What do we have here? Eeek! It's a new chapter, and one many have you have been anticipating! Hello to all my new followers both here and on Facebook. I love you all! Shout out to Chloe Masen for pimping LTAE on her page. MWAH! Love you girlfriend! Check out Chloe's amazing stories on fanfiction if you haven't already!
Hugs to my BFF (and new reader) Kim. I couldn't have got through the last six months without you. Mwah!
Love and gratitude to my pre reader, Pates Greeneyes. Her advice, both professionally and personally has helped me through tough times lately.
To my amazing beta, author and friend RE Hargrave: THANK YOU! If you haven't read any of Rachel's work, do so! Contact me for more information.
SM owns all. (Even if she aggravates me to no end lately...but that's another story.)
Okay, let's do this! See you below.
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Chapter Fifty-Four
Edward
It's twilight in our meadow, and all that's missing is my forever. I'm a nervous wreck and hope Bella makes it out here soon.
A long week of manual labor is nothing compared to the task ahead of me. I have to orchestrate the perfect proposal. Flubbing it is not an option; I won't get a second chance. I've gone over my lines in my head a hundred times, but suddenly I'm questioning everything.
Looking around for at least the tenth time, I make sure everything is in place. The champagne is chilling with an assortment of chocolate dipped fruit on a silver platter nearby; Emmett's idea, if you can believe that. Next to the platter of fruit is a smaller silver plate holding two croissants from the 7th Avenue Bakery – my idea. The black velvet box – the ring – is discreetly nestled among an assortment of wildflowers. They are planted in a silver pot which has been placed near the lounger where I'm seated.
In the course of one night the very heart and soul of my proposal changed, and I have my amazing grandma to thank for it.
"Edward, do you have a minute?" Grandma hands me a glass of iced tea and I eagerly take a large gulp. It's cold and sweet; one of grandma's specialties. After a long day of digging and planting it hits the spot.
"Sure, Grandma, what's on your mind?" We walk over to the large modular lounger that was delivered earlier today. The plastic packaging crunches when we take a seat.
Reaching into the large pocket on the front of her overalls, grandma reveals a small black box. She places it in the palm of my hand and my eyes go wide.
No, it can't be...
"Well, go ahead, dearest. Open it; don't keep an old lady waiting." She tousles my hair and I give her a wink.
I do as she asks and nervously open the tiny box. Tucked into a bed of shiny black silk is the engagement ring my grandpa gave her when he proposed. Glancing at her left hand, I wonder why I hadn't noticed that it was missing from her finger. It was always there – shiny and sparkling. I used to think that grandpa had to be the richest man on earth whenever I looked at that ring. Looking back, I guess he was; he captured grandma's heart which was made of pure gold.
"He's here with me, Edward." Grandma's hand reaches for her locket. "We had a beautiful life together, and now it's your turn. I know Gerald would have wanted it this way. Please take it and make Bella yours."
Carefully removing the ring from the box, I'm flooded with emotion. Nothing could be more perfect for Bella and I can envision it on her finger with ease.
"Edward? Baby?"
The sound of her voice in the distance makes my heart beat faster. Her tone is a mix of excitement and curiosity.
"Keep following the lighted trail, beautiful." My voice isn't loud, but it is encouraging.
She's almost here. I feel a rush of adrenaline travel through me and realize this is it, the moment I've been preparing for.
As Bella's beautiful form comes into view, my body gravitates toward her.
Bella
Of course Edward doesn't answer me when I call out to him in the vast space beyond me. Standing on the deck, I peer out into the backyard and see a faint light in the distance.
As I'm stepping off the last step of the deck and into the grass, goosebumps erupt on my arms. I'm not sure if it's the evening breeze or my nerves. I walk toward the light anyway; Edward is out there somewhere.
The first thing I notice as I'm approaching the light is that the source is a soft, white, Chinese lantern hanging from a tree branch. The second thing I notice is that I'm no longer walking on grass, but rather a wide cobblestone path.
Edward has been busy while I've been gone.
Walking forward, I see another lantern blowing in the breeze and my heart begins to race. I giggle a bit and find myself anxious to get to my destination as soon as possible. My pace quickens and my heart follows suit. All I can think about is being in Edward's arms and kissing him senseless.
"Edward? Baby?"
"Keep following the lighted trail, beautiful." Edward's voice gives me a shiver and I know I'm getting closer. His voice is filled with excitement and layered with something I can't quite place – determination maybe? The intermittent lanterns continue to invite me forward, their soft glow bringing me closer to Edward with every step.
The wind sways the trees ahead and the faint smell of lavender fills the air around me. Stepping closer, I come upon a clearing – I've reached my destination. My breath hitches when I see Edward coming toward me.
