***TRIGGER WARNING***

Mentions of abuse and sexual assault, no details. Feel free to PM me if you have concerns.

Chapter 39: Cuddles

APOV

Edward couldn't stay; the sun was already rising above the horizon and he had to get off to work. I'm almost certain he didn't want to get caught by my lab mates either.

Our goodbye's this time were sweeter. More promise whispered in our kisses.

"I wish I could stay." His eyes were regretful, he really didn't want to go.

"One day."

He nodded, kissing me again.

"I'll call you later. I'm not sure if I can come by tonight though." His lips turned down into a frown.

"It's okay. You have a job, and I have classes to prepare for. We'll find time." I tried to reassure him. "Even if it's just a ten-minute coffee date on a random Tuesday."

A small smile spread over his face as he looked over me lovingly.

"I've said it before, I don't deserve you, but I'll die trying."

I believed him.

"I'll hold you to it." I gave him a final kiss, before practically pushing him out the door. He could be very stubborn.

When I was alone again nestled under the covers, my mind was not yet ready to let me sleep. There were just so many things still on my mind.

Thoughts about how I still had so much to say. About my past. About our future.

I wanted him to know, to believe, everything I felt. To see how deeply he meant to me and how he had helped me in so many ways, despite the fact he'd caused a lot of pain.

My heart felt so heavy with the things left unsaid, and I knew I wouldn't be happy if I didn't talk to him soon.

A small knock at my door disrupted any other thoughts I might have had on the subject.

"Come in." I called somewhat groggily.

I was surprised to see a very disheveled looking Brennan appear in my doorway. He came in, closing the door behind him before making his way over to me.

He stood right by my bed, looking at me with an exhausted, yet hopeful expression.

"Can I?" He gestured to the empty space beside me.

I was surprised at how sad he still was; looking for comfort in the only person he knew would give it. Like a small child wanting to sleep in his mother's bed after a rough bout of nightmares.

"Yeah, of course." I pulled back the covers, letting him join me.

His eyes were closed, body snuggled up to mine in seconds.

"Thanks."

I stroked a hand through his hair, staring absently at the ceiling. He hummed happily in sleepy contentment.

Despite the fact I hated he was still upset, I was glad I could be a source of comfort to him.

I wondered if there was something, I could do for him. If I could find his lost love. Give him the second chance he so deserved.

I didn't know her name though, and Brennan wasn't particularly forthcoming on the subject.

Maybe I could get Edward's help?

Satisfied with the thought of doing something to help one of my dearest friends, sleep started to overtake me.

And for the first time, in a very long while, I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face.

…

Three days later, and the weekend coming, I still hadn't seen Edward again. His work schedule had gotten very busy and his only free time was late in the evenings.

I almost told him to not worry about it, to come over anyways, but I wanted him to have time to rest too. So I tried to be a supportive girlfriend, sending him simple texts to let him know he was on my mind.

His responses though short, were always sweet, and I knew he missed me just as much.

I was sitting in my favorite café listening to music, working on data entry, when I got a text.

Are you available right now by any chance?

I smiled at the formality, feeling excited about where this was going.

I am. Want to meet?

I was already packing my bag, hoping to join him as soon as possible.

My phone was ringing seconds later.

"Hey."

"Hey love. I'm leaving the hospital now. Where are you?"

I might have laughed at the urgency in his voice, but I was feeling just as needy.

"The café. Are you coming to get me or join me?"

I hoped the former.

His laugh twinkled.

"Get you for sure."

I felt warmth down to my toes.

"Hmm. Sounds good. I'm ready and waiting."

His soft groan made my stomach flip.

"I'll bet you are."

Hold. The. Phone.

Did he just make a sex joke?

The giddiness I felt threatened to bubble over.

"Better come quickly then. Or I might lose interest and find someone who's already primed to go."

He growled deeply in the phone.

Teasing him was the best.

"I swear Ana, you make me feel like an actual teenager sometimes."

I would take that compliment.

"Oh? In what way?"

Take the bait. Take the bait.

"You know what way."

His voice was deep and gravelly. I definitely knew what way. But I wanted him to say it.

"Hmm, I'm not sure that I do. Can you be a bit more specific?"

He groaned again, pausing briefly.

"In the, I want you alone, to myself, take my time, kind of way."

That was a very nice kind of way, and my whole body was agreeing.

"Tell me, how close are you?"

