As always, I have to thank my beta's elektrikmistress and sunray16 for all their amazing work. Bettygale for pre-reading this for me, making sure it has the right about of lemony goodness. Thank you ladies from the bottom of my heart.

Enjoy!

BPOV

I woke up the next morning with a kink in my neck and a stiff back, reminding me of the reasons why I hated that bed in the first place. I flipped the covers back and shot out of bed, shivering slightly at the coolness of the room. Was it always this cold? I made my way downstairs, trying to avoid the third step from the top, which squeaked abnormally loudly.

I walked silently into the living room and saw Edward curled up on the couch with just his head peeking out from underneath a mound of blankets. I stealthily made my way over to him, lifting up the covers and quickly curling up next to him on the couch. His arm instinctively wrapped around my body, pulling me tightly against him. His morning wood, which was very prominent, poked at my backside. As if he was teasing me in his sleep, Edward forcefully pressed his hips up against me, causing me to stifle a moan, making me want him…badly. If only we weren't in my father's house, I wouldn't hesitate in turning around and doing the very thing that was racing through my mind.

"You kids want coffee?" Charlie asked from behind the couch, obviously not caring that Edward was asleep. Just the sound of my father's voice sobered any of my dirty thoughts.

"Yes, Sir," Edward answered groggily. My mouth dropped. He was awake? That little shit.

"How about you, kiddo?"

"Yeah, Dad, I'll take a cup."

"Okie dokie." I heard his footsteps slowly disappear into the kitchen. I turned in Edward's arms to find a huge grin on his face.

"How long have you been awake?"

"Just before you came down and joined me on the couch," he said, pecking my lips. "You are so cute when you're trying to be sneaky."

"So, what you just did," my eyes motioned down his body suggestively. "You weren't asleep?"

Another huge grin spread on his face. "Nope," he popped the 'p'. "I just couldn't resist the temptation." His hand caressed my ass, squeezing it firmly. Yep, the dirty thoughts had just returned and they were ten times worse.

Just like last night, out of respect for my father, all we did was kiss – though it got pretty hot and heavy there for a while before we heard my dad shuffling his feet, no doubt warning us that he was entering the room. We slowly separated, sitting upright, but still managed to remain close to one another, wrapped up in the layer of blankets.

"So, how did you sleep, Edward?" my father asked.

"Not bad. The couch is pretty comfortable," he lied. I had fallen asleep many times on that couch, and there was nothing comfortable about it. Next to my bed, the couch was the second place I hated to sleep.

"Really? I find it is a shitty place to sleep," my father said truthfully. "That couch is as old as Bella and lumpy as hell."

"I won't argue with you there," Edward said, rubbing the back of his neck. I smiled at the way his hair stood up in every direction as ran his fingers through it.

"Alright, this may come as a big surprise to you Bella, but I'm cooking breakfast, and if I'm correct, you always loved pancakes, eggs, and bacon for breakfast." I nodded my head, unable to speak. The last meal he prepared, the house smelling like burnt popcorn for two days, and that was six months ago.

"Oh, this outta be good," I stated, shaking my head as I watched my father head back into the kitchen.

As we waited for breakfast – which didn't smell that bad – Edward and I talked aimlessly about what our plans were up until New Year's Eve. I knew Alice wanted to have a small party instead of our usual night on the town. I agreed immediately, loving the idea of being home when the ball dropped. Getting a cab was next to impossible after midnight.

"Bella, I think I have an idea for after graduation," Edward started.

"Really? What?"

"It's more of a compromise, but I think it will work for us." I waved my hand, urging him to continue. "Well, I was thinking that we would start out with you moving east to be with me, and after I'm done with my residency, we will move back here."

It was really a brilliant idea, it gave us both what we wanted – even though all I wanted was to be with him.

"What made you think about this?"

