella and Edward walked out of the hospital room. The visit had been heavenly. She had finally been in the same room with her entire family, something she never thought she would see again.
What had warmed her heart the most wasn't when Bella had flung herself into her arms and hugged her tightly, but the look she saw on Charlie's face as he observed them silently. The intense pride and overwhelming look of love etched across his features as he smiled made his brown eyes shine.
She was also so very proud of Bella and Edward. Despite all the wrongs that had been done to them, they still listened graciously to Charlie's apology and explanation, never interrupting, and when he was done Bella had took his hand in hers, tears in her eyes, and she told him that he would always be her father and that she loved him.
Edward looked a bit leery at accepting Charlie so quickly, Renee thought, but as his eyes flickered back and forth between herself and Charlie, his gaze finally rested on her hands that were entwined with Charlie's, a brief flash of knowledge crossed his features as if he was finally perceiving that the four of them were almost identical in the pain that they all suffered.
It had all been worth it to Charlie when he saw the look in Bella's eyes as he extended his hand out to Edward in a peace offering, her face was glowing, her eyes glistening. He had denied her the happy ending she deserved for so long and he vowed to spend the rest of his life making it up to her…and Edward too.
"You are still the most amazing man I have ever met." Charlie heard the soft sound of Renee's voice float quietly across the room.
His heart jumped and he turned his head in her direction. She stood there before him radiant and happy and he knew at that moment he wasn't going to let her go, not without a fight.
"It's all because of you…Renee…you make me a better man."
Renee's eyes widened at his words, then she smiled, "I wish I could take all the credit," she joked, "but I'm afraid you were already amazing even before I met you."
"I was nothing before I met you…." Charlie stood up briskly and walked up to Renee. He caressed her face with his hands and stared right into her eyes, "I am nothing now, without you, I am so sorry Renee, I am so sorry that I hurt you, that I didn't believe you. I love you…I've never stopped loving you. Those divorce papers you sent me all those years ago, I threw them out. I never signed them, because I couldn't imagine not being connected to you anymore. You've been in my heart and in my dreams every single day that you've been gone, and I don't want to go one more day without you."
Renee felt a small gasp escape her; Charlie didn't know how many times she had fantasized about him saying these very things.
"I'm retiring Renee, and I'm going back to Forks, I want you to come with me…say you'll come with me. I promise I'll spend the rest of my life making up for all my mistakes."
Charlie knew he was taking a gamble but right now it didn't matter. What mattered was that this woman standing in front of him know how much he loved her, how much he wanted her. He watched her eyes grow wide with his words, her breath leaving her, and then…just when he thought his heart would burst with emotion, she flung herself into his arms. He could feel her perfect slender arms wrap around his neck, her silky hair brush across his cheek, and her face burrow into his shoulder.
He slid his arms around her and pulled her close to him, closing his eyes and breathing in her scent. Her body still fit perfectly against his, just the way he remembered it, with trembling hands, he tightened his grip around her, lowering his head to hers and capturing her mouth in a longing kiss trying to satiate the thirst and yearning that had controlled his life for eight endless years.
"Yes…" She murmured against him, holding him tightly against her, not taking her lips away from his, "Yes…let's go home…"
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BPOV
Win or lose, being part of the Super Bowl experience is a life changing event. I knew I would never be the same again after this game.
As I stood next to Jacob in the locker room surrounded by my team, feeling the electricity cackle in the air from excitement, I knew that no matter where my life took me, I would never forget this day.
Our players were ready and roaring to go. Edward looked magnetic and powerful standing among the rest of the team, his eyes flashed with an excited passion, he was itching to get out on that field, and I couldn't blame him.
I was pretty sure, knowing that his parents were up in the skyboxes watching him, cheering him on, were the driving force in his desire to win.
Minutes before we were about to run out of the tunnel, Jacob gathered everyone together for a last minute pep talk. He thanked all the players for such a great season and told them that he was extremely proud of them.
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you'll be doing the impossible. Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. We came in young, talented, hungry and restless, together we can accomplish anything. I do hope we win, but I want to remind you, if you think the Super Bowl is going to make your life, you're wrong. It's about what's inside you, the obstacles you faced and conquered, the trials and tribulations you somehow made it through, that is what defines you…defines your life."
The team burst into rambunctious applause and I gave Jacob the most heartfelt smile I could muster. He truly was a smart man, and clearly a leader. He was always meant for this position and I hoped that he would lead this team for decades to come.
