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Dogward/Brokenward/not a virgin anymore/Beachward/Preciousward/Insecureward/Sweetward

and Patientella

Chapter 53
BPOV

I show my dad to his room at the end of the night. "Where are you sleeping, Bells?"

I hesitate to answer him truthfully and for a split second I contemplate sleeping on the sofa. I shake off those thoughts. "I'm staying in Edward's room."

He gives me a disapproving look.

"Look, Dad, I know this is... different. But please try. I love Edward. He is important to me. I want to be with him. We have a life together. I need you to accept that."

He's quiet for a minute before responding. My heart is pounding when he finally speaks. "I know. This is different, but it's not easy for me. You've never had me meet one of your boyfriends and then this," he says waving his arms around. "I guess I'm playing the over-protective, no one is good enough for my daughter, Dad card." He shrugs. "I'll try better tomorrow." He kisses me on the head, goes into his room and closes the door. Leaving me standing in the hallway questioning what just happened.

I didn't even think that the lifestyle of Edward's family would bother him, but apparently it does. He said he'd try tomorrow. I go to sleep, in Edward's room, in his arms, holding onto hope that tomorrow will go smoother.

I wake alone. Resisting the urge to find Edward and save him from my dad, I jump in the shower instead. When I'm dressed I find everyone having breakfast on the patio, laughing. Buddy and Booboo are doing something, that they always do, but my dad finds it extremely amusing. I join in the laughing, so relieved that the thick tension from the day before seems to have dissipated.

We give my dad a tour of the rescue and property. Edward does most of the talking and I interject now and then. I can tell Edward is trying to prove to my dad that I am safe and cared for. I let him, knowing it's kind of a guy thing. Plus I know my dad will appreciate it, whether he agrees or not is a totally different matter.

When the tour is over we pull out the plans for the house. Victoria's building is long gone and the plans are almost finalized. Next week they will be staking the lot and excavating.

I'm unable to hide the excitement in my voice when I talk about the house. Dad gives me a genuine smile when I mention the extra bedrooms. Weird.

The family dinner for my birthday is fun! My dad is captivated by Alice from the minute he meets her, while he and Emmett become fast friends, talking baseball and beer. I get to sit back and enjoy my dad meeting and fitting in with my friends. I wonder if he would ever consider moving here when he retires. I scoff at the idea. Deep down my dad still hates California.

Taking dad to the airport on Monday is bittersweet. I loved seeing him, but I miss our apartment, our little bubble. And we haven't had sex in four days. That is far too long. There are tears in my eyes when I say goodbye to him. The interaction between him and Edward doesn't help my weepiness. They seem to have gained a genuine like and respect for each other.

~MEB~

Edward surprises me a number of times on my birthday. First with a sexy, incredibly satisfying wake up, then breakfast, shower sex and a picnic on the dog beach at sunset. It is so romantic. Everything is perfect; the food, the gift, Edward. He's so thoughtful. And the sex... it just keeps getting better. He's finally not holding back. He wants it, he goes for it. I like confident Edward.

~MEB~

I never knew how long it would take, but finally the day comes when the surveyor stakes the house is exciting. We stand off to the side, plans in hand, comparing what they're doing to rooms in the house. The more real it gets, the more excited we get.

Edward goes out with the guys that night while I meet the girls for drinks at the local bar. About half way through my first drink, Rose pulls out her phone.

"Have you ever seen these personal ads on CraigsList?" She says scrolling down her phone.

I laugh, remembering answering the ad from Edward. "Ya, you never know what you'll find."

"Look at this one," Rose says, handing Alice her phone.

Alice reads it, "So sweet." She hands the phone to me.

I start reading expecting some, SWF seeking ad, but instead I read.

SWM, in love, seeking beautiful SWF with brown eyes and hair. She and her dog, Buddy have stolen my heart and I need it back. I need them. Meet me, tonight at seven pm, where our future begins.

My eyes shoot to Rose and then Alice. They are smiling, their eyes glassy.

"What has he done?" I whisper. Scared, but excited.

"Go. Go get your man."

"But where?" I question.

"You can figure it out," they encourage.

I quickly gather my purse and head home. The only place I can see my future.

When I pull up, Edward is leaning against his jeep, one ankle crossed in front of the other. He's in jeans and a sweater, a single rose in his hand. He looks, hot.

"You figured it out," he smiles, kissing my lips and handing me the rose.

"You have a way with words," I joke. "What's up?"

"Follow me."

