Authors Note- I know it's been a little while, but I'm sure this will be worth the wait.

Disclaimer- S. Meyer owns all things Twilight.

Chapter Song- Why Wait by: Rascal Flatts

~\\~

BPOV

~\\~

I felt completely and entirely dead on my feet by the time we were seated at a table at a restaurant known as Maggiano's, which apparently housed the best linguine with white clam sauce, which I had to admit sounded quiet tasty after such a long day of running around.

After more than two hours at the Field Museum I was shown to Navy Pier, and I also got the see the famous Chicago theatre. It was so cool to see all of the things you hear about in passing, or even see on TV. We went past a few shops, and Edward said he'd take me back here and we'd take a better look inside at everything. The shops along Lake Michigan were really cool and almost cute looking; it would be even more fun to see it during the summer, since it was cold we didn't look too much.

By the time it was around seven we decided to call it a day and get some dinner and then head home to get some rest.

I couldn't believe all the things I'd been able to see in one day and there still was more. Edward wanted to take me to the Zoo and to the Shedd Aquarium, not caring much for the Planetarium but I couldn't blame him; it was probably boring as fuck.

He also wanted to take me to see the Museum of Science and Industry, Grant Park to see the Buckingham fountain and he said that he wanted to show me the building that housed the Grant Park Music Festivals that they have in the summer; even though it's not open. The building is supposedly architecturally cool to look at as he so eloquently put it.

" So, Bella, did you enjoy everything today?"

I nodded, " Yeah, it was amazing. Thanks for enduring it with me." I said with a laugh as he shrugged me off.

Our food had come quickly and I got the linguine with clam sauce, which was absolutely delicious and they have a really generous amount of clams which was even better; I always hated when they skimped on things like that, but they even had the whole clams and shells on the plate, as well as clams already mixed in to add even more.

Delicious.

Edward's dad got the Lobster Carbonara, and Edward himself got the Chicken Francese, which he had let me take a taste of and it was absolutely amazing. Anything on the menu sounded really good, so I shouldn't have been so surprised.

I knew that I would have to savor this meal because Edward mentioned that there wasn't one located in New York, or he'd have probably already taken me there knowing of my love for good pasta.

Once dinner was finished the waiter had come to the table to box everything for us and his dad insisted on paying for dinner, as Edward and I paid for lunch earlier on in the day.

When we had gotten back to the house I lazed upstairs tiredly. Edward said he'd be up soon, but I went up without him. I shut the door behind me as I set my bag down, putting my coat across the bed as well.

I slipped my shoes off and lifted my sweater above my head, following with unzipping my jeans and pushing them down. I traded them in for a pair of plaid flannel pajama bottoms and a tank top. After washing my face and brushing my teeth Edward had returned looking absolutely exhausted. He collapsed on his bed fully clothed and curled up in a ball.

I groaned as I tossed his shoes off for him and unbuttoned his coat. He sat up for me and let me toss it at the end of the bed next to mine. I followed with his shirt afterwards and stopped after undoing his belt. He obnoxiously kicked them off before getting up clad in only boxer briefs and went to brush his teeth. I yawned and rolled over, slithering around on the sheets.

Edward picked up all his clothes as well as mine before turning the TV on and flipping on Friends, understanding my sheer love for that show.

He wrapped his right arm around me when getting into the bed, and I rested my head on his chest as his free arm wrapped a soft blanket around my shoulders.

" We should live here." I said tiredly, nuzzling my nose against his bare chest.

Edward chuckled, " Think so?" he asked, running his fingers through my hair.

" Mhm, I like it, a lot."

" Maybe one day, babe."

I yawned, wrapping my arm tightly around his mid-section as he tucked my head further underneath his chin.

" Yeah, maybe." I said in a quiet whisper before I drifted off.

~\\~

This time when I awoke in bed, I wasn't being suffocated by Edward. Somehow we ended up laying in each other's spots and he was on my right laying on his stomach with his arms curled around a pillow. I stretched my body out before rolling over closer to him, kissing the side of his neck and running my hand down the smooth, bare skin of his back.

His head turned to the side to face me, but he didn't open his eyes or acknowledge my touch. I leaned over to rest my chest against his back, pressing my lips to the nape of his neck. I could finally feel that he was rousing from his sleep, and suddenly I was on my back and he was on top of me.

" What are you doing?" he groaned tiredly into my neck, his knee's on either side of my hips with the blanket tented around us around his waist.

" Waking you up?" I laughed as he blew into my neck.

He collapsed over next to me and I smiled, turning my head towards him.

" I'm so tired. Can't we sleep in today?"