"I saw how you are with your father, plus you're relentless about me following my dreams. So, I thought about it last night and that's when I decided that it would be fair to follow my dreams but transfer to Seattle when I'm done with my residency. That way you don't have to give up everything." I had been mulling over the same idea, but I knew how adamant he was about moving out here. I knew he was doing it for me, but I also knew that he would regret not going to Dartmouth Medical and working with his father at some point. It might not be today or tomorrow but he would regret not following his dreams. I know I would – though my dreams would be simple and attainable, no matter where I lived.

"I think that's perfect!" I leaped into his arms, catapulting him backwards against the couch.

"I'm glad you agree," he smiled, before capturing my lips.

"Of course I agree – I get to be with you, although, we might end up staying in New Hampshire. You never know."

"We can think about that later, but right now…"

"Breakfast is ready," Dad interrupted.

"We'll talk about it more, later," Edward said with a smile.

"Edward, I hope you have an iron stomach," I stated, finally standing from the couch.

"Why?" He looked up at me curiously.

"Because you're about to eat my father's cooking. You are going need an iron stomach." I patted my midsection for emphasis. "I've had years to build up a tolerance of charcoaled, burnt food. Why do you think I cooked so much?"

"Goodie," the sarcasm oozed from his lips. He quickly stood, stretching and yawning at the same time. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him as he lengthened his body, contracting his muscles and letting out a groan. It was something I noticed he did every morning, with or without clothing – though my preference would be without clothing, naturally.

We made our way into the kitchen to see my father at the stove flipping pancakes and scrambling eggs. It was a sight to see. Who was this man and how long could he stay?

I would have to say my father's cooking, though I ragged on him constantly about it, had improved over the years. Still there were things he should never attempt to cook – anything dealing with the oven, for example. His breakfast was actually very good and not one charred piece of bacon or burnt toast. Maybe there was hope for him yet.

After breakfast, we packed up the truck and said our goodbyes. I promised I would visit a little more before graduation. In return, my father promised to make a trip out to Seattle to see me. With a final hug, we piled into my truck and drove home.

We arrived back home to an empty house, only to find a note from Alice stating that she and Jasper had gone away for a few days. Edward balled up the piece of paper and tossed it casually over his shoulder.

"Mmm, what shall we do with our 'alone time'," he said, using air quotes.

"I'm sure we can think of something," I said casually. I turned and walked towards the bedroom, peeling off my shirt in the process.

"I like this 'something' you have in mind." He playfully picked me up and carried me to bed where we spend the remainder of the day.

Alice and Jasper came home the next day, which prompted a small party for the six of us. We talked, laughed, and amused ourselves as we played games on the Wii like a bunch of teenagers. Emmett did his victory dance after each tennis match he won. Although he got his ass handed to him by Alice in Boxing, claiming the controller he used was broken. Jasper took over in the kitchen, which was a sight to see as he moved effortlessly from counter to counter, stirring and chopping. It was an even match for Alice, because she was a close second to Charlie when it came to cooking anything – toaster waffles and PB&J was the only thing I allowed her to make.

The day before New Year's Eve, I got a text message from Rose. Bella can you meet me in five minute at the coffee shop? I need to talk to you – R. When I didn't respond, she sent another one. Bella? I REALLY NEED to talk with you! Are you there?

I'm on my way, I replied, knowing that whatever it was she was wanting to talk to me about was urgent enough to text me before eight a.m.

"Where are you going?" Edward mumbled, half-asleep.

"Can't sleep, going to get coffee and those muffins you like from the Jumpin' Java. I'll be back before you know it." I kissed his cheek before scooting out of bed.

"Mmm, get me the banana one. That was tasty," he mumbled once again as he turned his head and fell back asleep. I slipped on some jeans and a sweater and ran out the door.

I arrived at Jumpin' Java around the corner to see Rose seated at the corner booth with two coffee cups in front of her.

"I ordered your favorite, Carmel Macchiato," she said with a weary smile. I noticed right away the dark circles under her eyes, as if she hadn't slept in days. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail as it laid lifeless down her back. She didn't look so good.

"Is everything okay, Rose?"

