Chapter 22 - Confessions

EPOV

I headed down the stairs to our room slowly. It still felt strange, the silence. I wasn't used to it. For a hundred years there had been a constant babble of thoughts flowing through my head. They had been a constant companion to me these years. And although I sometimes cursed the fact that I could give no one in my family any privacy. I had to admit it was useful. I had acted as lookout for my family. I'd been able to intercept anything that might have been a danger to us otherwise. It was odd to suddenly not know if there might be someone out there.

I knew there wasn't of course.

Alice still had her gift and would see anything coming for us. Still it made me feel slightly blind and a little strange. I was grateful that I didn't have to hear the lustful thoughts of my family this night, though. I bet they felt the same.

I headed to the room and slipped into the ensuite. My clothes were quickly discarded to the floor and the shower was already filling the room with steam. I closed my eyes as I stepped underneath the warm spray. The sound of water rushing down my body and falling on the tile was the only sound I heard and a contented sigh escaped my lips. For a moment I simply basked in the silence and warmth that cocooned me.

My eyes snapped open as another sound registered. The soft turn of the doorknob. I wiped the water from my eyes and turned expectantly towards the door.

Bella stepped quietly in the room, her teeth worrying her bottom lip as she gazed at me.

'Bella.' I whispered softly. Joy threatened to burst from every pore from me. She had come. I had hoped she would. I hadn't wanted to push her or put her on the spot, so I had just left he ball in her court. A part of me had been terrified she wouldn't come to me, but here she was.

She gazed at me silently for a moment, then with her eyes fixed on me she slowly reached down to the hem of her sweater. She pulled it slowly over head.

I groaned softly.

She put her hands in the waist of her leggings and slowly trailed them down her legs. My gaze was locked on her body.

'Bella.' I whispered again. She discarded her leggings and straightened up. I licked my lips. She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. I felt myself getting hard and blinked a few times, trying to gather my thoughts. Her hands reached behind her back and with a quick snap, her bra trailed down her arms and fell away from her body. My breath stocked in my throat. Her panties followed and without hesitation she stepped into the shower, closing the door behind her.

She stepped into the spray and I could only gape at her, I was dimly aware my mouth was open as I stared at her, but I was unable to help myself. Her arms snaked up my chest and curled around my neck, bringing us closer together. The water cascaded down her body in rivulets and I was mesmerized. I hadn't seen her like this yet, and I was hypnotized. Her dark hair turned almost black under the spray and her body felt warm to the touch.

My hands went to her hips and I pulled her tightly against me. 'You're so beautiful.' I whispered in her ear.

'So are you.' She breathed as one of her hands trailed the line of my jaw.

I closed my eyes at the sensations that were rocking through my body. The soft feel of her lips against mine made a growl escape my throat. Bella moaned in response. My hands moved to tangle in her hair and clutch her closer against me. She pressed herself tightly to me as her lips parted against mine. My tongue slipped into her mouth and I moaned at the taste of her. I couldn't get enough of her. I held her tighter against me and she responded by going up on her toes and pressing herself tighter against me.

Her soft skin rubbed against me and I groaned. My hands trailed down her body, down her hips and gripped her thighs. I gripped them tightly and lifted her from the ground. Her legs instinctively wrapped around me and I moaned into her mouth. Her warm slick centre was pressed directly against me and I struggled to focus on anything else. I swung us around and pressed her against the tile wall, covering her with my body. I released her mouth to trail kisses along her jaw, down her neck and lavished attention on her breasts. I was lost in her.

I felt her fingers trailing over my back, grabbing my hair, before slipping down and heading down my chest. My breath stocked in my chest. I groaned as her small hand closed around me. She shifted against me and a soft moan escaped her lips. I pulled back to gaze at her.

'Edward.' She whispered softly. Her eyes shining with tenderness. My heart swelled at the sight of it.

'Bella.' I whispered back.

She positioned me in front of her entrance and I growled at the feel of her. Just as I was about to sheath myself into her fully, her hands gripped my face tightly and she stared deeply into my eyes.

'I love you.' she said. My eyes went wide. Shock rooted me to the spot for a moment, before elation swept through every nerve in my body and I slammed into her. She cried out in pleasure as she clutched me tightly to her.

'You are my life Bella.' I grunted.

Nirvana. That was the only word I could think of to describe this feeling. It was everything. It was perfect. Her cries became more frequent as I moved in and out of her tightness. I shifted my grip, holding her up with one arm, as the other moved down to caress her body. It seemed to be everything she needed, she clutched me even tighter for a moment before finally letting go. She shuddered as her walls clenched around me and I groaned, following her over the edge.

'You said it.' I whispered softly. We were lying in bed, after having left the shower and starting all over again on the bed. She smiled up at me and nodded. 'Not that I'm not thrilled, but can I ask… why now?' I asked softly.

I wanted to kick myself. Why was I questioning this? She said she loved me. I should leave it at that. But still I couldn't help myself.

She looked away from me for a moment. 'When Kate threatened to shock you… I just realized that I loved you more than anything. You've been nothing but supportive of me this entire time. You've done everything I've asked of you. I just realized that if you were willing to undergo that for me, there was no reason for me not to trust you completely and love you completely.'