" I guess, Mr. I-Want-To-Show-You-Everything."

One of his eyes peeked open and he glared before reaching one long arm over me to grab his phone. When he saw the time he plopped it right back down.

" It's eight in the fucking morning." he whined, rolling over and taking the entire blanket with him.

I tugged on it and we went back and forth until he almost had me shoved off of the bed. Just as I felt his hands on my sides, tickling me mercilessly, his bedroom door opened and he immediately froze. It felt like I was a kid getting caught by my parents after making out with a boy; if I'd ever been one of those kids.

Edward had shot up like he was a kid getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar before dinner.

" Fuck! Maybe knock first?" he said, grabbing his chest as he sat back on the mattress.

" I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving for work; I probably won't be back until late. Keys to your old car are on the hook, don't do anything crazy."

Edward rolled his eyes in response, " I know, dad."

" Have a good day at work." I added in.

His father glanced at me and then glanced at his disgruntled son, " My sons girlfriend is more polite than my son. You're welcome for offering you transportation, kid."

" Bye, dad." Edward said collectively as he laid back down.

The door shut and he immediately went back to attacking me, and I wiggled around in his arms trying to dodge his hands.

" Stop!" I squealed, quickly hopping out of bed to get away.

I felt his fingers wrap around the string of my pajama pants and tug the tightened knot loose.

" Let's lay in bed for another hour, then I'll take you to breakfast and we can walk around for awhile, hm?" he propositioned.

With him laying shirtless, only in a pair of fitting boxer briefs surrounded by black satin sheets, making his skin look flawless and creamy I honestly couldn't deny the beautiful man infront of me. His bronze hair was in a disarray on top of his head, messy but completely sexy; my fingers tempted to run through the thick strands.

He pulled me forward and I voluntarily curled up against his chest.

" Trying to resist me." he teased with a chuckle, kissing the top of my head.

~\\~

" I feel like you." I teased, sitting on the bench with one leg crossed over the other.

He lit up a cigarette and handed it to me. I put it between my lips and he lifted his camera up to take a picture. When he was finished he sat next to me and I laughed as he showed me the pictures he had taken. Which were one too many.

" Just like you." I stated, remembering that day long ago when I had been face book stalking him secretively.

His arm wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me into his side tightly against the cool Chicago breeze.

" What do you want to do next, hm?" he asked.

We'd already spent half of our day at the Museum of Science and Industry, which I had enjoyed more than I thought I actually would. We took pictures and even ate ice-cream in the old style parlor they have set up in the Museum, which was a fun experience within itself.

After being at the Museum we went out for a quick lunch and then started to walk around taking in the sights around us.

Tomorrow was New Years Eve and people were just about everywhere. I didn't realize that Chicago was a vacation spot for New Years but I was proved wrong. Edward kept his arm closely wrapped around my shoulders not to lose me in the crowds that gathered randomly street to street.

Tonight we were going to the Chicago Art Institute and I was extremely excited to go, it was going to be really fun, or so I have been hoping.

The days spent here with Edward were honestly amazing, I loved Chicago and even more I enjoyed the company of his father as well; of course when he wasn't working. I found that I really connected with his dad and I felt like he was like the father figure in my life that I needed. While I enjoyed my time around the Cullen's, it was nice to walk into the house Edward grew up and feel such a calm atmosphere. Especially when I think about how fucking insane the Cullen house can be at times.

I knew why Edward missed it here so much.

Although I couldn't feel remorse because if he hadn't moved to Forks; we would have never met.

The rest of the afternoon we walked around before heading back to his dad's and I dressed myself up a little more than just my jeans and t-shirt that I'd worn most of the day. I slipped into a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and a thick, but fitting, sweater that was in a cream color. I paired it with some gold sparkly heels and put the pearl earrings Edward gave me in my ears, as well as my bracelet he got me for prom.

Of course when Edward dressed up it just involved putting on a button up over his t-shirt, but this time he instead put on a crisp white button up with a skinny black tie. His shirt was tucked into a pair of dark jeans and a black belt. I also couldn't forget his beloved Italian loafers he saves for certain events. Salvatore Ferragamo of course, only the expensive brand names with hundreds of dollars tacked onto them would be satisfactory.

When we left his father was still not home from work. The only day he was going to have off was New Years Eve, which was tomorrow.

I had twenty times more of a good time then I'd ever thought at the Art Institute, and Edward seemed to be amused as I looked around at all of the beautiful paintings around me as well as other creations on display. Even though some people thought it was just art, I could see the meaning behind it and it was an experience that I'd never take back; especially being there with Edward to hold my hand and follow me from each masterpiece to the next.