"Bella," her voice was low, "I don't know where to begin," she whispered, staring at the coffee lid. We sat in silence for a few minutes before she looked up and continued. "Remember when I flew out to see Emmett?"

"Yeah." How could I not? Edward wouldn't stop talking about the noise coming from Emmett's room. Apparently, when Emmett told Edward he was going to pay him back, he wasn't lying about it.

"Well, we….you know…a lot and it was hot and amazing and when I came back everything was normal. But now…Bella, I'm sooooo screwed," she hedged. What was up? Did something happen? Did she cheat on Emmett – which was totally out of her character? Nothing she was saying was making any sense.

"Rose, what is it? What happened?" I asked, sitting on the edge of my seat. Were my suspicions on Christmas Eve correct?

"I'm pregnant, Bella. Five tests. I took five fucking tests and they all tell me I'm pregnant. What am I going to do? I didn't plan for this right away. I want a career, not to become a soccer mom in a mini-van."

"Are you alright?" I asked right off the bat, but judging from her appearance, I already knew that answer. "Does Emmett know? It is Emmett's, right?" I could feel the verbal diarrhea coming out of my mouth, unable to stop that last question before it left my lips. I knew how she felt about Emmett and I knew they had been talking about the future for a while. I opened my mouth to correct myself when Rose hastily replied.

"Shit, Bella, of course it's Emmett's. No, he doesn't know just yet, and NO, I'm not alright. I'm freaking out over here."

"Sorry, I know you have only been with Emmett. I don't even know why I said it."

"S'okay. I probably would have asked you the same thing," she said, seeming to relax a bit in her seat.

"Where is Emmett?" I asked.

"He's back at my place, sleeping."

"Are you going to tell him?"

"I guess I have no choice."

"Rose, you do have a choice, but if I were you, I would sit him down and just tell him. He deserves to know."

"What happens if he freaks out and leaves me?"

"I can see him being shocked, but I doubt he would leave you. Just tell him!" I said firmly.

"What do I tell him? 'Hey babe, I got knocked up a month ago.' " Her impression of Emmett's nonchalant voice was surprisingly funny, considering the situation at hand.

"No, I wouldn't put it like that," I stifled a laugh. "I would ease him into it. Despite his goofy demeanor, he seems relatively level headed and understanding."

"I know, I'm just scared." She idly played with her cup, twisting and turning it in front of her. "I had a pregnancy scare a few years ago with that loser, Royce King."

What? Why didn't she ever tell me about that?

"He totally blew me off the moment I told him I thought I was pregnant, claiming that there was no way it was his."

"I remember that asshole. Why didn't you say anything about it? I thought you two just had a fall-out and stopped dating."

"Well, after he wanted nothing to do with me or the idea of a baby in the picture, I came back to my place and took a pregnancy test, which came back negative. So, I panicked for nothing with him and he left me for it. So, can you see why I'm kinda scared to tell Emmett?"

"Yeah, I can actually. But you have undeniable proof that you are pregnant and Emmett isn't a raging asshole with his head stuck up his ass. If he's anything like Edward, he will at least listen to you with a clear head, and who knows, he might be thrilled about the idea."

"He's already a man-child. Can you imagine him with a baby?" A small smile played on her uneasy face. It looked as though a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

"Actually, I could," I said, remembering the way he played with those kids back in Hawaii. It also brought back the feelings and thoughts of my dream about being pregnant with Edward's baby while standing on our porch, and how happy we both were about the bundle of joy growing in my belly.

We were jolted out of our conversation by Rose's cell phone ringing in her pocket. She quickly retrieved it, hitting the touch screen to talk. Her entire demeanor changed as she transformed into the resemblance of the friend I had been witnessing over the last few days. How could I have been so blind, when all the evidence was right there in front of me? Sure, she always knew how to put on a front – after all, she had to with her mother. But to see her change from the frightened woman who was unsure about her future to the confident woman who had a tight control on her life, would rival the best actresses in Hollywood. Watch out Angelina Jolie.