History was here to be made and the Warriors were certainly going to try to write a chapter for the NFL record book.
When I stepped onto that field I knew that everything we worked for was coming down to this one game, I realized this is what it's all about, and this is why the game was made.
The entire game was a whirlwind of controlled chaos, ear splitting screams, nerve wracking moments, and frustration combined with elation. Our players on the field orchestrated their movements, dynamic and forceful as they collided on the field with the opposing team.
I watched with mounting pride as Edward set in motion the fire under his offensive line. His brisk determined spirit fell over each player and together they rose…the perfect unit…catching nearly every pass…making nearly every run…finding imaginary holes in the line that weren't there seconds before…heading across the field in glorious, breathtaking victory.
For Edward, the game proved that this was his team. It all belonged to him. In the fourth quarter alone, he was 18 out of 26 for 235 yards and four touchdowns. He took the game totally over and just made play after amazing play.
The anxiety coursing through me never left my being. My fingers hurt from clutching my clipboard so tightly against my chest, my brain buzzed with all the bedlam and commotion around me. And every time I thought the opposing team was going to make the play, or control the game, my boys proved me wrong.
As the final minutes counted down we all already knew we were going to win. The scoreboard read 45 to 21. Edward was out on the field on the last drive of the game. You could see all the players nearly bouncing with excitement, anticipating the clock counting down the final seconds. They were ready to celebrate, yet Edward drew them in, capturing their attention, inspiring them until the very end.
As they lined up, Edward took two steps back leaning slightly over, stretching his hands out, getting ready to receive the ball. And then, just as the final hut should have been called, his movements suddenly stopped and he turned his head to the sidelines. I could see his eyes, buzzing with delight, as they locked onto mine.
There, right in the last eleven seconds of Super Bowl XLVII he stood straight up, tilted his head to the side grinning, flashing those adorable dimples, and pointed right at me.
A hush fell over the stadium, and for that split second, the world momentarily stopped. The current that flowed between Edward and I was so strong I was sure it could be seen and felt by everyone.
"OH!" A ripple of exclamations shot throughout stadium and before I could complete another thought, the crowd erupted in wild roars around me, pointing at Edward, cheering his actions. I stood frozen in place, probably beaming like an idiot, and I knew I had to be the luckiest girl alive at that moment.
Edward laughed at the crowd's reaction and quickly turned back to his center calling the final hut of the game. The line sprang to life and he made that 45 yard pass look as easy as walking, it soared through the air, falling right into the hands of our wide receiver just as he crossed into the end zone.
My mind swirled back to the talk that Alice and I had just days before. She was bubbling over with excitement which I figured was due to the impending Super Bowl.
"I'm so happy for you Bella. I can see how Edward looks at you. I remember my mom always telling me, find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky his is to have you.... The one who turns to his friends and says, that's her. And Bella, you've found him."
I just hugged Alice with all my might, so glad that she was my best friend.
I was thrown back into the game as the chaos that had seemed out of control just seconds before now doubled, exploding, as the players and staff flooded the field, bouncing in exhilaration. There were so many people around me I could hardly see. I tried to push my way past cameramen and players but it was nearly impossible to do so. I could hear my name being called by the journalists.
"Coach Swan! Coach Swan! How does it feel to be the first female coach to achieve this level of glory?"
My mind swirled…how did it feel? I turned to the journalist and flashed him a bright smile.
"Individual glory is insignificant when compared to achieving victory as a team. I haven't achieved anything…but we, the Warriors, have achieved everything."
The journalist smiled and nodded, giving me a thumbs up sign. The noise and commotion continued all around me as I searched the crowd, finally I could see him in my line of sight.
Edward stood surrounded by what seemed like, a million people, the exuberance shone clearly on his face and in the way he held his body. I studied him soundlessly as the media all vied for his attention.
"What was the motivation behind this Super Bowl win Cullen?"
Edward ginned at the journalist cockily for a second before his eyes fell on mine. He grinned even broader when he saw me and turned back to the camera, "A champion needs a motivation above and beyond winning, and I assure you that my motivation for this win will clearly be known before next weekend is up."
His words left both myself and the journalist puzzled, but I wasn't perplexed for long, because without warning he was suddenly standing in front of me, wrapping his arms around me, lifting me up above the crowd laughing, making me shriek in unexpected surprise, I grasped his shoulders to steady myself.
I looked down at him still giggling, feeling like a school girl instead of a grown woman. He lowered me slowly, bringing my face down to his.