Strong arms envelope me and I return his embrace with everything I have. Warm lips kiss my forehead, lingering there for several heartbeats. It feels like home.
"I couldn't bear one more day without you, Bella. It felt like half of me was missing." Edward pulls back and tilts my chin up so he can gaze into my eyes.
"Oh, baby, you have no idea how good it feels to be home. I love Rose and Ali dearly, but this is where I need to be." I snuggle closer to him; his scent comforting me. "Right here, with you."
"Come sit with me, Bella." Edward leads me over to a brown padded outdoor sofa where we both take a seat. Our knees are touching and our hands find one another's at once.
"Edward, how did you do all of this so fast? It's amazing." Glancing around, I notice the furniture is placed just so and the flowers and shrubs that surround us coordinate, completing the space. It's simple and harmonious.
"This is the just the beginning of our very own meadow, Bella. It's early days of course, the bare bones so to speak, but I think it will turn out beautiful. Knowing we both have dreamt of a place like this, and after sharing my grandma's meadow with you, I haven't been able to think of much else." The hold he has on my hand loosens and Edward takes a cleansing breath.
He's nervous, and even though I'm the same, I try to not let it show. I squeeze his thigh and smile, knowing it may help to calm him.
"It's wonderful, and I couldn't have asked for a better welcome home surprise."
"Baby, you haven't seen anything yet. Are you hungry? Thirsty? I have champagne, fruit ... croissants." His shoulders shrug as if this is normal everyday fare for us. My brain is trying to process the scene before me.
"Champagne, wow. Sure, I'd love some." My hand finds my hair and I rake through it, a telltale sign that my true colors are showing.
Soon, the pop of a cork echoes through the night air and a cool glass filled with bubbly pink liquid is placed into my hand. The bubbles dance on my tongue while I sip it and then slide down my throat; heaven, sweet and crisp.
Edward fills a glass for himself and offers me some fruit which I politely decline. Reaching past him, I tear a piece from one of the croissants and take a bite. The buttery, flaky pastry transports me back to 7th Avenue and the day we first met. My heart pounds when I remember the morning our story began.
"So, Bella, I have been thinking about something, about a lot of things really."
"Mmmhmm, go on." I take another bite of the delicious croissant and wait for Edward to continue.
"I know our lives have taken twists and turns from the start. From that first morning in Forks until our next meeting a lot happened." Edward's voice changes, his body wincing as if he is trying to will the bad memories away.
Feeling the need to comfort him, I lean in close and kiss his cheek. "Life happened, Edward, and I believe everything which transpired needed to happen to bring us to where we are now."
"I made many mistakes, overlooked so much. I was unaware ... no, I was naive and in denial about my marriage."
"Edward, Kate wasn't exactly blameless; it takes two to make a marriage go wrong."
"And it takes two to make a relationship go right. That's what I've found with you, Bella. This relationship is so right."
"Indeed. It took a lot of work, a lot of trust; but I think we are in a good place." I look around with a sweet smile and decide to make a correction, "A very good place."
"You complete this place, Bella. You complete my life – and yet, I feel as though something is missing. That doesn't settle well with me." Edward gets up and starts to pace a bit. He walks over to a silver pot filled with wildflowers and rummages among the leaves at the base.
Okay, now my nerves are out in full force. I feel my legs start to shake. What could he mean by that statement? I wonder, and quickly try to figure out if I've done something wrong to make him feel that way. "What do you mean, Edward?" Standing, I move to step in front of him, hoping to stop his pacing. When I look into his eyes, I know my face is full of worry.
At that very moment Edward drops to one knee, and my heart stops, my breath escaping me with a soft whoosh. His right hand rises and resting flat on his palm is a small black box. I stare at it in shock and his shy smile makes my heart start beating again.
"Marry me, Bella. Make my life complete. Be my forever. Be mine." Each sentence is short but punctuated with sincerity and an abundance of love.
My fingers are shaky when I open the box. There, sitting prominently in the smooth black fabric is a large solitaire diamond set into a thin, white gold band. On either side of the solitaire are smaller rows of round diamonds which are inlaid into an intricate filigree design. The ring is stunning; and it's clear to me it's also vintage.
As if Edward is reading my mind, he murmurs, "It was my grandma's."
Suddenly all the pieces begin to fall into place. Suzanne and Edward were in on this together and I couldn't be more thrilled, or honored, to be presented with her ring.
"Edward, this has to be the most beautiful ring I've ever seen." I pull it out of the box; it sparkles and shines by the glowing light of the moon.
"It suits you, Bella, and you suit me. Will you say yes, and honor me by becoming my wife?"