It was quite busy, I assumed because it was closing for New Years Eve and Day, so effectively everybody wanted to make an event of it. I was glad that we had been given tickets because the line to buy them outdoors was ridiculous; we'd be frozen before getting a chance to go inside and look around.

Surrounded by beautiful art with an even more beautiful man's arm linked through mine I felt grateful for what I had and knew nothing could ever get as good as they were in that moment.

~\\~

New Years Day

January 1st, 2009

~\\~

Edward had been acting weird all yesterday, and I couldn't even understand why. We had spent New Years Eve with Edward Sr. and I had made the three of us a good dinner and we enjoyed our company; but Edward seemed to be completely and utterly lost in his head that it was fucking ridiculous. I think every word that came out of my mouth ended up with a response of something like ' Sorry, what?', and it was grating on my nerves.

We had went up to his room at around ten at night, and he didn't seem at all interested to ring in the New Year at all, and while I wasn't for all that fluffy shit, it would have been nice to watch the ball drop with him. He'd fallen asleep at eleven, but when I saw the clock hit twelve I knew he had to have been awake because he'd wrapped me up in his arms and whispered how much he loved me, kissing underneath my ear before falling asleep.

I mean fuck, I couldn't even get a real kiss?

We had no plans to really go out anywhere today, and since he was still passed out in bed, considering it's four in the morning, I was hoping that today he wouldn't be acting as weird as yesterday. Since his father was working we were just going to hang out here, but he was insistent on taking me out to dinner tonight; so I was excited about that as long as his mood wouldn't as it was yesterday.

" I can see you thinking hard over there." I heard Edward mumble sleepily.

" Is everything alright?" I whispered.

He drew me in closer to his chest, sighing into my neck, " What do you mean?"

" You were acting weird all day yesterday."

" Just a lot of things on my mind, Bella; it's nothing I promise you."

Somehow I knew it wasn't just 'nothing'. Instead of starting an argument I nodded and turned into his chest, breathing in his scent deeply and accepting that he probably wasn't going to tell me what the fuck was going on in that beautiful head of his; if it was that bad he'd tell me.

Later when I awoke after another attempt of sleep; I knew it was early in the morning a few hours later, but it wasn't the light streaming in through the window that woke me up.

It was yelling.

I hopped out of the bed as quickly as I could, and as quietly, and cracked open Edward's door. I didn't want to step out because I was only wearing a t-shirt and underwear, and his dad seeing me like that would be mortifying, but I still wanted to hear what was going on.

" I can't keep doing this to myself Edward, and I don't expect you to understand!"

" No, I don't fucking understand! You told me, no, you fucking promised me that you wouldn't do this!"

" It's been YEARS, Edward; I can't stay in this house. Every day I walk into it I feel like I am suffocating."

" I'm not asking you to keep living here, I'm asking you to keep it until I graduate."

I heard a loud clank of a glass that made me wince, " Why, Edward, tell me why I have to keep this goddamn house. All this place is, is a reminder of a failed marriage. I walk into this kitchen and remember that your mother won't ever be in there setting dinner on the table so proud of herself."

" I WALK UP THOSE FUCKING STAIRS AND REMEMBER HOW I WAS NOT ENOUGH TO KEEP HER NEXT TO ME WHEN I GO TO SLEEP AT NIGHT!"

" I NEVER FUCKING ASKED YOU FOR ANYTHING, ANYTHING. AND I JUST WANT THIS ONE THING; SOMETHING TO HOLD ON TO AND YOU CAN'T EVEN DO IT?!"

At this point things were getting pretty out of hand. I stepped back into the bedroom and reached for a pair of flannel pants.

" IT'S A HOUSE OF BROKEN MEMORIES, WHY THE FUCK DO YOU WANT IT?!"

" BECAUSE IT'S FUCKING HOME TO ME THAT'S WHY! I didn't fucking know that you and mom were having issues. You dropped a fucking BOMB on me and I was out with mom. I DON'T HAVE BAD MEMORIES HERE! This is the only place I feel at home when I'm not with Bella."

" I can't do this, Edward. I just can't; I'm sorry."

" Don't fucking do this to me."

" YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT BUT YOU DONT! YOU'RE JUST A FUCKING KID, EDWARD; A KID!"

" WELL, FUCK YOU!"

I ran down the stairs as quick as I could just as I saw Edward storming down the hallway with murderous eyes, they were dark green; almost pitch black. He tried to walk past me but I grabbed his arms to hold him back and ground him.

" Hey, hey, what's going on?"

Edward Sr. walked down the hallway, looking more composed than Edward even after their yelling match.