"Congratulations Coach Swan." He murmured tilting his chin up and kissing me all while lowering me to the ground.
And hell did I kiss him back! My hair fell around our faces as I clutched him to me, thinking for a quick moment all that we had endured to come this far.
He laughed against me once more and spun me around and around as more cameramen crowded around us, laughing with us, and cheering.
"What are you going to do now?" they yelled.
Edward placed me down on the ground, his arm around my waist.
"We're going to Disneyland!" he whooped and we all laughed again.
I leaned against him slightly still glowing from happiness, basking in his presence.
Could there have been a better way to slay all the demons in our lives in this one compelling, dramatic, roller coaster ride to the Championship? I didn't think so.
"Cullen!" one last reporter stepped towards us. "How did you and Coach Swan begin?"
Edward turned to look at him, his eyes dancing with delight. He gave me a glance and I smiled up at him happily, knowing that how we began was on a field much like this one. His arm tightened around me as he stared right into the camera.
"I love her and that's the beginning of everything…"
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"This victory is clearly sweet for the Warriors today as you can see the entire team is overjoyed at winning. It is picture perfect for what looks like America's new sweethearts Coach Bella Swan and Quarterback Edward Cullen. I don't think there is a single person in that stadium that isn't rooting for them."
Allen chuckled and picked up his beer, silently raising it in a toast towards the television screen, to a man who had been a mystery for much of the time he had known him, but today, this man, was clearly a champion.
He was sitting at his favorite sports bar, amid a large crowd, next to his old friend, Seth Clearwater. The game aired all around them on twelve different big screens that graced the walls of the bar.
"He really did it." Seth gave Allen a quick jab in the ribs with his elbow, nearly knocking Allen's drink out of his hands, "I was afraid for a while there that this wasn't going to turn out well."
"You knew it would…after all I recommended the best attorney in Los Angeles for him." Allen set his bottle down, rubbing his side.
Seth's chortle was drowned out by all the noise around them, "I give his agent a little credit. You helped him through some really rough times. You mean to tell me you were never worried?"
"I was shitting bricks near the end. The Commissioner really gave us a run for our money there for a moment."
Seth snickered and raised his glass to his lips, "That bastard was a quivering mass of jelly once I showed him the pictures."
"Where did you get those anyways?" Allen raised his eyebrows in question; both of them had been working together for the last two months with one common goal, a goal that was almost over.
"Would you believe they were given to me?" Seth shook his head slightly.
"Given to you? By who?" Allen cocked his head to the side, curiosity written all over his face.
"Charlie Swan." Seth gave out a half chuckle as Allen choked on his drink. "I couldn't believe it myself. I thought that sorry son of a bitch was a cold hearted bastard, but it turns out he ain't so bad after all."
"Damn!" Allen scratched his head in disbelief.
Seth shrugged his shoulders taking another swig from his glass. "The rest was easy, once I showed the Commissioner the pictures of that skanky assed girl, he calls his mistress, with him in various compromising positions; he cowered over in defeat real fast."
Allen chucked and turned back to the screen. Cullen was kissing Swan and the entire stadium was cheering. He turned back to Seth grinning.
"They're good kids. Swan is a knockout…Cullen better not let her go."
Seth smirked and raised his glass to the screen, he turned to Allen, "He won't. Just wait until they get back to Forks…" he winked.
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EPOV
It seemed like everyone was in on it and I was fucking nervous during the entire flight back to Forks that someone was going to spill the beans.
My mother was the worst, giggling like a maniac, wringing her hands together, looking like she was about to burst, and I had to beg my father to keep her busy so she wouldn't talk to Bella too much.
His way of keeping her busy was indulging her in these tiny bottles of liquor the stewardess had on her cart which only made me more uptight, and I was only able to breathe again when my mom finally gave out this contented sigh and leaned her head back against the seat with a smile, and closed her eyes.
The only person who was actually calm and in control, besides Bella, was Alice, and I was fucking surprised because I thought if anyone should have been jumping out of their seat, it should have been Alice. She was going to play a big role in this and she knew it, but she sat there next to Bella chatting quietly with her, talking about all these fucking mundane things that girls talk about…clothes…crappy TV shows…and some silly vampire books that I didn't know anything about.
Still I was grateful that Alice kept Bella occupied and I promised myself if I made it through the weekend I would buy Alice a fucking house or something…
My parents had given me the perfect opportunity to return to Forks, by inviting us all over to their place for a small celebration party, so Bella didn't ask any questions. She was excited to be going home. Charlie and Renee were already there, they had been there for the last two weeks since Charlie's discharge from Cedars-Sinai. He was still under a doctor's strict care for his heart but he was looking and acting like a new man.
