Finally an update! Thanks for being patient, I hope this chapter was worth the wait. Thanks for ALL the reviews from the chapter 52, and I'm sorry I didn't respond back to them. (I'll try this time around.) Also, I have been getting a ton of new followers lately. I'm overwhelmed you've decided to give my little story a chance. Welcome and feel free to come join Eternally Edward's Fanfiction on Facebook if you haven't already.

Thanks to Re Hargrave and Pates Greeneyes for all their help with this chapter. The two of them help to make this story what it is. Love you, ladies! Also, hugs to my girls on JUF!

Last chapter found Edward thinking about proposing to Bella. Let's see what happens next, shall we?

See you below.

SM owns all.

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Chapter Fifty Three

Edward

The morning Bella told me she was going on a girls only vacation with Rose and Ali was bittersweet. Even though I was behind the whole vacation idea, I knew I'd miss her like crazy. However, at the same time I knew I'd be way too busy to dwell on it.

Of course, the trip was only a cover for what Emmett has nicknamed Operation Perfect Proposal, or 'OPP' for short.

"Are you sure you don't mind me going?" Bella startles me when her arms encircle my waist while I am leaning over the breakfast bar looking over my itinerary on my iPad for the upcoming week.

"Of course not, Bella. It will be great for you to get away. Besides, you and Rose haven't been back to Phoenix in years. I'm sure you'll all have a blast."

"You're right. We all could use a little rest and relaxation. Rose is feeling like this is her last chance to get away, you know, with her and Emm trying for a baby ..."

Bella trails off as I twist in her arms and pull her into my embrace. She's already showered and dressed for the office, and the scent of her hair lingers in the air. My lips pepper her face with tiny kisses and she hums in contentment. The air around us is charged, a feeling that never gets old.

Breaking our little bubble, Bella continues, "And Ali, well, she's been in a weird mood lately. Rose and I get the feeling Collin may be getting ready to propose, but she's not convinced herself. Ali not being in the know makes for an unhappy Ali, which as you know means everyone else has to suffer." She rolls her eyes.

Of course I know exactly what Bella means; Ali has always been an open book.

"I could divulge some information about that, but I promised I'd never tell." I laugh and wonder if she really wants to me to spill what little I know. "However, I may be able to be persuaded to give up certain tidbits..." My crooked smile is in full force; I know how to get to my Bella, and I guess I'm hoping to get something in return.

Bella turns out of my embrace, opens the fridge, pulls out a bottle of orange juice, and then pours us each a glass. I guess I'm not getting anything.

"I don't think so, Casanova, but I give you props for trying," Bella teases while swatting my ass playfully. "Besides, you know how us girls are, we want it straight from the source in all its glory. No offense, but a watered down version from you just won't cut it."

"Thank goodness for that, I really don't want to have to deal with the wrath of Collin." I sigh, relieved this is the end of that particular conversation. Taking my glass from her, "But, speaking of Collin, he may have mentioned to Emm and I that Ali has most of your week planned out in Phoenix. So, yeah, good luck with that." I take a sip and set my glass down.

Bella rolls her eyes a second time. "I kind of figured that. Rose and I lived in Phoenix, and yet Ali is all about being the tour guide. Thanks for the warning, though; I'll have to tip Rose off so we can discreetly distract Ali if need be."

"Speaking of distracting ..." At once I place our glasses in the sink, slide my iPad onto a padded stool, then lift Bella onto the cool marble surface before she knows what's happening. Laying her back, she is the picture of beauty. Perfect lips bear a slight smile when she leans back on her elbows, and her eyes never leave mine.

"Dr. Masen, don't you need to leave for the office soon? You wouldn't want to keep your patients waiting, now would you? Children are not known for their patience you know." Bella's smile turns into a devious grin. She is playing along; excellent.