"Hey," she spoke softly. She placed her finger over her lips, silently telling me to be quiet. I complied.

"I was just getting some coffee and those Danishes you love." She paused briefly. "I wanted to surprise you." Her smile grew as well as that familiar twinkle in her eye as she listened to Emmett on the line. "I'm heading back now. See you soon… I love you, too." She hung up the phone. "I gotta go. Thank you so much for being here for me. I was going out of my mind." She reached her hand across the table. I seized it, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Everything will be just fine," I reassured her. "By the way, when did you realize you were pregnant?"

"I realized I might be pregnant the day before Emmett came into town. I didn't know what to say or do. I was trying to get used to the possibility that I might be pregnant, remembering the last pregnancy scare. It took me a while to actually buy the tests. I guess I was waiting for some sign of my period first. And when it didn't come…"

"Why didn't you call me? I would have picked up the test for you. You shouldn't have had to go through this alone. You know you can always come to me…or Alice. We both are here for you, no matter what!" I emphasized.

"I know you and Alice will always be there for me. You're both like the sisters I never had. Hell, both of you are the closest thing to family that I can count on. And I should have called you. I don't even know why I didn't in the first place."

"Well, you did today. C'mere," I quickly jumped out of my seat, wanting to finally give my best friend and mommy-to-be a much needed hug. We stood there, linked in each other's arms for several minutes, before she pulled back, noting that she really needed to leave before Emmett got suspicious.

"Call me if you need me," I insisted as I stared into her eyes.

"I will."

"Good luck, hon."

She quickly purchased another coffee and several Danishes and scurried out of the building, waving goodbye. I ordered another coffee to go and a few muffins for breakfast. On my way back to the apartment, the only thing I could think about was that, at age twenty-two, I couldn't imagine having a baby right now. Sure I wanted them in the future – especially with Edward – but not for a couple more years, at least.

When I walked back into my room, I saw Edward sprawled out, covering most of the bed with his extremely long limbs. I couldn't contain the smile on my face, watching his hand as it reached out, searching for me and settling for my pillow instead. His leg was hitched as if my body were lying underneath him. I placed the coffee and muffins on the dresser, slid off my jeans, and climbed back in bed.

"Mmmm, much better," Edward hummed as he pulled me tightly against his body.

My thoughts, though I wished they were on Edward at the moment, were on Rose as I imagined her telling Emmett the news. Just as Edward was thrilled with the idea of me pregnant one day, I anticipated that Emmett's reaction would be the same. I knew he loved Rose, Edward told me so on many occasions. Over the next few hours, I occasionally looked at the cell phone on the nightstand, wondering if the lack of silence was a good thing or not. Would she call me if he didn't take it well? Or was the silence a good sign that they were talking it out?

For the rest of the day, and for the rest of the night for that matter, Rose and Emmett were M.I.A. I was tempted to call her, but restrained myself, knowing I wouldn't want to be pushed in her situation. She would call me when she was ready and if she needed me.

It was New Year's Eve and the apartment had been transformed into an impressive explosion of festive lights and colors. Alice, of course, went nuts on the decorations – big surprise. Chinese white and silver paper lanterns lined the balcony rail, Christmas twinkle lights were strung everywhere in the apartment, and silver candles lined every flat surface, giving off a soft glow in contrast to the abundant lights. Jasper, once again, took control of the cooking and getting everything else prepared. The two of them could take over the world of party planning – Alice on decorations and Jasper with catering.

"Bella," Edward's voice brought me out of my ever-worried thoughts about Rose. "Did you hear me?"

"Huh," I quickly turned to see Edward standing before me in nothing but a towel with beads of water trailing down the well-defined chest. "No."

"Is everything okay? You seem distracted lately."

"I'm fine. I've just got a lot on my mind. That's all," I said, unconvincingly.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Edward asked, sitting next to me on the bed.

"Not yet, okay."

"Is it something to do with us… with me?"