My heart would have stopped at her words if it were still beating. Then my eyes closed as relief swept through my body.

'I love you.' I said, pulling her closer to my chest.

'I love you too.' She whispered back. We held each other tightly for a moment, until the sun streaming in through the window broke through our bubble.

Bella sighed. 'Ee should get dressed.'

I nodded in agreement. She sat up and stretched her arms over her head. I sat back and stared at her unabashedly. She was mine now. Fully mine.

'Will you be my fiancé again?' I asked her.

Then I mentally kicked myself.

I had promised myself I would let her bring it up. Her pace, I reminded myself. 'I'm sorry.' I said immediately, as she stilled. 'I should't have asked that.'

Bella took a deep breath and turned to look at me. she gave me a small smile. 'I'd love too.' She whispered.

A slow smile spread across my face and I leapt fromt the bed quickly. I rummaged through my jeans that were lying in the bathroom until my hands closed around the little velvet box. I hurried back to her side. She smiled at me, but as her gaze zeroed in on the ring box she burst out laughing.

'Have you really been carrying that around?' she asked after her laugher subsided.

I grinned sheepishly and nodded. 'Ready to spring it on you at the first mention of love.' I said trying to make ajoke out of it.

In all honesty I hadn't wanted to put it away. That would have made it so definite that she hadn't accepted me. If I kept it with me then it made me feel better about the situation. I was simply holding on to it for her.

'Thank you.' she said smiling softly at me.

I opened the box and held it out to her. 'Last chance to change your mind.' I whispered.

She grinned at me and shook her head. 'I'm here to stay.'

Elation swept through me and I plucked the ring from its velvet nest and took her left hand in mine. I slid the ring on her finger gently and kissed her hands.

'I love you, bella.' I said again.

'I love you more.' She said grinning at me.

I leant closer to her and kissed the tip of her nose. 'I love you most.' I whispered against her lips as I kissed her.

BPOV

We headed back up the stairs with our hand entwined a little while later, after thoroughly celebrating our new status together. I was acutely aware of the ring on my finger and as I climbed the stairs I was slightly worried about the reaction of our family. I knew the Cullens had been waiting with baited breath for this to happen – especially Alice. But I wasn't sure how the Denali's would react. I also wasn't sure if I was ready for the attention it would bring. I had felt in the spotlight enough this entire trip.

Edward pulled me tightly against his side. 'It'll be fine.' He whispered in my ear before kissing the side of my head.

I nodded and we headed towards the living room.

Alice intercepted us before we could get there. She squealed and threw herself at me. I staggered back a step from shock. Her arms warpped tightly around my neck and she squeezed me against her.

'I'm so happy for you!' she squealed.

'Thanks Alice.' I muttered against her hair, smiling at her enthusiasm. All heads turned towards us now and Edward's smile grew wider.

'Finally!' Emmett boomed and I started from the noise.

Edward rolled his eyes and shook his head. br /'Alright, Emmett. Calm down.' He said.

'No way. We've been waiting for ever for this! Welcome to the family little sis!' he continued.

Alice finally released me and I turned to look at Emmett. 'We're not married yet.' I reminded him.

Emmett shrugged. 'Engaged is close enough.'br /I smiled at his enthusiasm.

'Have you set a date?' Alice asked jumping up and down excitedly.

That stopped me for a moment. I hadn't thought about the fact that saying yes meant that we actually had to have a wedding. I turned to Edward slightly panicked. I had never seen myself as the type of girl to actually get married. I had never imagined myself in a white dress, getting walked down the aisle by my father. Yet with Edward, I suddenly found myself wishing for exactly that. But I couldn't have my father walking me down the aisle, my father thought I was dead. I had no idea if I was ready for a wedding it seemed.

'We haven't Alice. We've not discussed it yet.' Edward said, giving me a reassuring smile. He wrapped an arm around my waist comfortingly and pulled me slightly against him.

'Oh please have it here!' Kate suddenly piped up.

'Here?' Alice asked surprised, apparently she hadn't seen that one coming.

'Yes! It's been ages since we had a good party.' Tanya agreed.

'I could work with it.' Alice decided and I was suddenly overwhelmed by all of this.

How could they be serious? How was Alice already planning a wedding? I was still struggling with the fact my dad wouldn't be here to walk me down the aisle, I couldn't even begin to fathom having a wedding here this week. My breath started coming out in short pants and Edward held me tighter.

'Alice.' He said, his tone curt. 'Stop.'

Jasper walked over as well, putting a warning hand on Alice's shoulder as he kept his gaze on me. I felt calm seeping into my limbs and I tried to focus on that.

'Thanks everyone, but please enough now.' Edward addressed everyone. He threw me a weary glance and pulled me impossibly closer to him. I leant into him for support and cast my eyes down.

I felt stupid. Why did I have to react like this? All they wanted was to congratulate me. all they wanted was to welcome me into their family even further. Why was I being so stupid over this? I took a deep breath and calmed myself down again.