Yes, there was an innuendo in that.

His surprised laugh told me he got the joke. It was a delightful sound.

"Close, but don't worry. I plan to take very good care of you."

Swoon!

I laughed, feeling my excitement build. I hadn't expected him to be so open, it filled me with warmth and happiness that he was comfortable enough to talk with me this way.

"Hmm, all this talk but you still aren't here yet. Think a stranger would be willing to give me a ride?"

I was pushing it for sure, but I didn't care. It was all in fun.

"Unless you want me to hurt someone, you really don't want me to think about anyone else giving you a ride."

Angry Edward was hot.

I was about to respond, when I saw his car coming.

He slid in smoothly, rolling the passenger window down, while I looked in.

"Need a ride?"

His smirk was wide.

"Sorry, I'm not sure I can afford it. I don't have any money on me. Unless you're willing to take another form of payment?"

His eyes darkened deeply, and I got the best kind of chills.

"I think we can work something out." His gaze roved my body unabashedly.

Fuck he was good!

Laughing to dispel the sexual tension, I got into his car.

"Thanks for getting me. I missed you." I stroked his cheek, watching as his eyes softened.

He leaned forward to give me a chaste kiss, but it was full of promise.

Without another word, we pulled away from the curb.

"Are you off for the rest of the day?" I asked, more than a little hope in my voice.

"I am. I actually have the whole weekend off as well." That made me happy. Vampire or not, he deserved some R&R too.

"Nice. Have any plans?"

His smile was gentle, shy almost.

"Well, actually, I was wondering if you might want to stay with me?"

I was surprised.

I guess I shouldn't have been, but for some reason I was.

"Like, as in stay the night? At your place?"

I didn't even know where his place was.

His nod was small.

"Of course you don't have to. I was just thinking it would give us more time together. It won't hurt my feelings if you'd rather not though." I could hear a tinge of panic in his voice. It was endearing.

"Edward," his eyes flashed to mine. "I'd love to stay."

His shoulders relaxed.

"I thought I'd take you by your place first? So you can pack a bag."

I nodded.

"If I had known sooner, it would already be packed." I teased.

He grinned sheepishly.

"I wasn't entirely sure if I would be getting the time off. Many doctors have been out sick."

"Fair enough. I know a bug is going around. Vic and Whelan weren't feeling so hot earlier this week."

Edward's face turned towards me, concerned.

"You haven't been feeling ill?"

I shook my head.

"No, not yet at least. I imagine it'll happen right before a big exam."

Because that was my luck.

Edward laughed at my comment.

"Good thing I have a doctor boyfriend to take care of me though." I winked at him, making him laugh again.

"Taking care of you would be my pleasure."

Okay, did he have to say it like that? Because my pulse most definitely jumped.

"Why does that make me think you're into roleplaying?"

He groaned, shaking his head.

"I swear, just when I think I've figured you out, you say the most unexpected things."

I shrugged.

"At least I'm not boring."

He barked a laugh.

"No. You are anything but boring."

I just grinned.

We made it back to my place, and with Edward's help I was packed and ready to go in no time.

"I can meet you at the car? I just need to let Brennan know I'll be gone a few days."

His eyes were hesitant, but he nodded.

I wondered what that look was about, but I figured it was probably nothing.

"Hey Brennan," I called loudly, knocking on his door. Hopefully he could hear me over the music.

He popped out a minute later.

"Hey!" his voice was bright and cheerful. He was in a much better state than he had been the past few days.

"I just wanted to let you know I'm gonna be at Edward's for the weekend. Figured I'd tell you so you don't send a search and rescue crew when I'm not home after nine."

He had almost gone to the police one night, when I stayed late in the library studying.

"Are ye sure that's a good idea?"

I was surprised to find how worried he looked.

"Yeah. I mean I know it seems sudden, but I trust him." I figured he of all people would understand, but he wasn't looking very happy.

"I knew ye have a right to do whatever ye want, but this is fast."

I was not expecting that.

Actually, his tone was hurtful. Like he was calling me easy or something.

"Wow. Okay. I was just letting you know." I turned away feeling wounded and angry.

"Bella, wait." His hand was gently tugging me back.

"Why? So you can say something else hypocritical?" My tone was decidedly unfriendly.

He had the grace to look ashamed.

"I'm sorry. I didna mean it like that. I'm only just worried for ye. I don't want him to hurt ye."

His voice was soft and contrite. It made me feel marginally better.