Taking my hand he leads me to the staked outline of our house. We arrive at a spot where a tent is set up. "Stand right here," he says turning me so I'm facing the wetlands leading to the ocean. "Do you know where this is?"

"I think it's the master bedroom or bathroom."

"Yep, this will be the view from our bedroom balcony."

"It's perfect," I admire. The sun is starting to fade over the horizon.

"It's perfect, because I get to share it with you." He says, hugging me from behind.

"Here. Look at the view through these," he says handing me a pair of binoculars.

I think it's fine without them, but do as he requests. I see the ocean, a crane flying, a few pelicans standing in the marsh, a squirrel and...

"Oh my god," I gasp. I think I see something.

Edward tenses behind me.

I look again, checking to see if I saw it correctly. It's a sign with the words, 'Marry me, Bella' written in shells and rocks, probably from the beach, our dog beach.

Before I can speak, the tears are falling; all I can do is nod.

"I love you, Bella. I want you forever. Please be my wife. Make this house a home."

I nod again. He releases me and walks in front of me. In his hand is the most unusual, yet beautiful ring. "It was my mom's. It was in the envelope with their marriage certificate. If you want something else, we can go look..."

I cut him off with a searing kiss. Hoping to convey how perfect and special him giving me his mother's ring is.

"I love it," I say against his lips. "It's perfect. You're perfect." Kiss. "How did I get so lucky?" To have you love me?" Kiss. "To have you show me how love should be." Kiss. "I love you, Edward. You are my future."

He chuckles. "I'm the lucky one. My life was gray before you. Now I see the most vibrant colors. I see, I hear, I feel, I love, so much more than I thought I deserved. You gave me the confidence to believe that I deserve happiness, love. You've made this all possible."

After our declarations and heated kisses he backs me into the tent where a massive air mattress is set up with blankets and pillows.

"I want to make love to my fiance in our bedroom," he says.

I giggle at that. "I can't think of anything I'd rather do... with my fiance."

Our lovemaking is slow and reverent, our eyes never leaving each other's. It's more than sexual; it's deeper, although it's very satisfying too. We cum together quietly, our bodies joined in the most pleasurable way. I will never get enough of this, of him.

We lay wrapped in each other's arms atop the makeshift bed. "Um, Edward. We haven't really talked about some things."

"What things?"

"Like kids, having kids."

He laughs, kissing my head. "Why do you think this house is so big? I want to have a family with you. I want to raise them in this house we've built."

"You've always seemed against having kids or at least hesitant."

"Before you, Bella, I couldn't imagine the life I have now. The future we have ahead of us. With you, I've seen everything. You are the only person I want to have any of this with. I want you to be the mother of my kids. I want them to have your eyes, your smile."

I kiss him. "I want them to have your kindness and capacity to give and love."

"And you're patience," he adds making us both laugh.

When our laughter dies out I push forward with what I've put a lot of thought into. "Edward," I hesitate. "Have you ever considered adopting?"

"Interesting that you mention it. It's been on my mind for a while, and if we agree, I'd like to adopt a child, and have biological children too, if it happens."

"A baby?"

He shakes his head. "Babies get adopted so easily. I want a child, someone who has lost their family."

"Maybe a five or six year old?"

He nods, deep in thought, of his loss, no doubt.

"Sounds perfect. I can't think of anyone more prepared to help a child like that than you. You have so much love to give. I feel so special that you've chosen me to receive that love." I place my hands on his cheeks and kiss him tenderly. "I love you, Edward. I can't wait to be your wife. To raise a family with you, here."

"You've made me so happy, Bella. I've seen our future together. It's happy and full of love and children."

"And animals," I add, thinking about our future, our love, but mainly of this amazing man.

"And animals." He pulls me close, so my head rests on his chest. We're quiet for a minute or two. He takes a deep breath, and his arms tighten around me before he speaks. "For the first time in my life, Bella, I believe. I believe in life, in love, in the future, but most importantly. I believe in myself."

The End

A/N

sniffle, sniffle... I'm going to miss these two, and all of you of course.

I do plan to include an epi, but down the road a bit. So I'm hitting the complete button on this baby.

I hope you have me on author alert. I have a lot more tricks up my sleeve. If haven't read The Most Eligible Bachelor yet, please do. It's an easy read.

If all goes well, I will have a submission in the Taste of the Forbidden II contest. Here is the link. tastetheforbidden dot wordpress dot com/ are some amazing one shots to read and vote on. Voting starts next week.

Thank you again for all of your support and kindness. You all make writing fun!

Until next time... :)