" I need to get to work. I'll see you both tomorrow morning. Happy New Year, Bella."

I didn't get a chance to respond before he had shut the door behind him and the house was quiet. Edward sat down on the stairs and leaned forward with his head in his hands, tugging and gripping his hair so tightly it looked painful.

" Edward what's going on?"

" He wants to sell the house."

I'd already gotten the gist of the situation, but I didn't want him to think that I was at all listening in on their conversation. Even though I was sure the fucking neighbors even knew about the situation at how loud they had been screaming.

" He told me that he'd keep the house until it could be put in my name, he said he'd let me after I graduated. It's already paid off and everything; all he does it pay for the electric, water and whatever the fuck else along with taxes; which isn't a big deal. But now he wants to sell it. The plan was after I graduated he'd keep the house in his name for two years and I'd make all the payments on it until I have a steady job so that when we switch the names on the house I'll be basically qualified and esablished for it, even though as a lawyer himself it wouldn't make a difference much otherwise."

I could completely understand where Edward was coming from, but as I stood in front of him; I wondered if he actually thought all of this plan through now that he was with me. Now assuming we were going to be living in Chicago, and while I did love it here I wasn't sure if that big of a decision should be made now.

" Are we assuming that after we graduate we'd be living here in Chicago?"

" We'll live where you want to live, Bella. I just want this house in my name. I'm not going to lie, at one point all I thought about was getting married and raising my kids here; giving them the childhood I had. Even though we can't have kids, I still want to be here anyways. It holds so many amazing memories that I just can't let go."

I kneeled in front of him and grabbed his hands, pressing my lips to them.

" Edward, maybe it's not letting go, but moving on. Baby, I know how much you love this house and how much it means to you; but maybe a new family can make memories here. Some other little boy can love it here like you used to."

He clenched his hand and let out a deep sigh, " He promised me."

" I think you need to look at how this house makes him feel, Edward." I said gently.

" I know."

When I wrapped my arms around his neck I felt his face bury in my shoulder. He squeezed me tightly around the waist before standing and bringing me with him until my feet were off the ground and I was airborne.

" Today is supposed to be a good day." he sighed, " Fuck the rest of this."

~\\~

I could tell that most of the day Edward was seemingly lost in himself. Something about him seemed almost like nervous tension and I was trying to bring it out of him but to no avail. At around four I decided to hop in the shower and get ready. I decided to wear a simple black dress. The bodice was very fitting with a sweetheart neckline, and it flowed out from my waist in a soft fabric that went a few inches above my knee. It had one inch straps, and the back of it was open with the fabric criss-crossing a few times for added detail. I wore my same gold heels I had worn the other night and put my things in a small clutch to carry around.

My hair was in wispy curls down my back and my makeup was dark and smoked out and I put on a nude colored lipstick so it wouldn't take away from my outfit or makeup.

Edward was dressed to the nine's. He had on a pair of dark slacks that fit him perfectly, and a suit jacket that matched and showed his trim figure. Underneath he wore a white button up that was left with a few undone buttons, his belt was black and shining, matching the expensive shoes he wore. He went as far to even wear cologne, and I wondered where he was taking me with how he was dressing.

When we got into the car Edward told me we were going to an American/French restaurant, and while I was wary about eating French food, considering they eat shit like snails; I knew Edward wouldn't take me to a place knowing I wouldn't find a few things that sounded good.

We pulled up to the Trump hotel and my eyes widened at the unique structure. It was completely made out of reflective glass, and it was visually astounding and definitely about as big as a few of the towers in the surrounding city.

A valet parked our car and when I stepped out I was surrounded by a grand entrance. Everything was in gold and shining so brightly that it almost hurt my eyes. The way the city lights glimmered on the building left me in pure awe. It was two streets away from Lake Michigan and it was honestly amazing. I couldn't believe that he'd taken me here to eat dinner, it was too much; not to Edward of course..

We went up to the Sixteenth floor and were met with Restaurant Sixteen, Edward smoothly told the man of our reservations and we walked into a beautiful dining room. Our seats were right next to the glass walls and we had an absolutely gorgeous view of the city and lake before us.

" Edward." I breathed," This is amazing."

" I'm glad that you are already enjoying yourself, love."

We were seated and the waitress handed us our menu's and told us of all the specials for the day. We ordered our drinks and she had quickly returned with them before giving us a minute to look over the menu.

" Edward, no matter what we get the bill is going to be over hundred dollars for just both of us." I whispered.

" I know."

" Holy shit they have octopus on here."

He chuckled, " Bella."

" Sea Scallops or Alaskan Halibut?"