I don't hesitate and put every ounce of love I feel into the one word he wants to hear. The only word I want to say: "Yes."
Edward
"Yes."
She said yes! My mind is reeling and I can't wait to place the ring on her finger.
"May I?"
Bella hands me the ring and raises her left hand. I slide it into place then kiss the top of her hand. I saw that in a movie once. Bella blushes and strokes the side of my cheek with her hand before pulling my face closer to hers.
Lips find lips and tongues mingle. She tastes like champagne and I can't get enough. Miss Isabella Swan is going to become Mrs. Edward Masen! Dr. and Mrs. Edward Masen. Either way, I can't wait to officially make her mine.
Bella is the first to pull away from our heated kiss. "I'm so happy, Edward, and I can't wait to be your wife." She reaches out for my hand and begins to walk us around the perimeter, taking it all in.
I take the lead and escort her off the cobblestone path, out toward the actual meadow. It's pretty dark now and the light from the lanterns doesn't extend too far beyond where we were sitting, but it's enough light to give Bella the general idea.
"I want you to show me everything out here, Edward. You've gone to so much trouble, and I didn't even see it coming."
"Then my mission was a success. I have to admit I had a lot of help, though. Emmett had a crew here helping all week, and of course my grandma showed up ready to work. We let her supervise."
"So they knew – does that mean Ali and Rose knew, too? Was this little trip all part of your master plan? You know, operation 'Get Rid of Your Girlfriend?'" Bella is being playful and puts her hands on her hips and taps her foot, waiting for me to give it up.
"For the record, I consider you so much more than my girlfriend; you're my forever, Bella." My hands find her face and I press my lips to hers. The kiss is warm and tender. I swear I can see the blush on Bella's checks even in this dim light. My nose brushes against hers before I pull back to look at her.
"While it's true I wanted to get you out of town, telling everyone about the proposal was never my plan. I did confide in Emmett, and it just so happens he tells Rose everything..."
"Ah, yes, and I can just about see Rose's face when Emmett told her. To be honest, I can't believe she didn't blow it and tell me herself." Bella reaches over and plucks a stem off one of the nearby lavender bushes, sending tiny buds scattering to the ground.
She turns and tilts her head sideways as if a light bulb is going off in her head. "Well, that explains a lot! Ali acted weird all week, angry even. Rose must have told her your plan, and knowing how she's been anxious about Collin proposing...it didn't settle well. It's so clear now."
"Ali does wear her heart on her sleeve – I wish she would have reined it for your benefit."
"Rose and I managed; the best part about being friends with Ali is that we know how to diffuse any potential disaster without her knowing we're doing it."
I chuckle because I know exactly what she means. Ali is a whole lot of maintenance, but I wouldn't change a thing about her.
All at once Bella stops and lets go of my hand. Turning in a slow circle, she realizes where we are. "This is it – our meadow. Oh, Edward..." Her voice cracks with emotion.
"This is where I want to say 'I do.' I see us declaring our love for each other standing right here, with our family and friends as witnesses."
"As do I, baby. Then it's agreed; the next chapter of our life will begin here. Let's head back to the house now, shall we? I have a feeling someone may be anxious to see us." Lacing my fingers with hers, we step back onto the path and head back toward the house. The crickets are chirping and the distant sound of cicadas fills the air. I don't want to forget a single moment of this evening. If that makes me sappy, then so be it. This beautiful woman brings that out in me.
"Ahem. I don't mean to disturb you, but..." Grandma's voice interrupts the sounds of the night. "I was just wondering if it fits?"
Bella drops my hand and makes her way to Grandma, who is fast approaching. Her arms wrap around Grandma and pull her close into a heartfelt hug.
"Oh, Suzanne. Yes, it fits! It's amazing and I'm overwhelmed that you would want me to wear your ring."
"Bella, sweetheart, I wouldn't have it any other way. You're perfect for my Edward. You love him, faults and all, just as my Gerald loved me. That ring is destined to be worn on your finger." Grandma takes Bella's hand and inspects it closely. "It is fate – and I can't wait to share your special day."
Dropping Bella's hand, Grandma pulls me toward them and the three of us embrace. This moment will forever be etched in my mind.
Bring on the wedding planning; the next chapter of Edward and Bella is about to begin.
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Well? Thoughts? Did you love or hate the proposal? So much was riding on this chapter and I'm nervous to read the reviews, but let me have them peeps! The next chapter is in the planning stages but I'm not sure when I'll get to the actual writing. I start a new job on Monday and I need to get adjusted to being in the work force again. I promise I won't be away too long! Edward is already whispering in my ear!
See you soon! Mwah!
Judy
XO