"Oh, I have plenty of time, Bella. Don't you worry. I wiggle my eyebrows at her while I start unfastening the tiny pearl buttons of her blouse. After peeling back the white, silky fabric and pushing up the sheer white camisole underneath, I'm closer to where I want to be. Her perfect lace-covered breasts are on display; her nipples are begging to be sucked. My pants tighten in response. Creating a path upward, my fingers travel from her navel to the valley between her breasts, and I twist the clasp of her bra and flick it open, then off. Bras should be illegal … just saying.

Not wasting any more time, my mouth finds Bella's left breast. A sigh of contentment escapes her. Nipping gently on her pert nipple elicits a moan and that spurs me on. I need more of her.

Bella

Edward's body language is showing me one thing – and my body is responding to his automatically. Every touch makes me crave more. That familiar spark that first brought us together is bouncing back and forth between us. I may just be late for work; and I don't have it in me to care.

Gentle lips on my breasts and body make me shiver. His warm breath so close to my skin, whispering my name after each kiss, causes my whole form to quiver. Will I ever get enough of this man? Surely not.

The look in his eyes tells me he needs me, they are deep forest green and hungry. He will have me, more than once; I'm so okay with that. I need him just as much.

Edward's hard length is pressing against my center. I'm more than wet and ready for him, and he can feel it. My body is always an open book for him. I reach for him and feel him harden further at my touch.

"Bella, baby, that feels so good. I want you now. No, I need you now, please." His voice sounds almost desperate.

"Oh, baby, I need you, too. Take me, I'm yours," I mumble into his ear while I trace a pathway up his back with my fingers. "But just one thing, we both seem to be wearing too many clothes for my liking." Chuckling, I start to tug at his shirt to work it loose from his pants.

"I concur, Miss Swan, let's do something about that."

Wordless and determined, our clothes are shed and our bodies meet back together atop the breakfast bar. Our flesh is hot, but the marble is cool on my back. Easy as breathing, we bring each other right back to the passion.

Edward's cock enters me, and I feel my breath escape when it fills me nice and slow, yet with purpose. He stops for a moment when I'm completely full, as if to collect his thoughts, or better yet, to savor the moment. As long as I live I'll never forget the look on his face – ecstasy and love, and all Edward. My Edward. Without any more hesitation, he begins to move inside me. His strokes are slow, firm, needy, and wonderful. I want to hold off on the orgasm that's already building deep inside, but Edward knows me too well and is having none of that.

Guess the telltale sign of me biting my bottom lip does it every time.

A few more thrusts and I tumble over the edge; Edward follows soon afterward. As our breathing slows and our heartbeats fall into their natural rhythm, my mind can only focus on one now, in this moment, there will never be anything more perfect than Edward and I together.

~LTAE~

Edward

Emmett's connections in the construction field have proven to be most helpful for my plan. We have seven days to pull this off; so armed, and possibly dangerous, Emmett, myself, and a team of eight other men he rounded up, have ventured out into the wild frontier: our backyard.

"Emm, we could use a few more good men here." Shaking my head slowly, I realize this is one mission that won't be so easily accomplished. What was I thinking? I'll never pull this off in time.

"Would you consider a good woman?"

I'd know that voice anywhere. I turn and see her getting out of her ancient, beat up red Chevy truck. "Grandma Masen? What are you doing here?" My feet reach her in two strides, and I pull her into a hug. The familiar scent of Shalimar wafts in the air around us.

"Edward, dear, Emmett called and said you needed me. So I figured a road trip was in order! And to be honest, who better than I to help?" Crystal blue eyes shine brightly in the sun and Grandma's smile smooths the wrinkles on her porcelain face just enough to transport me back to my childhood in the meadow.

Of course, she is right; who better?

Pulling back, I notice that she is dressed in her traditional gardening outfit: a worn out pair of Grandpa's old denim overalls, a light blue plaid shirt, and a wide-brimmed wicker hat to shield her face from the sun.

"I'll let you help, under one condition." My tone is firm.

"Oh? Let's hear it." An anxious foot taps the grass waiting for me to continue.

"You leave all the manual labor up to us. You can be the director here, shouting out orders, that sort of thing."

