Hi! Thank you everyone for showing so much love and support to this story.

The credit for smoothening the jagged edges of this chapter goes to my beta, Frannie (Fran S. Flower).

Thank you, Angela, (AngelaAbbot) for helping me get over my frequent bouts of writer's block.

Chapter 35

'It may have been in bits and pieces, but I gave you the best of me.'

-Jim Morrison

"You don't have to do this."

"Do what?"

"This. Everything."

An uncharacteristic aggravation winded her dulcet tone. He tried to catch her eyes, to seek and find, but she kept them studiously averted.

"Why? Do you want me to go away?" Trepidation lanced through him, turning his questions hoarse.

"Do you not want me anymore?"

She whipped around to face him, her gaze a cosmic reflection of disbelief and chagrin.

"Why would you …? Edward, no. I didn't mean … I just … I don't want you to get angry."

Stupefied, he gaped at her, her last comment snapping his chain of thoughts with icy brutality.

"Bella, are you afraid of me?"

"What? No! That's not what I meant. I swear. You just … you get so angry whenever anyone mentions Mom and Phil, and I don't want you to … You don't have to accompany me to the Court tomorrow. They'll make me recount everything, and I don't want for you to … that is, you are not obligated to-"

A short bark of laughter halted her panicked rambling. Embarrassed, Isabella hid behind the curtain of her hair, and he could almost see her walls descending to protect her.

Yet, this time Edward refused to let go.

"I don't feel obligated to do anything for you, Bella. I want to." A blinding grin curled his lips, brimming with devout affection and stark relief.

"I may not be the stars you love, but I promise to be the earth you can rest your head on when you are weary."

So, I am very excited to post this chapter as Edward all but confessed his love to Bella (Our boy is growing up!). Please let me know your thoughts.

The next chapter will be up on Saturday, which will be Edward's recount of hearing Bella give her statement in the Court.

Until next time!

Love,

Ansha