I admit I had been awfully doubtful about trusting him or believing anything he had to say. When Bella told me that he wanted to talk to us together I braced myself for a fight, but it turned out I hadn't had to, Charlie Swan was actually apologetic and contrite. He told us a story about him and Renee, and as he went on, sharing his tribulations, I saw something in him. The same thing I had seen in myself the six years that I was apart from Bella.
I realized that Charlie and I were similar in many ways, we both loved deeply, were afraid to get hurt, and when we did get hurt we lashed out at the people around us, pushing them away, closing ourselves off.
It would take me a long time before I actually fucking forgave him for everything he had done to Bella and me, but for Bella's sake I shook his hand and agreed to a truce…and I actually meant it.
Just before the plane landed I glanced over at Bella, she was deeply engrossed in a conversation with Alice about how the Warriors couldn't use the slogan America's Favorite Team because only The Dallas Cowboys were called America's Team and we would look silly as if we were trying to imitate it.
I chuckled to myself…she really loved those damn Cowboys…I should invite Romo and his wife over to the penthouse one day for dinner; I bet Bella would love that. Romo was just about to retire, he had three super bowl rings in his collection with the Cowboys and I hoped that by the time I was ready to retire I would have the same, if not more…
I made sure Bella was still preoccupied before I reached for my carry-on that was sitting on the opposite side of me. I unzipped it, checking all the contents that were still nestled safely under the small bundle of clothes I had shoved in there.
Yes, there were all still there…the three white envelopes sat purposefully, protected by a stiff cardboard folder. It had nearly taken me all night to write those and I sure as fucking hell didn't want anything to happen to them.
"Welcome to Forks." The pilot announced over the speaker system, interrupting my inspection of my carry on items, I quickly zipped it closed and turned my head to Bella.
She turned to look at me at the same time; she smiled and took my hand.
"We're home." Was all she said.
By nine pm on Saturday night I was aching to leave my parents house. What had been described to me as a small party was really a huge, full blown affair. My former house was bursting to the seams with people. My parents must have invited every freaking person that lived in this town.
They had even hired caterers, who walked around the house the entire time offering people drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
One more night…just one more night…I thought over and over, bouncing around through the crowd.
Even though I wouldn't show it, I kinda liked all the attention, only because my parents were parading me around like damn peacocks saying things like,
"Have you met my son Edward yet? He just won the Super Bowl." Or when my Mom told one of her stuck up snobby friends, "Your son just finished medical school, how nice dear. My son Edward just won the Super Bowl…he is the quarterback. Come and meet him, maybe he'll give you an autograph for your son."
Bella would giggle quietly into my arm every time she heard them talk and I would only shake my head in exasperation, hoping none of my peacock feathers were showing, but I think they were…
It was nearly midnight when Alice and Jasper made their way to us to say goodnight.
Bella hugged Alice tightly, "Will we see you tomorrow? Maybe you and Jasper can get together with Edward and me. I don't think we have any plans."
Alice shot me a quick glance, her eyes almost twinkling at my mental distraught. "Jasper and I are leaving tomorrow," she announced, squeezing Jasper's hand tightly when he looked down at her in surprise, "We have an early flight to catch, but we can get together back in Los Angeles okay?"
Bella nodded happily and gave her another hug. Jasper still looked confused as he shook my hand goodbye. Alice couldn't contain her giggle when she hugged me.
"See you there…" she whispered.
"Don't be late." I tried not to move my lips, "and thank you Alice."
She pulled back smiling brightly at us. "Have a wonderful night you two." Dragging Jasper away into the cool night air…
My parents initially wanted us to spend the night there, at their house, but I didn't want to. In order for my plan to work perfectly Bella had to wake up in her own bed, in her old room, plus I needed to face up to some demons that still haunted me, so that's where we were going to stay.
So my Mother pounced on Renee and Charlie after it dawned on her why Bella and I needed to sleep back at Bella's place and convinced them that they absolutely needed to spend the night there with her and my father because Charlie absolutely had sit down with them and teach them the entire game of football, because they absolutely needed to know why he decided to coach it, and they were absolutely sure his life story was just going to be so fucking fabulous…
By the third absolutely I was sure Bella was going to get suspicious and I began to drag her away from our parents, pulling on her arm and leading her out the back way through the kitchen, grabbing the last of the hors d'oeuvres resting on the silver trays before pushing the door open.