Grandma contemplates my offer and after a minute, says, "Hmm, well as much as I love giving orders, I simply have to get my hands dirty here, so I have a condition of my own."

My eyebrows raise. Oh, she is good. Emmett and the boys chuckle at what surely could be a standoff between the two of us.

"Okay, let's have it. You have our attention, Grandma."

An elbow lands in my side; Emmett's way of saying, 'you know she's going to win no matter what.'

"Seeing as this is all for our beautiful Bella, and seeing that one day soon I hope to call her my granddaughter as a result, I think I should have a say in the final plans."

"Hmm, but we are talking about a proposal here, Grandma." My hands rake nervously through my hair, I don't want to say no to her.

"Oh, Edward, pffft! I don't want to be there when you ask Bella, for goodness sake. I just want to make sure it's absolutely perfect when you do. I know your vision because it's most likely the same as what your grandpa's was those many years ago. Now, let's call it a compromise and get to work! Times a wastin!" She messes up my already mussed up hair at me then gives me a grin – yeah, my grandma is the best.

"Guess she told you!" Emmett boasts as he begins to hand me the various gardening tools from the back of Grandma's truck.

"Thanks, Emm, I owe you." It's all I can choke out as the emotion of this moment is stuck in my throat.

"No need to thank me, E. Let's just get your girl to say yes."

And just like that we get to work. Operation 'OPP' is officially underway.

~LTAE~

Bella

Phoenix. I'd forgotten how hot it is here. And brown – and flat. I miss home already, and I miss Edward. Seeing old faces and visiting the familiar places where Rose and I used to live is comforting, but it's also reminding me how much I miss my mom. Ali has kept us on the move, but Rose and I just want to relax.

After stopping at the cemetery this morning – not on Ali's itinerary – we are now spending our last day visiting Rose's dad and stepmom in Paradise Valley. They recently moved here from Phoenix, and I have to admit this place is really something. The terrace and the pool alone are to die for. Of course, Rose's dad is pulling out all the stops; I expect nothing less from Jack. Even though it's been years since the divorce from Rose's mom, Jack takes special care when it comes to family time. In fact, he reminds me a lot of Edward Senior, which, in turn, reminds me of Edward.

"Bella, I'd like you to meet someone very important to me. This is my grandma, Suzanne Masen. Grandma, this is my forever, Isabella Swan." Edward is blushing and I realize how huge this moment is for him.

"It's just Bella, and I'm so pleased to finally meet you. Edward has told me so many wonderful things about both you and your husband, that I feel as if I know you already." My hands reach out to hers, they are warm and inviting; not a bit frail. This woman is a true Masen, even if by marriage; so youthful and full of vitality.

"Ah, yes, I miss my Gerald terribly, but he's with me here, always." Our hands drop and Suzanne's right hand reaches for a heart shaped locket hanging from a white-gold chain around her neck. She fiddles with the tiny hinge, and when it pops open there are side-by-side pictures of her and Gerald. I'm guessing by their attire that it's on their wedding day. Immediately I feel the love between this couple and glance over at Edward. He smiles warmly at us both, pulls me into his side, and places a kiss upon my forehead, then does exactly the same with his grandma.

"Earth to Bella!" Ali interrupts my reminiscing. Thanks, Ali. "It's time for dinner, Bella. Everyone is waiting for you in the dining room," Ali scoffs, then turns on her ridiculously high pumps and scurries back inside the house.

Have I mentioned she's been in a mood lately?

As I'm heading back into the house, a thought strikes me out of the blue: the moment with Edward and I with his grandma would make a wonderful addition to our bedroom paintings. I can't wait to mention it to Edward so I pull out my phone and send him a quick text.

You, me, Grandma Masen, and the locket … it would make the perfect second painting for our room. Just a thought. ILY B.

A few moments later I receive his reply:

Have I told you lately that I love you? That sounds perfect. ILY2 E.