" Either which one you want is fine, darling."

" Whatever you say, honey." I dished back with a smirk.

By the time the waitress came back we knew what we wanted. I got the Alaskan Halibut with Cilantro, and Edward got the Sea bass, hold the octopuses. I was a little wary about the food but I trusted him not to take me to a place so nice with disgusting overpriced food. I was a simple girl, give me a slice of cheese pizza and I would be just as, or more than, pleased.

When she left, we both fell silent and it almost felt awkward. I reached over the table for Edward's hand and linked my fingers through his.

" What are you thinking about?"

He gave me a half smile, " You."

" What about me?"

" Just how much I love you, and how happy I am to be able to spend today with you."

I smiled, teeth and all, " I love you, too."

" Beautiful girl."

" Kiss up."

He rolled his eyes and smirked at me playfully.

When our meal came and was set in front of us, I was starving and it smelled really good. The portions were perfect and I honestly knew I'd eat every single bit of this. I took a heaping bite of the fish with the squash and almost moaned at the flavor.

Go fucking French food. Who've known it was so incredible good.

" This is amazing." I said, taking another bite of my fish.

Edward let me taste some of his sea bass, and I let him try some of mine. I definitely wanted to come back here and try more of the daring food items on the list, everything had a certain flavor to it that was unique and very enjoyable.

I was scrapping my fork on my plate when I was done, not wanting to waste anything before leaning back with a sigh and taking a drink of my water.

" That was delicious."

Edward wiped his mouth and nodded in agreement, " Definitely. I'll have to take you here again, hm?"

" Oh, yeah."

We shared light conversation as the waitress took our plates and offered up dessert, which I was definitely going to take part in. I got the Gianduja Cremeux as well as a cup of coffee, and Edward got coffee with the Yuzo Custard.

The dessert was just as tasty as the meal, and I took my time to savor each bite of it.

" Thank you for dinner tonight, Edward." I said, " Honestly, this entire night has been amazing."

" I only want to give you the best. I want to treat you to nice dinner's every once in awhile. You just barely let me." He said with a small smile at the end.

When we finished dessert Edward paid for the meal, not allowing me to see the price of anything before he slid in a few bills and sent it off with our waitress.

As we were heading downstairs I could still sense the nervous feeling coming off of Edward as I did earlier in the night. When we got downstairs we went outside, and instead of going in the direction of the car; we were walking towards the streets.

Surprisingly, it wasn't absolutely freezing tonight and my jacket kept me nice and warm. As we walked down a few streets I noticed he was taking me towards Lake Michigan, we ended up just towards the back of the hotel and leaning against a railing that led out.

The lights of the city shone onto the trembling waters and created a beautiful scene in front of me. There were a few people looking on towards the Lake as well, and the gold lights lit up the pavement, even the street lamps weren't necessary.

Tonight had been perfect even with the day starting out as a disaster. It was the simple things, such as going out to dinner, with Edward that made me love him all the more. Being able to have that person in my life to always be there to talk to or be there with the drop of a hat was something I'd always hoped to find.

I turned towards him just as I saw his mouth open, and he closed it quickly and looked away.

" What is up with you?" I asked with a quiet chuckle, wrapping my arms around him and resting my head on his chest, nuzzling the soft fabric of his coat and smelling his rich, deep scent. I could feel his heart thumping wildly even through the layers he wore. When I looked up at him he captured my lips in a soft kiss, running his fingers through my long hair before pulling away abruptly.

" Edwa-"

In front of me he grabbed both of my hands before bending himself down on one knee down on the hard pavement. His hands were shaking slightly, and I knew it wasn't from the cold and I felt my breath catch in my throat as one of his hands retreated to grab something from his pocket as he knelt

" I told myself that I wouldn't ever settle until I found a woman who loved and adored me just as I did her. Moving to Forks was the best thing that happened to me; even when it didn't seem like it at the time. But I've realized that it doesn't matter where I go or what I do; you are home to me, Bella. I know we're young, and this is probably insane but Isabella Swan, would you do the extraordinary honor of marrying me?"

Authors Note- Hey, guys, so I know it's been awhile but as I said on Twitter, I was going to update this weekend; cheers to that! I'm trying not to let my personal life effect my FF life but unfortunetly they can mix at times and I just don't have the time, nor the mindset, to write and edit. Thank you all for being patient, and I hope you know even if I can't get teasers out; I do read every single review and I appreciate every one of them; I re-read them to give me the energy to write for you guys =D

So REVIEWS may get TEASERS, I am going to try my hardest to get them out. And the next chapter wont be a wait over two weeks. Love you all.