A/N Here's the last chapter, folks. It's been an awesome ride!

Chapter 38

BPOV

Our invitations to Julliard arrived right on schedule. Early admittance depended on completing high school first, of course. This was no problem for Edward, as he had taken additional classes over the last two years in preparation. He walked with Emmett and Rosalie at graduation. I, on the other hand, ended up in summer school, cramming my senior year into two months. Fortunately some of my Phoenix credits helped reduce how much I had to earn over all.

So while my friends enjoyed the summer, I was studying my butt off. It was a small price to pay though, and Edward often worked with me, especially with math.

At times Edward was more of a distraction than a help, not that he meant to be. One afternoon, I was painfully aware that we were alone in the Cullen house, as everyone was shopping or at work. We sat on a couch in the living room as Edward quizzed me from a history textbook. I slipped closer to him, and he absentmindedly placed his arm around my shoulders, absorbed at the task at hand. As he pondered what to ask me next, I turned and feathered kisses up his jaw.

"Bella, you need to study," he groaned.

"I've been studying for hours. I need a break." I said as I unbuttoned his shirt far enough so I could kiss his neck, shoulder, and clavicle. He sighed and pulled me up to him, kissing me thoroughly.

I fisted my hands into his hair, and he moaned softly, "You're truly going to be the death of me."

I chuckled huskily, "I can't think of a better way to go."

He seemed to agree, and he deepened the kiss, running his hands down my back.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

EPOV

Oh, god, my sweet Bella. All that existed was my angel; her lips, her hands in my hair, her soft body pressed up against me as I ran my hands down her back and over her rear bringing her still closer.

A loud thump in the hallway broke through the haze, and we both jumped apart.

Bella blushed bright red, and I nervously ran my hand through my hair.

Emmett appeared in the doorway and snorted, "Mom had me go shopping because you guys were busy studying." He used air quotes around studying. "You're lucky it was me and not Mom. Remember the time she caught Rose and me in the kitchen?"

"Given that I was right behind her, I didn't miss a thing. No amount of therapy will erase that image from my brain." I growled in annoyance.

Bella giggled self consciously as she fixed my shirt.

Emmett grinned and wagged his eyebrows at us, "Well, there is something to be said for study breaks."

He ambled off to the kitchen as Bella smiled shyly up at me.

I smiled back at her and gave her a quick kiss on the temple. "He has a point, but we should get back to studying."

She bit her lip and nodded, causing me to want to throw the book on the floor and pull her to me for another earth shattering kiss, but I somehow found the control to continue quizzing her.

All that study time paid off, as Bella finished high school a year early and with honors.

We had a month before the move to New York. I decided that I wanted to give Bella a token of my love, to remind her as we moved to a new adventure together, how much she meant to me.

I ran downstairs to eat breakfast, preparing to drive to the Port Angeles jewelry store I had ordered her necklace from months ago.

I was surprised to see Carlisle leisurely reading the paper at the breakfast nook. I was even more surprised when he slid the keys to his Mercedes over to me.

"I'm taking the Volvo down for some maintenance work since it won't be driven for a number of months."

I sighed. I was going to miss my car. We were asked to leave our cars at home for the first year, as the freshman apartments were near the school and they didn't want to worry about security. When Jasper moved to New York next year, we were moving into a new apartment together. Alice and Bella would have their own place too. I'd make sure that our new place had a garage I could keep the Volvo in.

"Thanks, Dad." I muttered, remembering that he was still there.

Carlisle chuckled, "You're been a million miles away a lot lately, Edward."

I grinned, "More like thousands of miles away."

****

A bell jingled as I entered the store.

"Ah, my most thorough customer has returned."

I looked over to see the saleslady who had helped me find Bella's necklace.

"You remember me?" I asked stunned. Surely she had hundreds of customers since I'd been in.

"How could I forget dragging out all of our catalogs, as you hunted for the perfect gift? Your girl must be very special."

"She is." I looked at her nametag, and saw that her name was Heidi.

"What would you like to hunt for today?" Heidi's eyes twinkled.

"A promise ring."

"Yes, a very special girl, indeed. I have just the thing."

Heidi motioned me to a display case off to the left of the store. My eyes narrowed as I glanced at the various rings on display. My finger darted out to point as I found the perfect ring, "That one."

Heidi smiled, "Excellent."

I left the store with the ring box in my pocket. They had Bella's size, so no need to wait. I reminded myself that I needed to thank Alice properly for sneakily measuring Bella's ring size during their last sleepover. My sister was the best.

Esme had planned a large party as for us, and Emmett and Rosalie, who were leaving for college in California.

Alice made me promise to give Bella her ring at the party, but it almost killed me to wait.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BPOV

The day of the party finally arrived. We had an awesome lunch and Esme made fresh strawberry pie. Delicious! We all gathered in the living room.

I handed Edward two packages, "The first one can be used at Julliard, and the other is to remember home." I explained.

He ripped open the wrapping on the first, a leather satchel bag with a leather binder perfect for sheet music. The binder was engraved with his initials. Edward looked up and smiled, "Thank you, Bella."

I motioned to him impatiently, "Open the other one."