~LTAE~

As vacations go, this one sadly doesn't make my top ten. Between Ali's whining about Collin, her need to keep us on a tight schedule, and both Rose and I counting down the days until we get to see our men, well, I think you get the picture. It's been a long week and its time to get back to Portland and back to our normal lives. Even going back to work sounds welcoming.

~LTAE~

Pulling into the driveway, my heart begins to pound – in a matter of seconds I will be in my man's arms. I can barely contain myself while I pull my suitcase out of the car and head inside.

Throwing my keys on the kitchen counter, I then sift through the pile of mail Edward has left in a neat pile on the breakfast bar. Memories of us making love on this very bar come rushing back and my body reacts, I'm instantly flushed. I've really missed Edward.

It's quiet, but I know Edward is home because his car keys are sitting beside the mail.

Walking through the house, I smile and touch things here and there along the way: the plants, the cream afghan on the back of the sofa that Liz made us as a housewarming gift, the cool metal frame on the hall table which holds Emm and Rose's wedding picture. I'm just so glad to be home.

Our bedroom door is closed. I secretly hope Edward is inside; preferably naked and in bed. I've really missed him.

With a turn of the doorknob, I walk inside only to find the bed empty and made; there is no sign of Edward. My toes sink into the plush carpet after I kick off my sandals. After stretching a bit, I take a seat on the settee near the window. Hmm, maybe I'll just close my eyes for a few minutes while I wait for him to show up.

"Oh no, Bella, don't even think about taking a nap. Naps are for babies and old ladies like me. And besides, it will be bedtime soon enough."

My eyes fly open at the sound of Suzanne's voice. "Grandma Masen? What are you doing here? Is everything okay? Where's Edward?" I'm up and off the settee, and in a panic.

"Oh, dear. Bella, everything is fine. I'm sorry I startled you. Edward is around here somewhere; I thought we'd go and find him together if you're up for it." Suzanne turns her head to the side and gives me a tiny smirk.

Okay, what exactly is going on here? My eyebrows raise in question, but what else can I do? I have to play along even though I'm beginning to get nervous. "Alright, you have me intrigued Grandma Masen, let's go find Edward." I give myself a once over and attempt to smooth the wrinkles out of my blouse.

Being lead out of our room, my mind is racing, but I'm too tired after driving all day to sort out what this all could mean.

Walking from room to room I now know this is a game; one I'm not privy to. Even though I've had enough, I don't let it show. As we walk into the kitchen, Suzanne lets go of my hand, opens the fridge, and takes out a bottle of water.

"Well, this old lady is tired, and needs a break. You go on without me, Bella. I'll catch up with you," she states matter of factly while she twists the cap off the water and takes a long pull.

"There's nowhere else to look, we've been through this whole house!"

"Then I suggest you think outside the box, silly girl." She waves me off toward the side door before sitting at the breakfast bar.

I'm officially a tired, nervous wreck, and I need to find Edward soon. I open up the side door and take a step outside. It's twilight and the gentle breeze feels great upon my skin.

"Edward? Are you out here?"

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Still with me? I know, I know, a cliffhanger! I had to end it there or it would have been ten thousand words, not that you'd care. Next chapter will not disappoint, I promise.

A few things... My beta, RE Hargrave, has a new published novella out called Haunted Raine; through Renaissance Publishing. I was lucky enough to pre read for this story, and I guarantee you, this is nothing like you've ever read. Also, if you haven't bought the first book in The Divine Trilogy, also written by RE Hargrave, this is a great opportunity to do so. You can win a handmade Divine Trilogy bracelet when you review the book, currently on sale for $3.50 through Smashwords with coupon code PQ38W. The rules and complete information can be found on RE's blog: www . rehargrave . com (no spaces)

My other good friend and fellow author, Jude Ouvrard, is also publishing her first novella July 23rd. It's called Under the Sun, also through Renaissance. Be on the look out for it. More information can be found on Jude's blog: www . judeouvrard . com (no spaces)

I have such talented friends!

Until next time!

Mwah! I love you all.

Judy

XO