"I don't understand. You've been pushing for us to get back together since I told you about him. Why don't you trust him all of the sudden?" My words were genuinely confused.

He drug a hand through his hair, obviously conflicted.

"I don't mean to say ye shouldna trust him. I-I'm just worried. That's all. I'm sorry for being an arse. I know ye mean the world to him, and he wouldna hurt ye."

I felt like there was a reason for his sudden change of mind.

"Hey, talk to me? What brought this on?"

But he was shaking his head, and I knew he wasn't going to say.

"Do you really think I shouldn't go?"

I wanted to, so badly but I didn't always have the best perspective when it came to Edward. And part of me worried that Brennan saw something I didn't. Things were moving fast, but that's because everything with him felt so right.

But looking at Brennan's worried face made me wonder.

"No Bella, ye should go. It'll be good for ye both."

I sighed, really not understanding the one-eighty he was pulling.

"Go, have fun." He gave a weak smile.

After a quick hug goodbye, I did leave. But I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

When I made it back to the car, the look on Edward's face told me he heard our conversation. Part of me hated that. But I knew it wasn't his fault.

He walked to me slowly.

"I'm sorry." I sighed, not really even knowing what I was apologizing for.

His eyes were tight for a quick moment, but he nodded his head.

"It's okay Ana. I was rushing things. I just wanted to spend more time with you. I'm happy I got to see you today."

What the hell? Did he not want me to stay now?

"Are you ditching me?"

I swear, I could not keep up today.

"I thought you changed your mind." Now his voice was confused.

Good Lord.

"No. I want to stay with you."

His brows were draw in, looking at me carefully.

"Are you sure? I really won't be mad if you think it's too fast. We can still spend the day together." His voice was understanding and sweet.

"No. I want to stay with you." And without another word I got into the car. He could either stand outside or take me with him.

After a short moment, he joined me, and pulled away.

The drive was quiet for a few moments.

"I'm sorry about Brennan. I think he's just having a hard time right now."

Edward's face was carefully blank.

"Yes, well, I'm sure I'll be upset when I can't sleep next to you too."

I felt my body go still at his words.

I guess that meant he knew Brennan had slept in my room a few times. Not that it was a secret. It wasn't as if anything happened, we cuddled like siblings. It was comforting.

This was great, yup, this is exactly how I wanted to start off spending a few days with my boyfriend.

I said nothing, because hell if I knew how to respond.

A very loud quiet filled the space between us.

Maybe I should tell him to take me back? If this is what the rest of the weekend was going to be like, I would much rather spend it in my own bed.

"I'm sorry."

I glanced over at his words. He was watching me, remorse on his face.

"It wasn't any of my business."

His words only made me feel more frustrated.

I resisted to urge to say anything, knowing it would only come out as biting sarcasm at the moment.

Minutes of silence ticked by. I took the moments to calm my mind, focusing on my breathing. A trick I learned in therapy. It worked for bad memories and anger.

"Will you pull over?" I asked calmly and politely. Edward's head jerked towards me worriedly.

"I really am sorry. I'm not trying to start a fight."

I shook my head.

"Please, just pull over."

His hands tightened on the steering wheel, but after a moment, he slowly came to a stop on the side of the road.

We were outside of the city now.

Green hills and beautiful landscapes surrounded us, a light fog creeping in.

I turned to Edward, giving myself a moment to look at him before I spoke.

He looked so nervous. Like I was about to tell him something horrible.

"I expect honesty from you. I'll give it in return."

It was simple.

His nod was slow, waiting.

"Brennan sleeping in my bed bothers you." It was a statement. His brows drew in slightly, and he nodded again.

"Yes."

"That's fair." He looked surprised by my words. "I don't expect you to understand what he means to me. But I do expect you to trust me. Does it bother you because you think it's sexual?"

He winced, but I waited patiently for his answer.

"Isn't it? At least to some degree?" I could tell it was hard for him to ask that.

"No. It's not."

He looked doubtful.

"But you've kissed him. More than once."

"True." I agreed. "But both of those times were before we got back together. And even when it happened, it wasn't sexual. It was comfort. It was sadness and hurt. It was a placeholder for what I actually wanted."

He watched me, his eyes showing hurt and desire all at the same time.

"We both have been hurt by people that said they loved us. And what we share is a bond of kindred pain. I know that must be hard for you to accept. And I don't blame you for being uncomfortable with me and Brennan being close. But you have to know, the only person I want, the only person I have those types of feelings for, is you."