"NO! No nothing with us or with you, I promise," I leaned into his side, kissing his shoulder before pulling slightly away. How could he think anything was wrong with us, or him, for that matter?

"Good, because I would have to persuade you otherwise," he nudged me playfully, pushing me onto my back. I giggled loudly as I wrapped my leg around his hip, holding him against me.

"Me likey when you get persuasive," I said, wagging my eyebrows suggestively.

"Bella, I need you to jump in the shower so I can fix your hair for tonight," Alice whispered with a timid tap on the door.

"Does she have hair envy?" Edward asked, sweeping my hair off to one side. "If I didn't know any better, I would have to wonder if you were her life-sized Barbie Doll."

"You and me both," I sighed. "If she had her way, she would redo my entire wardrobe. Apparently, she can't stand my taste in clothing."

"Well, I like everything about your clothes," he said, pulling at my shirt. "I especially love what's underneath them." He wiggled his eyebrows as he climbed on top of me.

"Oh, I know you do," I giggled, as his hands slowly climbed up my body underneath my shirt.

"Bella, you better get in that shower!" Alice hollered from behind the door.

A small growl vibrated from Edward's chest. "Cockblocker! She has a talent for doing that, you know," he mumbled, sliding his hand away. With a reluctant sigh, I scooted off the bed and walked out of the room.

One hour later, my hair was sufficiently primped and curled and ready to go, according to Alice. Next was my outfit. Apparently, my comfy sweats weren't making their grand appearance tonight as she shot down every outfit I pulled from my closet. As she shook her head 'no' to the last possible outfit I had, I threw up my hands, declaring that I was going naked this year – Edward perked up at that thought. But low and behold, Alice came back in the room with a single dress, insisting I try it on. I slipped on the silver, very shiny, and short-as-shit dress, fearing that if I bent over, everyone would see my ass. Though, I was sure Edward loved it because he couldn't keep his eyes off of me. Just for that look alone, I was willing to go along with wearing this slinky dress, even if we were only staying right here in our apartment for the night.

Over the years, we made plans to hit the town, usually to our favorite club for New Year's, but this year was different. We wanted it to be a private celebration with just the six of us.

It wasn't until nine o'clock that the door opened and in came Rose and Emmett, waltzing hand in hand. Her eyes met mine for a brief moment before coyly shooting them back to Emmett. In all the years that I have known Rose, I had never known her to be shy about anything. My eyes naturally focused on the non-existing bump she was no doubt going to be sporting very soon.

Alice did her normal meet and greet, as did Jasper and Edward. I, on the other hand, stood off to the side, watching and waiting. My eyes jumped from one to the other, wondering if she told him.

"Emmett, you look euphoric, dude. What's up?" Edward asked, looking at his brother curiously. Rose and Emmett shared a knowing look.

"Well, we have some news to share," Rose stated, taking in a deep breath.

"You're engaged?" Alice asked with a great deal of excitement.

"No, we're not engaged," Rose looked up to Emmett with a solemn look in her eyes.

"We're pregnant!" Emmett announced, pulling Rose closer to his side, placing his hand on her stomach.

"Pregnant? Really?" Alice squealed. She clasped her hands over her mouth, with great difficulty, trying to rein in her excitement. Emmett nodded his head 'yes', a humble grin on his face.

"Congratulations, man!" Edward announced as he walked over to give his brother a hug.

I walked over to Rose and wrapped my arms around her, hugging her tightly. "What did I tell you?" I whispered.

"I know," she whispered back. "He took it better than I thought."

"So will we be hearing wedding bells sometime in the next nine months?" Jasper asked cheerfully.

"If it were up to me," Emmett glanced over at Rose, "there would be." His voice trailed off towards the end.

"And I already told you that this is not a reason to get married," she said, placing a hand on her stomach.

"I just want to do the right thing," he said in hushed tones, directing his conversation mostly to Rose. The sincerity in his voice was almost heartbreaking, but I knew Rose, she wasn't going to back down when it came to her beliefs. She was a strong-willed woman. She compromised all the time, but there were some things she wasn't willing to bend on – this being one of them.