Then I turned to Edward. 'Can we be married here?' I asked softly, pushing through my fears and just putting it out there. I knew if I allowed myself to wallow in my feelings Edward would try to shield me from everything and before we'd know it we'd have a ten year engagement. I didn't want that. I loved him. I wanted him. And I wanted him forever. I would marry him tomorrow if it meant I got to keep him forever as well.

Edward turned his shocked face towards me. He frowned for a moment. 'Are you sure?' he asked softly, tracing my cheek with the tips of his fingers.

I nodded. 'I love you.' I said.

A breathtaking smile stretched across his face. He pulled me to his chest and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. 'I'll marry you anywhere, whenever you want, Bella.' He assured me.

'I'd like to marry you here. This week.' I told him, then I turned to the rest. 'If that's okay?'

Tanya and Kate were clapping happily. Irina smiled at me warmly, Eleazar and Carmen nodded enthusiastically and all the Cullens were practically bursting with satisfaction and joy. Alice clapped her hands excitedly and she stared at Edward for a moment. But Edward was still completely focussed on me.

'Are you still shielding him, Bella?' Alice asked, breaking us from out little happy bubble.

I turned to face her. 'What?' I asked a bit distracted, by Edward's hands that were roaming my sides.

'You're shielding him aren't you?'

I turned to look at Edward and realization dawned. Alice had been trying to have a conversation with Edward like they'd always done in her thoughts, but he didn't hear her.

I grinned at him sheepishly. 'I never stopped, since last night.'

'And there is no weakness? You don't feel tired, or have difficulty keeping it in place?' Eleazar asked slightly surprised.

I shook my head.

'That's amazing.' He muttered softly.

Alice crossed her arms over her chest. 'Well, let me know next time alright.' She said huffing out a breath. 'I felt like an idiot just yelling at him in my mind.'

Edward smiled at Alice. 'You could try just talking out loud from now on.' Edward suggested with a smile. 'I can't say I miss the contant babbling of all your voices through my head.'

'Like we were happy with you traipsing around in our heads.' Rosalie said, rolling her eyes.

Edward gave her a smile and laughed. 'I suppose not, Rose.'

'Let's just be grateful Bella has no problem shielding him, so we can finally after a century have our privacy back again.' Jasper said while grinning at Edward, who nodded in agreement.

Alice crossed her arms. 'fine, what I was going to say, Edward, I need you to go shopping first thing and I need you to stay away for at least a day.'

Edward's eyebrows shot up and mine did too. 'Why?' he asked.

Alice rolled her eyes. 'See this is where mindreading comes in handy.'

'Alice, I don't want him to leave.' I said, looking at her with a stern glare.

'I know Bella, and I swear I am not trying to railroad you, but if we're pulling off a wedding this weekend, we need to get moving. And the two of you together sending lovey dovey glances at each other every second will slow us down.'

'Alice. Enough.' Edward said. 'It's our wedding. Bella and I can do what we want with it.'

Alice pouted and I frowned. She'd promised me she wouldn't force me into anything, and I had to admit Edward and I could get a little distracted when we were together…

I sighed. 'Alright Alice. I'll agree on one condition.' Alice's eyes lit up, and Edward groaned beside me. 'I want to know what you have planned before you sent Edward away, if I agree with everything then he has to go, but if I don't you have to change everything I tell you to and Edward stays.'

Alice paled for a moment at my words and everyone turned to her expectantly. Her eyes glazed over for a moment before she nodded demurely. I stared at her for a moment before nodding as well.

'Alright let's sit down then and discuss your plans.' I said gesturing to the couch.

Alice groaned. 'Can we please just do it the two of us?' she asked. 'That way it will still be a surprise to some people.'

'Alice, everyone's going to help anyway, what's the difference?' Emmett said, sounding annoyed.

Alice pouted. 'But I want bella to know first.'

'Fine, let's go to our room then.' I said turning around. Alice clapped excitedly and raced down the stairs. I turned back to Edward. 'Well, let's go then.'

'I think she meant just you, love.' Edward said, smiling at me softly.

'It's your wedding too. Come on.' I grabbed his hand and pulled him with me down the stairs again. I didn't care what Alice thought. It was both our wedding, so Edward had as much right to know what she was planning as I.

We headed down the stairs and back into our room again. Alice was already there. When Edward stepped through the door her face fell slightly. I rolled my eyes at her.

'Alice, don't even start.' I warned her. Her eyes focussed on me, seeming to asses how serious I was about this. Apparently something about my gaze shocked her.

She bowed her head. 'Alice?' I asked concerned.

'I'm so sorry.' she muttered.

'What?'

'I did it again. I got so wrapped up in my vision of things that I was pushing it on you again.' She explained, looking up at me with a pained expression. 'You are absolutely right, Bella, Edward shouldn't have to leave just because that was what Jasper and I did. It worked for us, but it doesn't mean that that will work for you.'

I stepped towards her and wrapped her in my arms. 'It's okay Alice. I know you're just excited and want me to have the best weddign ever'

I pulled back and smiled at her. She smiled back.

'Alright then, let's hear it.' Edward said, sitting down on the bed and pulling me onto his lap.

Alice's eyes lit up and she launched into her plans with vigour.