He swallowed hard looking at me.

I gave us both a moment. To consider my words and breathe.

"Do you trust me?"

I promised myself, no matter what he said, I would take the answer gracefully.

It took him a minute to respond.

"Yes."

I was honestly surprised. I really thought he was going to say yes and no. Telling me that some things were harder than others to trust me on.

"Do you trust me?" he asked in return.

"I've been thinking a lot about that lately," I started. His eyes watched me. "I do trust you, but I haven't trusted you with everything. I'm not sure that now is the place for that conversation, but I do want to have it with you."

From the sad look in his eye I knew he understood what conversation I was talking about.

"Whenever you're ready." He brushed the back of my hand softly.

I nodded my head.

"Do you have any questions for me?" I wanted to be open with him. I got the impression it was easier for him if I opened the door.

He hesitated, as if he did have something he wanted to say. I gave him an encouraging look.

"It's not my business, but I want to know, when you get back after spending time with me, are you going to let Brennan sleep with you again?"

I guess I should have seen that coming.

"I'm not entirely sure what you think is going on, but this hasn't been an ongoing thing." He looked surprised. "He's just been off since the other night, and he's only joined me for a couple mornings."

He contemplated this news.

"I'm sorry for being upset about it. It's still hard for me to accept. Not because I don't trust you, but because it makes me jealous as hell."

I felt my brows raise at his admission.

"There isn't anything to be jealous over. We just cuddle a little, same thing I did with Ange back home. That's it."

He nodded his head.

"But I want to cuddle with you. I want to hold you in my arms and kiss you good morning. I want to be the first person you see every day. The first person to make you smile."

His eyes shined liquid gold, watching me lovingly.

"I want that too."

He leaned forward slowly, taking my chin in hand kissing my lips softly. The feather light touches were everything. I loved how it made me feel, him touching me, wanting me. Like I was full, perfectly complete.

We pulled back after a moment.

"I'm sorry for being so difficult. Just know I'm trying." His forehead rested on mine.

God how I loved him.

"It's okay. I'm learning too."

We finally pulled away, and got back on the road. It took another twenty minutes before we pulled up to Edward's home.

I was instantly in love.

It was a single-story stone cottage, surrounded by overgrown plants. There was an air of wild abandon about it. A small cobblestone path winded around the drive, through the garden to the front door.

"This is beautiful." I whispered. Edward gave me a warm look. "I assume you own it?"

He nodded.

"I've had it for a long time. I'm glad you like it. Hopefully the inside is equally as appealing."

I had no doubt.

Walking inside was a lovely experience.

The home was small, but not in an overcrowded way. It was simply cozy. There was a fireplace surrounded by plush couches, and a window seat overlooking the garden. Windows with lots of light filled the space.

I wandered through the house, finding the kitchen just to the left. It was quaint and modern at the same time. Filled with the latest appliances, but adorned with handcrafted, well-loved tables and chairs.

I looped back into the living area before making my way into the bedroom. Like the living room it was small, but nicely situated. The adjoining bathroom was beautiful built too. It housed both a gorgeous stone shower stall, and a clawfoot tub.

I'm pretty sure I was in a fairy tale.

"It's small," Edward commented sheepishly.

"No, it's perfect."

He relaxed a little.

"Would you like anything to drink? Eat?"

I shook my head no.

"I'm good."

Suddenly he looked edgy.

"Are you okay?" I asked hesitantly.

"Sorry. It's just, this is the first time we've been truly alone in a while."

Oh.

"Do I make you nervous?"

His smile was shy.

"A little," he confessed.

I didn't respond right away. Instead I carefully took his hand and led him towards the couch. We sat down, facing one another.

"How do I make you nervous?"

He almost looked like he was blushing.

"Well, uh, I guess I'm just worried about messing this up. Rushing you."

I rubbed his hands gently in mine.

"You're not rushing me. I want to be here with you. Do you feel rushed?"

He was quiet for a moment.

"Not exactly. It's difficult for me to know what the right pace is. I want you so badly sometimes, and then I'm terrified of hurting you. I'm struggling to find a good balance that works for both of us."

I appreciated his honesty.

"If you weren't worried about hurting me, what would you want?"

His face became so embarrassed, I thought I almost saw a tint of red on his cheeks.

"Everything." He said and swallowed.