"What do you plan on doing?" Alice asked.

"We don't know just yet. We've tossed around the idea of me moving east, but I am reluctant to give up my job right now," Rose explained before Emmett interrupted.

"But, we've considered what it would be like once the baby comes. You said so yourself that you would like to be home with the baby." Emmett turned to Rose as he spoke.

"We're going to talk about it another time. It's New Year's Eve, let's celebrate that right now and we," motioning with her hands between them, "will work out all the details later, okay?"

"Okay, Babe," Emmett conceded. He leaned in and kissed Rose's lips lovingly. I turned my head as they shared their own private moment. It was amazing how steadfast she was about her future and how her mind had changed with the idea of taking care of a child rather than just herself.

"Can you believe it?" Edward came up to me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "I'm going to be an Uncle," he said with such pride that it brought a smile to my lips.

"You're going to be a great Uncle." Edward looked at me as if he was studying my reaction.

"Did you know about this?" he questioned.

"Remember, the other day, when I went for coffee and muffins?" He nodded. "Well, Rose told me then and made me promise not to say anything…not even to you."

"So, that explains the way you've been acting the last day and a half?"

"Yeah, sorry about that," I said apologetically. "It was never my intention to keep anything from you, but I was waiting until they were ready to tell everyone. After all, it wasn't my news to share."

"That's okay. The look on my brother's face was priceless. He looked scared shitless and elated at the same time," Edward chuckled softly.

An hour and a half before midnight, Edward, Emmett, and Jasper all gathered in the kitchen like a bunch of mad, brooding scientists, contemplating the idea of world domination. I walked in to see they had lined up several shot glasses along the counter with a bottle of Goldshlager.

"What is all this?" I asked, looking between the three of them.

"It's a tradition we have," Jasper answered.

"Happy Hour, Baby!" Emmett finished.

I looked over at Edward with a questionable glance. "So, what's with all the shot glasses?"

"We take a shot every ten minutes until midnight," Edward explained.

"And the last man standing wins." Emmett's goofy grin amplified as he took a rather large shot of Goldshlager. His face contorted as he pounded his chest. "Smooth!" he exclaimed breathlessly.

"Emmett, aren't you supposed to wait until eleven?" I asked.

"No, Jolly the Green Giant here has to drink thirty minutes before we start because of his massive size," Jasper said, waving his hand up and down Emmett's mountainous frame.

"It's okay, they are just pussy's when it comes to drinking that they need a fucking drinking curve."

"I'm no fucking pussy. I just think it's a fair advantage for the bet," Edward stated.

Emmett leaned towards me and added, "He's just pissed that I've won every year since we started, and they keep tacking on more time for me."

"Ahhh, so what do you get when you win?" I asked, my curiosity peaked.

"An all-expense-paid steak dinner," Emmett salivated.

"Really? Just a steak dinner? That's it?" I asked, apparently not seeing the draw to the bet.

"Bella, I can eat a one hundred dollar steak for an appetizer. Have you ever been to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse?" Emmett asked nonchalantly.

"Yeah, I know about it, but I've never been there."

"Well, let's just say even you could walk out with a bill over one hundred and fifty dollars. Can you imagine me eating there?" Emmett asked with his signature goofy grin.

"Okay, I'm game." It was only six shots. I could do it.

Everyone joined in, except for Rose, for obvious reasons. Eleven o'clock on the dot, Edward handed me my first shot. With a playful wink, we both upended the shot glasses. The cool liquid slid down my throat as the overpowering taste of cinnamon burned all the way down to the pit of my stomach. Edward's lips came crashing hard against mine. The taste of cinnamon and Edward was intoxicating as our tongues moved intensively against one another.