Bella chatted animatedly next to me as we headed for her house, talking about how happy she was to see all our parents getting along. I was fucking grateful that she didn't want to know why my mother had suddenly turned into a nutcase. I hope she didn't think it ran in my family.
It felt weird at first entering Bella's house again; I guess it shouldn't have since the place was bright and cheerful, alive with love and happiness, no doubt from Renee's touch. My throat tightened uncomfortably anyway.
Renee was probably exactly what this place needed, and even Bella seemed in awe of the transformation of her house. Pretty vases of flowers christened nearly every surface, family pictures hung on the walls, and a large overstuffed chair graced the corner of the room, a stack of books resting perfectly on the side table next to it.
Yet I still felt this twinge of pain, looking around, knowing that Bella lost our child here, that she suffered so much and was so alone when it happened.
As if she knew what I was thinking, she pulled me close to her and hugged me, her hands running up and down my back. I closed my eyes trying to erase the image of her in pain being carried out of here on a stretcher.
"Jacob said a wonderful thing before the Super Bowl game last Sunday; do you remember what he said?"
I stared at her trying to recall his words; something about not letting the Super Bowl define your life…I shook my head no.
"He said, nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending…" she looked up into my eyes, "that's what we need to do…make a new ending."
She pulled at my hand gently, "Edward…"
Her words swirled around dizzily in my head, "Hmmm?" My voice shook slightly.
"Come upstairs…"
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BPOV
Taking Edward's hand I led him up to my old room, I could sense the minute we stepped foot into my old house that tiny flicker of pain peek out at the corner of his eyes. I knew I needed to erase that pain, erase the old memories that haunted both of us.
His eyes flew over my old belongings quickly as if he were taking mental inventory of everything he had remembered about this room. He glanced at the large bookshelf resting against the far wall still completely filled with books, over to my desk where a single open notepad lay, empty, with an unsharpened pencil next to it. His gaze lingered for the longest minute on my single black hoodie, the one that I had worn to every single football practice, hanging from a hook next to my door.
When he finally focused on my bed, he almost winced, he turned back to look at me, his face masked with distress and torment.
"I'm so sorry." He whispered, and I pulled him to me again, knowing this time we would share the heartache together.
"I'm sorry too." I traced my lips along his neck, letting my hands rest on the back of his head.
"I…I want to take it all away." His head burrowed in my neck as he spoke angrily. "I want to make it different."
"Then let's make it different," I whispered furiously into his ear, "right here…right now…let's make it different."
His hands dug into my back and I let my fingers slide through that enticing messy hair.
"I'll never let anyone come between us," My voice was soft and subdued but deadly serious. "No one will ever hurt us again. Do you know why Edward?"
He pulled his head back from mine and looked into my eyes. I ran my hand down his shoulder and up to his face, tracing his lips with my fingers.
"Siempre tendrá mi corazón. You will always have my heart because I am yours. Forever…I am yours."
He let out this animalistic growl at my words as his breath escaped him. He searched hungrily for my mouth. His kiss was fiery hot and he drove his tongue insolently into my mouth over and over again.
I clutched him firmly against me, my hands snaking back up around his head. I closed my fingers tightly in his hair, locking his head in place to mine.
Our kiss deepened and I moaned lightly, my mind and heart aching with the need to be closer to him.
His hands roamed down my back and with a low grumble he grabbed my bottom pulling me roughly up against his erection, letting me slide along his body, feeling him swell at my touch.
He pulled his head back with a quick gasp and then his mouth was at my neck, he was moaning, I could feel his teeth biting sharply into my skin. My chest heaved rapidly and I tilted my head slightly giving him better access to my neck.
His hand shot up my back quickly until his fingers found my hair. He circled his fingers through my hair rapidly and then tightened his hand into a fist. With a sharp tug he pulled, at first gently, and then roughly, yanking my head, holding it back, as he continued to kiss and nip at my neck.
I gasped at the sensation, my body instantly responding to his primal touches. My hands searched briskly at his waistband, trying to unfasten his jeans as quickly as I could. Not being able to wait any longer I tugged at his jeans, my hand fervently dipped into his boxers and finally I wrapped my hand around him, squeezing almost desperately.
"Reina." He grunted fiercely, his hands left my hair and traveled down to the front of my blouse. He fumbled for a few seconds trying to unbutton the tiny buttons, when he didn't succeed he simply tore my blouse open with both hands, the small buttons made tiny plinking sounds as they hit the floor. Neither of us cared.
