Hi guys! Back again... This chapter is a little long. I hope you don't mind.

As always, thanks to all those who read, followed, and reviewed the story. I really appreciate it...

The story is complete. So, it will have daily updates. This story is not betad. So any mistakes are my own. Hope you like it. Please review and let me know.

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Chapter 26

One Month Later

"Bella!" A voice whispers in my ear and I sprung upright from my position. Jake chuckles beside me. "Why are you snoozing in a coffee shop?"

I rub my eyes to get the sleep out. "I couldn't sleep all night yesterday."

Jake arches a brow at me. "I really don't need to hear that." He grimaces.

I slap him in the head. "Nothing like that. I'm just working on something outside of my work."

That perks him up. "Oh. What?"

I shake my head at him and look away. "Nope. Not yet." And before he can ask more about it, I say, "Don't bother. I'm not telling."

He just smiles. "Fine. I can wait." My eyes start to drop again. "Just go back to sleep."

I shake my head "no". I immediately order a coffee and then face him. "I didn't think Alice would be so exhausting."

Jake just chuckles. "Why? What are you two up to that is so tiring?"

I slap him again. "God, what kind of stuff goes in your head? I'm just exhausted because of all the wedding stuff."

He just smirks. "You're just easy to tease, Bells. Anyway, I thought Jasper would be the one burning the candle at both ends."

I just scoff. "Yeah, right. There's no way he can keep up with Alice."

We talk and occasionally bicker as we both have our coffee. After about an hour, I yawn loudly. He flicks me on the forehead. "Go home and sleep, Bells."

I only manage to nod. We both get up when my phone rings. "Hello," I say without checking.

"Bella, are you home?" Edward says in a chipper tone.

"No. I was just having some coffee. What's got you so happy?"

"I'm having another exhibition. I thought we could have some drinks and celebrate."

I stop short and Jake falters too. "Oh." I start to yawn and quickly cover my mouth with my hand. "Edward, I…" I stop and contemplate.

"Bella, what's wrong?" His voice turns anxious.

"It's nothing. I'm just a little tired. I've been running around with Alice all day."

"Oh." He sighs in relief. "That's ok. I can just come to your place, then."

My eyes widen. "What?" Does he mean he'll stay the night? I start to bite my lips thinking it over. He wouldn't expect anything tonight, right?

Edward snaps me out of my thoughts. "Bella?" I look at Jake and he frowns at what little conversation he can make out between us.

I cover my phone with my hand. "Jake, I'll get going. I'll call you once I get home, ok?" I say and start to hastily retreat. I only see his confused face as I manage to get away.

"Bella?" Edward's voice calls out again.

"Yeah." I breathe into the phone as I try to catch my breath.

"Are you ok? You sound weird."

I squeeze my eyes shut as I gather my courage. "Edward, I'm not ready yet."

"For what, exactly?"

I bite my lip and feel my cheeks getting hot. "You know… for that."

The line is silent on the other end for a long time and I immediately think he is mad, but then he bursts out laughing. "What is going on in your head, Bella?"

"Uh…" I falter, embarrassed. "I just thought… you know?"

"You thought I was offering for us to sleep together?"

I stay silent, too mortified to even answer.

He chuckles lightly. "It's okay, Bella. Don't be embarrassed. I actually meant we could just watch a movie at your place, have some dinner and drinks. That's all."

"Oh? Okay." My voice is barely a whisper. "I have to go then, bye," I say and hang up quickly before he can say anything else.

I lean back on the wall and grab my hair. Why did I do that? Why did I jump the gun? Now, how am I going to face him tonight? I groan at the thought and start walking toward home with my head down.

By the time Edward and I have dinner, I've composed myself enough to not get red every time I see him. Edward just smirks at me.

"You seem like the old Bella again." He says out of the blue.

"What? How?"

"You keep going red at the mere thought of us doing something."

I look down at my plate immediately and shove some food in my mouth. "I'm not," I mumble.

He just chuckles. "I'd really like to read your mind right now."

I decide to change the subject. "So, a new exhibition already. I guess you'll get busy again."

He sighs then. "Yes. It will be hectic. I've already got some things going on for it though."

My eyes light up. "Yeah? Can I see?"

He shakes his head once. "Nope. You can't see anything until the exhibition."

My smile drops immediately. "Oh."

He notices and holds my hand in his. "I just want to surprise you, that's all."

I smile then. "What will it be about then?"

He shrugs. "You." He says simply.

My breath hitches. "What?"

"It will be about you."

I remain silent. His sudden declarations make me nervous. And lately, he's been doing that a lot.

He sighs again. "Say something."

"I'm just nervous, Edward." I finally admit.

"About what?"

"About going too fast."

"Oh." He says and then looks away. I cringe at the thought that I've hurt him.

"I'm not doubting us. I just… I just feel like it's all a dream all over again. And that someday I'll wake up to reality."

He doesn't say anything for a while and I bite my lip nervously. He finally says, "Someday, Bella, you won't be scared of me hurting you." His voice is gentle but holds so much conviction that my heart flutters in my chest.

I feel my eyes drop again as I lay my head back on the couch. I can't even tell anymore what the movie is about. Edward turns to me then and smiles. "You're half dead already. Here," He says and then nudges my head so that it lays on his shoulder. Then he wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me closer. I sigh.

"I'm just really tired," I mumble in his neck.

He lifts his hand and tucks a stray hair behind my ear. I close my eyes as his hand caresses my cheek lightly. Before long, he starts humming a song gently and I find myself dozing off happily.

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~SunAndMoon42