Okay, it was a start.

"Everything is a little broad."

He breathed out a shallow breath.

"Ana, I can't-" he cut himself off.

I was starting to see how affected he was.

"What?" I asked gently. "What can't you do? Talk to me about sex?"

He shuddered, as if my asking was too much.

"It's- it's one thing to joke, but we're alone right now. And with your history-" he cut out again.

It was all making sense now.

"My history," I repeated understanding. His eyes flashed to me, tormented.

I guess it was time for the conversation.

"I'm sure you know more than you've let on, but you deserve to hear it from me."

His hands found my face, forcing me to look at him.

"Ana, you owe me nothing. And nothing is going to change how I feel about you."

It was sweet, but not entirely truthful.

"You say that, but you can't even talk about sex with me." He couldn't deny it. "Even if you don't want it to mean anything or change anything, it will. But ignoring it won't help either."

He looked like he disagreed, but he didn't say anything.

"Do you want me to talk about this right now?"

We didn't have to. We could keep things light for the next few days. Enjoy each other's company.

"I feel like you need to." He stroked my cheek.

Maybe he was right.

I nodded.

I'd been putting this off for far too long, and the longer I waited the harder it got.

"Okay. Just let me know if it's too much." I warned, hoping he would take me seriously. He nodded faithfully.

"I'm not going anywhere."

I steadied my heart, trying to think of where to start.

"First, I want to address something that you probably still feel bad about." I looked up, he was watching me patiently. "The night you left. When you accused me of being pregnant. I know you blame yourself for thinking it, but I wasn't exactly denying it."

He nodded.

"Were you at one point?" It wasn't an accusation. It was gentle and sweet. As if his heart was already breaking for me.

"No." I could tell it caught him off guard. "Renee was."

I was silent as my mind went back.

"You remember how I told you once, that I felt like I deserved death?"

His eyes were so serious as they watched me.

"She lost the baby. It was my fault."

I was surprised to find my cheeks were wet. I didn't think telling this story would have that affect anymore. I'd discussed it so much in therapy that I was sure I had overcome this part.

Edward wiped away the tears.

"Ana-"

I cut him off, already knowing what he was thinking.

"I'm not blaming myself unnecessarily. It's the truth."

He slowly closed his mouth, obviously disagreeing with me, but letting me say what I needed to.

"We were arguing. She had hurt me. She was hurting me. I was trying to get away, so I pushed her." I swallowed, unable to look at him when I said this. "She was almost three months along, and I pushed her."

Edward's response was to squeeze me tightly.

"I was only eleven. Obviously, I wasn't trying to hurt her. I just wanted to get away. But when she fell," my words broke. "There was a lot off blood. And I knew even before she rushed off to the hospital. She miscarried and I was to blame."

Silence greeted me like an old friend.

"Ana," Edward whispered against my hair, making me look up through wet eyes.

"I know. I know I was just a kid. And that she was to blame too. For hurting me. It's just, it's hard to accept sometimes that I was the final reason you know? Despite the drugs, and alcohol, and everything else, I was the one that literally pushed her over the edge."

He pulled me deeply against him, whispering loving words against my face. Telling me he loved me. Telling me how much I meant to him.

"I named her."

He stilled against me.

"Renee said she knew it was a girl. And when she told me, I named her." I wiped my face, taking a calming breath. "I decided to call her Lizzy. I was in love with Pride and Prejudice. I thought it was a good name."

"It's a perfect name," he agreed, sounding so sweet. I wondered how he could be so calm.

I let a quiet fall between us for some time, as the sorrow I felt for my little sister washed over me.

"You do know you aren't to blame, Ana." His voice was strong, and soothing.

"I am at fault. I know that it's not all my fault, but I'm part of the reason."

It was a reality for me.

"I've come to accept it. I- I went to therapy, was in therapy until I came here." Admitting that to him was hard for some reason. It was nothing to be ashamed of, I just felt odd about it.

Edward looked surprised, but in a good way.

"I'm glad you had someone to help you through that." His words were regretful. As if he wished he'd been there too.

"It was hard at first. But, it has helped."

He nodded silently.

There was more to tell, but I was afraid this part of the story would change everything.

"What is it love?" he asked watching my eyes, knowing without a doubt there was more.

"I need to tell you why I was fighting with Renee." His eyes were so fucking sad. He knew. I could tell.