He pulled both of my bra straps down with one thrust, lowering his head, his mouth surrounding my breasts, moving quickly from one to the other, his hands making quick work of unzipping my skirt, letting it fall to the ground.
Then I could feel his hands sliding down my stomach, his fingers making small circles around my entrance, teasing me. My body arch against his, trying to move closer, to give him better access. I wanted to feel him inside me. I needed it.
He pulled my body up roughly against him once more. "I want you." He panted into my ear.
"Then take me." I begged, pumping him briskly, "Now..."
With another growl he scooped me up and lowered me onto the bed. His mouth never left mine. His body hovered over me, his eyes dark and hooded. His hand cupped me insistently and I before I could stir his fingers were inside of me, moving in and out, making me squirm beneath him.
"You're so wet…" he hissed, his face inches from mine, "so hot…"
I just moaned, lifting my hips off the mattress, pushing against his hand with pure, raw need.
"Do you want more?" his voice was thick, full of force, "Tell me…tell me what you want Reina, and I'll do it."
"More…" I mumbled, throwing my head as far back into the pillows as it would go, my hands gripped the sheets, "Please more…"
"Tell me…" he pushed his fingers in again, his forehead fell against my cheek and he bit down on my shoulder.
"Ugh…" My body trembled against him, "Edward please…please…fuck me."
That was all he needed to hear, with low groan he shifted his body over mine, pressing the tip of his erection between my legs.
"Look at me." He ordered, and I forced my eyes open, looking up at him. He pushed into me in one quick powerful thrust making me cry out, my hands flew up gripping his shoulders as he began to pump into me, filling me with each urgent push.
He lowered his head, his mouth finding mine; he slid his tongue in my mouth matching the rhythm of his body. I could feel the muscles on his back strain and stretch with each push, and his hand traveled down cupping my bottom, pulling me up to meet his thrusts, hitting places I didn't know I had.
My nails dug into his shoulders, I lifted my head, pushing back against his mouth with as much force as I could.
"You drive me crazy Reina…you know that. Every time you touch me…" he panted his lips still on mine.
My body arched up in desire at his words, my hand left his shoulder and before he could utter another word I reached down and wrapped my fingers around his balls, his breath hitched.
"Like this?" I moaned.
"Yes." He whispered frantically, pumping harder.
"And… like…this?" My words were broken between my pants and his thrusts, I squeezed and fondled his balls again, feeling them tighten in my hand.
"Fuck. Yes."
I didn't let go and his movements became more frantic, making my climax build until I couldn't hold it back any longer.
"Harder…oh…harder…" I gasped, gripping him tighter.
He let out this strangled cry and pushed roughly, nearly shoving me up against the headboard. He kept thrusting until my body exploded, convulsing around him, my hand jerked and pulled him, making him grunt and twitch violently as his body spilled into me.
We kept moving, caressing, holding on to each other until finally spent of all our emotions. Edward wrapped us both up in the blankets, his arms never leaving me, whispering his promises to love me always, humming me to sleep when it was almost time for the sun to come up.
And I drifted off knowing that we had made our ending different…and everything that happened from here on out was only going to be beautiful, free of fear, and full of glimmering hope…
The chirping of the birds outside my window woke me up. The sun was shining brightly, filling my room with warm light. I stretched my body, raising my hands above my head. I felt…sore…but a wonderful, marvelous sore.
I looked around me, Edward wasn't in the bed, I glanced at my clock, my eyes widening in surprise. It was nearly noon.
Propping myself up on my elbow, I rubbed my eyes with my free hand, trying to listen for Edward's movements wondering if he was in the restroom or downstairs. I didn't hear anything; instead my eyes finally fell on a small note resting on the pillow next to me.
I picked it up reading the words slowly.
Look on the nightstand.
My eyes moved immediately to the nightstand next to the bed. A single white envelope lay next to a beautiful red and white tulip, a small keychain with a blue globe attached to it rested against the lamp.
I picked up the flower smiling, bringing to my face and smelling the wonderful scent. I turned the small globe over in my hands.
The world…I thought smiling…Edward had promised me the world.
I glanced at the envelope, grabbing it, sitting up in bed crossed leg, and tearing it open.
I promised you the world…it starts today. The first time I set eyes on you, you were the most breathtaking, beautiful girl I had ever seen, your eyes sparkled in the sunshine and the way your hair fell around you glistening, made my heart ache with longing.