Every ten minutes, like clockwork, we took shot after shot. Each one was followed by a kiss and some lustful groping and petting from the both of us. After the fourth one, I started to feel my head reel. I rested on the couch for fear of falling over with my graceful self. I had a hard enough time without any alcohol, so you could imagine my instability after four shots.

The last ten minutes were a blurred haze as I emptied my fifth shot. Edward sat beside me; his lips constantly on my neck or on my lips. I couldn't care less at that moment. But, of course, and too be expected, Rose made her usual comments, thoroughly hating the fact that she couldn't participate. Alice was dancing to the music that was playing in the background, her arms wrapped around Jasper in an attempt to hold herself up. Emmett was toying with Rose's hair, kissing and caressing her. They spoke in hushed tones, earning warm smiles from Rose.

Within the last minutes of the current year, Emmett passed out the final shots. I took mine, lifting it up to watch as the gold flakes floated in my shot glass.

We toasted to the New Year, to our future, to our happiness, and now to the health of Rose and Emmett's baby. It was bound to be an interesting year.

EPOV

I welcomed the New Year with Bella in my arms. As the ball dropped and the seconds ticked away, I looked longingly into her eyes, knowing without a doubt that this beautiful woman in front of me was the woman I was mean to be with. Her half-dazed eyes gazed back at me, looking deep within my soul. I barely heard the bells and whistles that announced the New Year. My attention was focused on Bella and only Bella.

I pulled her face closer to mine, kissing her lips softly, savoring the hint of cinnamon and the intoxicating strawberry chapstick. I sucked in her bottom lip, loving how she mimicked my move, nibbling and sucking on mine as well. A soft moan escaped as she captured my bottom lip in between her teeth. Her hands gripped my neck and pulled my hair, arching my head back for better access.

I felt my body respond to her attack. Wanting the same thing, I lifted her from the coach, mumbling that we would be right back. Her legs wrapped around my waist as her lips hungrily attacked mine. I gripped and pulled at her dress – the very dress I had mentally undressed her several times throughout the night – feeling her smooth skin and the tiny, thin, lacy fabric that barely covered her ass.

"Gawd!" she said headily, "I love the way you fucking touch me."

Fuck yeah!

I eased her back onto the bed, feeling her squirm underneath my touch as I pulled the dress up and over her head. I threw it from her body, reveling in the simple but sexy black bra and panty set she wore just for me. I grinned at the thought of tearing it from her very body, with my teeth.

I trailed kisses down to each mound, caressing and squeezing each perfectly covered breast. Soft kittenish moans filled the semi-quiet room. I continued my torturous pursuit, running my fingers over her covered mound, eliciting a soft whimper. I smiled against her skin, wanting to show her exactly how much she meant to me. What better way to bring in the New Year?

I made my way back up, kissing and nipping her skin. She turned her head allowing me better access to her neck. "I love you," I whispered as my lips met her earlobe.

"I….love...you…" Her voice fell silent at the end. I pulled back to see my majestic angel had fallen asleep. Her features had softened, and a faint and completely adorable snore escaped her parted lips.

"Happy New Year, my love," I kissed her supple lips one more time, before planting myself alongside Bella's sleeping form. I managed to remove my shirt and shoes before fully harboring underneath the covers for the night. I gently stroked the arm she had splayed on my chest. My movement caused her to stir as she inched closer to me. A small, yet, barely audible whisper came out as she rested her head on my chest.

"Mine."

I most certainly was hers.

Where did the time go? Two weeks went by so quickly, and all I wanted to do was remain here with her as long as possible. I gingerly touched the features of her face, wanting the next five months to fly by so that finally we could be together.

New Year's Day was spent nursing our hangovers. Bella woke up in the middle of the night, or technically early that morning, to give her penance to the porcelain god. I was there to hold her hair and rub her back, knowing exactly how she felt. After all, it was the same reaction I had when we started that infernal bet four years ago.

I ended up carrying her back to bed after she had passed out on the cool tile. I hated to see her so helpless, but grateful that I was here to be with her. I vowed no more drinking games with Emmett; everyone pays for it in the end when competing with him. He was a natural born competitor.