"You know nothing you say is going to make me stop loving you Ana. Ever." His voice was absolute. It gave me courage.

"The reason I was fighting with Renee isn't because she beat me. It was because she sold me."

Edward tensed around me. I knew this must be so hard to hear.

"She just wanted drugs, nothing else mattered. Not me. Not her unborn child. Not even her own health. So when her drug dealer boyfriend decided he wanted me as payment, she agreed."

It was easier to talk about than I thought it would be. I was almost numb.

"She let him rape me, so she could get high." And that was the cold, hard truth. "They doped me with morphine to make me more compliant. I guess in retrospect it probably was better for me that way."

I was surprised when I heard Edward sob.

Looking up, his eyes were filled with so much anger and sadness. He was practically shaking.

"Ana," his voice was ragged. As if part of him had been ripped out.

"I can't say it's okay, because it's not. But I am okay now. It took a long time to get here, but I'm at a place where I've accepted these things happened to me and I can't change that. All I can do is move on and try to not let it define me."

He cried against my hair, holding on to me for dear life.

I never felt so loved or cherished, even in the face of such horrors.

It took a long time for him to calm down. I stroked his hair until he stopped shaking.

"You okay?" My voice was cautious. I knew he was overwhelmed.

"No." his words whispered against my neck. "How are you so calm?"

"I'm not always. But years of therapy and practice helped," I told him freely. "I'm sorry for upsetting you though. Even though you were prepared for it, it's still a lot to take in."

He shook his head against my collarbone.

"I hate it. I hate what happened to you more than I can bare. God, Ana. I love you so much, it kills me to think-" his voice cut out. As if he couldn't even speak the words.

"I know," I really did. "It wasn't a short or easy road to get where I am. I don't expect you to be put together right now. Just remember, I'm here with you. I'm safe. And I don't ever have to go through that again."

He shuddered against me. His eyes wild.

"No one will every lay a finger on you ever again." He vowed solemnly.

His tone was unyielding. It filled me with love and vanquished the hurt.

"You'll take care of me forever huh?" I asked lightly, knowing we both needed a little levity right now.

His eyes darkened a fraction.

"Always."

And he meant it.

We cuddled for some time, I was sure his mind was heavy with today's revelations.

I wondered how his feelings for me might change. I was actually surprised at how cuddly he was being. I thought for sure he would withdraw, unable to look at me without thinking about someone hurting me. But he didn't seemed bothered by that.

I swallowed hard, thinking about how nice his support would have been years ago.

"What's wrong?"

I should have known I was getting tense from my line of thinking.

"Sorry. I just really thought you'd pull away. Not because you'd want to, but because I imagine it's hard to look at me without thinking about it."

He was sitting up so quickly, I felt my head spin.

I watched as he struggled for composure.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult you."

He shook his head vehemently, before caressing my face yet again.

His green eyes were tormented.

"I am never going to think less of you for what happened. I love you so much, even more than I did a few minutes ago."

My throbbed at his words.

"I know you love me. I was just nervous that you might not be comfortable with physical affection for a while. And I don't want you to pull away or be scared about touching me. Because I want you to."

I twisted my fingers anxiously. I could tell he noticed.

He gave me a gentle look, before taking my hands in his, kissing them softly.

"No, Ana. If anything, it makes me want to be more affectionate."

That… confused me.

My face must have shown it, because he gave a strangled laugh.

"That came out wrong. I mean, I want to replace every bad memory you have with loving ones. And to keep repeating it over and over until there is a mountain of perfect memories, showing you how amazing, and worthy you are."

Fuck. I was crying again.

He kissed away the tears, his lips roving all over my face.

It filled me with love beyond anything I could even imagine.

"I love you so much." I whispered.

His adoring eyes said the words back to me tenfold.

"How about I build a fire?" He asked me after a few more minutes. "We can have some hot coco and just cuddle. Whatever you want."

I had a feeling he was going to be spoiling me a lot more. I would do the same for him.

"That would be amazing."

And it was.

AN: Obviously this was a really important chapter, a huge step for Bella & Edward's relationship.

I debated a long time on whether I should have it in my story, but the truth is these things happen to people all over the world. It's happened to people I love. And I felt like we need more stories that show despite all the shit the world can stack against you, there's always hope. And you deserve happiness. No arguments, end of story (low key got aggressive there)

Thanks for you for all the love and reviews. I always love to see your comments, and hope you're enjoying the story.