I remember our homecoming dance, you looked amazing, and even though I didn't admit it to you then, I fell in love with you that night. Do you remember the bench that we sat and talked for hours?
Don't come until its dark outside…that's where you'll find me…
E.
I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I looked up from the paper; the air escaped my lungs in one sharp whoosh.
Clutching my flower, globe, and letter in my hands I jumped up from my bed and raced to bathroom to get ready. I knew I had to wait until it was dark outside but I couldn't wait to see Edward…
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EPOV
"It's all set Edward, Jasper and I tested it last night, the lights are perfectly aligned and ready to go at the hit of the switch. I'll be here waiting." Alice smiled at me, bouncing up and down on her tiptoes, her hands clapping lightly.
I smiled back at her, "Thanks Alice. I appreciate you doing this for me. I know it hasn't been easy for you…for any of us."
Alice bounded forward giving me a quick peck on my cheek, "Don't you worry about me…or anyone else…you just worry about you and Bella…the rest of us don't matter. Did you leave her the letter? You told her to wait until it was dark, right?"
"I told her…" I started, chuckling softly, "Let's hope she listens."
"Oh she better!" Alice shook her head sternly, "Or else she is going to hear it from me!"
I laughed, grabbing her hand and squeezing tightly, "Thank you…for everything."
"Thank you," she giggled back, "for letting me have the best seat in the house to what's going to be the most awesome night ever!"
Our laughter echoed across the green grass…
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BPOV
The school was dark and quiet as I walked across the campus looking around all the familiar sights and haunts that Edward and I used to hang out at. The sky was almost black, not a star in sight. I was almost giddy at seeing Edward here, wondering what delicious plan he had up his sleeve.
Holding my flower and envelope in my hands, I made my way past the cafeteria, the tiny glow of the vending machines flickered in the dark, I glanced into the window, remembering that fateful day when Edward rescued me from that crazy flying football that almost hit me in the face. I smiled to myself thinking of the way he kissed the back of my hand before he disappeared into the crowd.
I could let all these wonderful memories surround me now; they no longer brought pain, only happiness.
When I reached the courtyard, it was empty. I looked around me, trying to see past the darkness, hoping to catch a glimpse of Edward leaning against the tall pillars of the school grounds, he wasn't there, it was completely deserted. I continued towards our bench, hazy light from the lamps mounted on the adjacent wall illuminated the bench and I looked down at it curiously.
There in the center of the bench was another red and white tulip; a tiny brown football on a keychain, and a single white envelope beside it. Looking around me one more time, I sat down on the bench, picking up the flower, breathing in its delicate scent, and opened up the envelope.
There is a place for us that no one else can enter.
It is a place that holds no secrets, only beauty, peace, love.
A place that we come to…time and time again.
And in that moment, I know you;
every thought, every dream, every fear.
And you know mine, because at that place, on that field, there has always been love.
Look for me there…
E.
I stared at the tiny football in my hand, for the longest time, my heart doing flip flops in my chest. I knew exactly where Edward wanted me to go.
I jumped up from the bench, clutching my flowers and my notes, and turned to my right, in the direction of… our... football field.
The gate was open when I reached the stadium, I walked right in. It was pitch black, not a sight to be seen, or a sound to be heard, the only light I could see was coming from a spotlight beaming down directly onto the grass, creating a small perfect circle in the middle of the field. I headed right for it.
I didn't know what I was going to find but my legs wobbled the entire way across the grass. My steps slowed down as I came closer, I could see it now, a single white envelope resting gently on the grass.
I reached down and picked it up carefully, turning it over in my hands before opening it.
If not for you, I wouldn't know what true love really meant.
No other one could take your place;
you're it; I have no choice.
If not for you, I'd be adrift;
I don't know what I'd do;
I'd be searching for my other half,
incomplete, if not for you.
I promise to love and cherish you forever...until the last flower dies...
E.
Edward's words brought tears to my eyes and I folded the letter close, not sure of what to do next.
That instant a second beam of light shone down from the sky onto the field. It blazed brightly only a few feet away from me, momentarily making me freeze. My eyes took a second to focus, and there, in the middle of the second ray of light, was Edward, down on one knee. I gasped at the sight in front of me, bringing my hands up to my face in surprise.
I took a hesitant step towards him, still in shock.
He was holding a single tulip in his hand, which he thrust out to me.
"Reina…the last flower…" his voice trembled just slightly, and I reached out and took the flower from his hands.