My last night in Seattle was spent going over our finalized plans; details of Bella moving east for the first two years while I attend my residency at Dartmouth Medical. Of course, she insisted that we would be staying in New Hampshire after the two years, but as for my agreement, we would look into moving back to Seattle so she could be closer to her father. Nothing would be decided that night, much less in the next year or two.

"Edward," Bella whispered in her sleep, pulling me from my thoughts. I loved it when she spoke my name in her sleep. It was always genuine to know that I was ever so present in her dreams, even if I wasn't in her everyday life… yet anyways.

The early morning light emanated a soft glow from behind the blinds. Bella was lying on her back, the blanket pulled up around her bare chest. Her head slightly turned away from me.

Knowing that I only had a few hours left, I wanted to spend them wrapped up in Bella's arms. I inched closer to her, feeling my body come alive by the mere thought of being with her.

My lips brushed gently against her shoulder, kissing her delicate skin and taking in her slight floral scent. I edged even closer, feeling my erection press up against her thigh. The contact made my breath hitch and my need to consume her, to be inside of her, only grew. She hummed in her sleep, rotating her hips in my direction. Even in sleep, she was drawn to me.

"Edward," my name passed her lips once again. My kisses became more urgent as I tried to coach her awake. She stirred next to me, her hand finding mine, caressing and pressing it against her body. Even through the heavy blanket, she still felt amazing. Her curves were very apparent and begging to be touched.

My lips continued their pursuit, placing loving, tender kisses along her collarbone to just above her heart. I could feel the steady beat as it matched my own. Bella's head inclined toward me, blindly meeting my lips with hers. She released my hand, only to grip my arm, anchoring her body to mine. Her leg hitched up over mine, aligning her entrance with the tip of my throbbing cock. Why was it that, no matter how many times we were together, each and every time felt like the first?

Her hips rocked against me, teasing me with what lay ahead. I brace her hip with my hand, aching to enter her. With one more shift of her hips, the tip of my shaft entered her heated core as she slowly sheathed around me. The feeling overwhelmed me as I gradually began to move within her. Soft mummers and whispers filled the silent room.

"I need you. Only you," I whispered against her lips before claiming them once again. I thrust harder and faster, knowing exactly what she needed. Her movements mimicked mine, countering my thrusts, creating an intense, pleasurable friction. "Gawd, that feels good," I hummed, arching my back and shifting deeper inside of her.

I felt her hands grip my neck, pulling me on top of her. Who was I to deny her what she wanted. My hands braced on either side of her body. Her legs tightly wrapped around my waist. I stilled my movements, taking in Bella's lustful gaze. I placed my hand between her beautiful, pert breasts, feeling her heart pound rapidly under my touch. "Edward, please. I need…," she whimpered with the pure desire emanating from her entire body. I could feel her heels pushing against me, ushering me to continue my movements.

I started back with a steady pace, pumping in and out of her, feeling her body respond to my every move. The familiar coil in the pit of my stomach tightened. My movements become erratic, pushing us both closer to the edge.

"Edward, I'm…" she moaned.

"So am I," I breathed out, bringing my mouth to the crook of her neck.

I felt her walls tighten around me. I knew we were both very close to our release. I reached up and gripped her shoulders, pinning her to me with each and every thrust.

My eyes bore into hers as I watched her climax take her over the edge. I felt her walls clinch around me, milking my own climax as I came inside of her. I continued to move as we rode out the waves of our ecstasy.

Four hours later, I was on a plane heading home. I didn't want my time to end and I hated the heart-wrenching look in Bella's eyes as I pulled away from her at the airport. It got harder and harder to say goodbye to her. I only wished that the next few months would pass quickly.

We made our plans for the next few months. February, March, and April were planned out, which left May for Bella's graduation and June for mine. During that month, Bella would be packing her things, visiting her father for a week, and then flying out the week before graduation.

Well ladies, we are getting down to the last few chapters.

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