Emmett laughed, "Listen to Miss Bossy. She's been around Rosalie too much." Rosalie smacked him on the back of the head, "Ow, honey, I was just joshin'"

Jasper laughed at Emmett's backpedaling as Edward unwrapped the scrapbook I'd made for him. I had developed a passion for photography since our visit from New York, and thought Edward would like some reminders of home.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

EPOV

I pulled out a scrapbook. Everyone gathered around me to look too, as apparently Bella had not let anyone but Alice see it prior to the party. I opened it and found pictures of Carlisle, Esme, Alice, Emmett, Jasper, and Rosalie. Some were posed and others candid. A few were clearly staged. I chuckled at the one in the gym. Emmett covered himself like he'd gotten hit in the privates. His eyes were crossed and his mouth open in apparent agony. Bella stood next to him with her muscles flexed while Rosalie gave her a mock glare. I laughed harder at the look on Jasper's face. It was like he was channeling Emmett's fake pain. The next one was even funnier. Emmett was grinning evilly as his index finger hovered an inch above my piano. Alice had a huge grimace on her face with both her hands clamped around Emmett's meaty wrist, trying to keep him from touching it.

The next page had a wonderful shot of the piano. The light streamed through the window, giving the piano a mysterious and enchanting quality. Esme quietly exclaimed in wonder. Carlisle murmured in agreement.

The next set of pictures was equally remarkable. If there was such a thing as glamour shots for cars, Bella had created excellent ones of the Volvo. The car's high gloss wax job cast the light so that it sparkled like diamonds. Pictures were taken in several locations, all showcasing the car in the best way. The last photo showed the ocean in the background. Bella leaned up against the driver's door, her hands tucked into the pockets of her jeans. Page was labeled "Edward's Girls."

I looked up in astonishment, "Bella, this is amazing. But when did you have my car?"

Carlisle grinned, "Remember that day I lent you my car? The girls gave the Volvo an excellent waxing and took it for its photo shoot."

I laughed, "I'd wondered why the seat and mirrors were all screwy." I hugged Bella, "If you ever decide singing isn't your thing, my love, I'm sure Volvo would love you in their Marketing department."

Alice jumped up and down and shrieked, "Edward, give Bella your gift!!!"

I glared a warning as I passed Bella the box.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BPOV

I looked from Alice to Edward, wondering what had caused her enthusiasm and his censure.

I opened the wrapping and the box, to find a smaller ring box inside. I looked at Edward questioningly, and he encouraged me to open it.

Inside was the most beautiful ring, a thin band with a row of small emeralds and diamonds. I gasped and looked up at Edward with tears in my eyes. "Edward, it's beautiful!"

Esme sighed happily, and Rosalie was asking Emmett why he hadn't gotten her pretty jewelry.

Alice exclaimed, "Bella, put it on!"

I gently pulled the ring out of the box and placed it on my ring finger.

Edward gathered my hands in both of his, "Bella, even though we're too young to get engaged yet, I wanted to give you this ring as a promise of my love and devotion for you."

My breath caught in my throat and a tear coursed down my cheek. I tried to blubber out something but the words wouldn't form, so I just threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. I whispered to him, "I love you so much, Edward."

Emmett broke in, "Alright, the lovey dovey is great and all, but it's time for 'lil sis' presents from me."

I pulled away from Edward, and Emmett reached behind the couch and grabbed a brown paper grocery bag.

Jasper ribbed him on his wrapping skills.

Emmett pulled out a thin plastic bag and handed it to me. Through the plastic I could see a black karate uniform. Next he pulled out a green karate belt and passed it to me.

"Emmett, you got Bella a belt to match her ring!" Alice squeaked.

Emmett rolled his eyes and chuckled, "No, Alice, I'm giving Bella the green belt she has earned. And by this time next year, I expect she'll be wearing a brown one."

Alice wrinkled her nose, "Brown, urgh!"

Edward sighed, "Alice, brown not only is a fine color but it is also the second highest belt in karate. The fact that Bella has already earned the third highest belt in Kenpo is phenomenal."

Jasper whistled and Emmett agreed, "That's right. Oh, here are your certificates. My former school granted me special certification rights with their signatures to back up your ranking. Here is the address of your new Kenpo school in New York," He added pointing to the post it note in the folder.

"Emmett, " Edward started, clearly concerned.

Emmett held up his hand, "Edward, I know what you're going to say. It is good enough for Bella. It was created by former students of the original master at my school, and I spent an hour on the phone grilling them. I also channeled Rose by telling them that if they did my 'lil sis wrong I would personally fly out to New York and kick each and every one of their asses."

Rosalie smiled, "That's my man."

I passed my things over to Edward and stood up, "Emmett, you'll always be my favorite teacher." I clashed my open hand over my fist and bowed to him. He returned the gesture and then pulled me up into a big bear hug.

"Promise to stay safe in that big bad city, Bella. If you can find trouble in podunk Washington, I can only imagine what you'll find in New York."

"I promise."

I sat back down next to Edward and snuggled into his side as the gift exchange continued to Rosalie and Emmett.

Edward husked, "Bella, you are amazing."

"Hmm?" Not knowing what he was referring to.

"Not only have you stolen my heart, but my entire family adores you."

I blushed, "I love them too. You have a wonderful family."

Emmett yelled, "We're your family too, Bella. Remember I adopted you fair and square."

I smiled. I truly was the luckiest girl in the world.

****

Flight 756 nonstop to New York now boarding first class.

"That's us," Edward stood and held out his hand.

I grasped it and looked up at him with all my love for him shining in my eyes. We were off to begin a new chapter in our lives… hand in hand.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

That's the end folks. It's been a wonderful journey. I cried at the end and during the gift exchange part. For some reason the part with Emmett and Bella really choked me up. I'm a goof!