I realized almost immediately that this flower was not the same as the others. The other two tulips were real; this tulip was made of silk. Still just as beautiful…just as precious. I took a deep breath as I realized its significance; I stared at it in wonder.
"Until the last flower dies…This flower will never die." I held onto it firmly; letting my eyes move over it, then back over to Edward's face.
He was holding up a black velvet case, it was open, nestled inside was the most exclusive, gorgeous, sparkling, diamond ring I had ever laid eyes upon. He pulled it carefully from its case.
"OH!" Oh my god! Oh my god! Is that what I think it is? I couldn't believe what I was seeing!
"Will you marry me?"
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EPOV
My heart was beating a mile a minute as I watched Bella walk across the field towards the last envelope. She looked breathtakingly beautiful with an excited, curious expression on her face, she was holding on tightly to the two tulips I had left for her earlier, along with the first two envelopes.
I was down on one knee, in the dark, clutching the small velvet box in one hand, the red and white tulip in the other, trying not to move, not even wanting to breathe so I wouldn't give myself away.
Alice knew exactly what to do, Bella reached the envelope and leaned over slightly to pick it up, turning it over in her hands, she opened it carefully her eyes beginning to water as she read the words, when she folded it close, Alice hit the next spotlight. It shone directly on me. I was only a few feet away from Bella, and when the light turned on, Bella gasped in surprise, her hands flying to her mouth.
"Reina." I said softly trying to keep my hands from shaking, "The last flower…"
She took two steps towards me, her hands still at her mouth in shock. I held out the tulip to her.
Bella took the tulip from my hands and looked at it carefully. She inhaled swiftly when she realized that the last flower was not real like the others, but made out of silk.
"Until the last flower dies…" she whispered softly looking down at the flower in awe, "This flower will never die."
"Reina…" I began, looking up at her, opening the small black velvet box, "Will you marry me?"
I carefully took out the ring, still counting my lucky stars that I had been able to pull this off.
"OH!" Bella cried as her eyes fell on the ring. It wasn't just any engagement ring; it was the ring I had managed to extract early from Jostens.
A week before our flight to Forks I returned to Jostens and they had presented me with the ring…the Warriors Super Bowl ring. I really only wanted the design from Jostens's, NFL player's super bowl rings usually cost around five thousand dollars. But Bella's ring cost more…much much more. Once I had the design in hand, I had Bella's ring custom made. Instead of white or yellow gold her ring was made of platinum. The carvings on the sides were conscientiously hand crafted by the best jewelers in Los Angeles; six diamonds were nestled around a large flawless three carat diamond that sparkled brilliantly from every angle, I had it sized perfectly to fit Bella.
Bella's face was absolutely glowing as she held out her hand to me, "Yes." She beamed, her fingers shaking, "Yes. I will marry you. I can't wait to marry you Edward."
I slid the ring carefully on her finger, gently kissing her hand. I rose up on my feet and gathered her up in my arms, still full of reverence that our lives had turned out this way.
"How did you get this?" Bella hugged me tightly still admiring her ring over my shoulder.
"I have my ways…" I nestled my head into her neck, cuddling into the velvet touch of her skin.
She giggled, "Well I love it! It's beautiful…amazing…and perfect…just like you."
"No…" I shook my head at her, "It's just like you."
I turned my head slightly my mouth finding hers, kissing her with all the emotion that was in my heart.
"I love you." I whispered quietly into the still of the night.
"I love you too," her arms tightened around me, "I can't wait to show this to everyone."
I squeezed her against me once more and pulled back taking both of her hands in mine; I looked down at her ring that was flashing tiny rays of light all around us.
"Me neither." I grinned at her.
The Super Bowl ring is the symbol of greatness, the talisman of a champion, the culmination of an amazing season, all players strive to acquire one, and in the end, all the rings are special and all have a tale to tell, but none with a tale quite as incredible as ours…
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Isabella Swan and Edward Cullen were married on a beautiful clear spring day. They were centered in the middle of a circle surrounded by all their friends and family watching them pledge their love for one another.
There was not a dry eye during the entire ceremony. Each and every person there knew how hard and how long these two fought for each other, and they would never forget it, because once in awhile, right in the middle of ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale…
And this was theirs…
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Sob...I hope you loved it.
I hope this story took you on a wonderful journey that you'll remember for a very long time. :)
Thank you so much for sticking with me through it all despite my crazy description changes. I am weird like that! LOL
See you at the epi...
I leave you all with this...
One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life:
That word is love. ~ Sophocles ~
MBella
