EPOV

"What do you think of this one, Muffin?" I ask, kneeling down to show her what I'm holding in my hand. "Do you think Mommy would like this one?"

She taps her chin thoughtfully and shakes her head. "It's not sparkly enough."

I agree and hand the jeweler back the princess-cut diamond ring I picked out, and he frowns.

"That's the last engagement ring we have in stock. Have you considered having one made? I can put you in contact with one of our artists, if you'd like. He's one of the best in the business. A true craftsman."

I shake my head. "No, we're in a time crunch. I need a ring by Thursday."

Marley bounces and stands on her tiptoes so she can look over the jewelry case. She gives Aro a big smile. "It's my adoption birthday, and Daddy is asking Mommy to marry him so we can be a real family."

I wrap my arm around her shoulder. "We're already a real family, but I would like to make it official."

Aro nods. "Why don't we look at a few more options that could work as an engagement ring? You could always get an enhancer to serve as a wedding band." He leads us to another case. "For the right price, our supplier can manufacture one before the wedding if you're in a hurry."

I lift Marley up and place her on my hip so we can take a look at some more nontraditional rings. The case is full of different stones and different cuts, and Marley's eyes sparkle with excitement. The second my eyes land on a ring in the top row, I know it's the one. It's perfect and holds significance to our story.

"Can we look at that one?" I ask, pointing to the pear-shaped amethyst stone set in white gold.

"Of course." He hands it over, and my breath hitches.

I couldn't picture a more perfect ring to grace Bella's finger for the rest of our forever.

"I love it," Marley whispers, moving my hand so the light catches the stone just right, making it sparkle under the fluorescents.

"Me too."

I don't check the price, ready to break the bank for Bella and hand over my credit card.

"Excellent choice. Let me box this up for you."

I purchase the insurance that comes with lifetime guarantee, resizing and routine maintenance. While Marley walks around the store, looking at all the sparkly things, I ask for the contact information regarding getting a band made.

I don't want to jump the gun and call until Bella says yes, but it would be nice to have on hand if she does. Which I really hope she does.

For once in my life, everything seems to be going according to plan, and I couldn't be happier.

Bella was oblivious when Emmett called, asking for someone to come help him down at Rosie's. They aren't really short-handed today—it's all a ploy to get everything done. Rose is on maternity leave for the next couple months, and we've been standing in as acting manager while she gets accustomed to motherhood. Maggie is only three weeks old, having been born almost a month premature, but she's in great health, and my best friend loves the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with her.

Bella offered to go in, and I wasted no time to let Marley in on my plans for the day.

We've been to three jewelry stores in town before this one, and I'm so glad we saved the best for last.

Now, I just have to worry about Marley potentially spilling the beans before her party. My girl isn't the best secret keeper, but I couldn't keep her out of one of the most important moments of our lives.

I couldn't not include her in every aspect.

My parents decided to host Marley's adoption party at their house when they found out. They're more than happy to help me make sure everything is perfect for the special day. Mom even took time off work to decorate and plan the occasion.

Luckily, I have my family's help in preparation. Surprisingly, Jasper is included in that. My brother has grown a lot in the past few months and surprised us all by showing up for Christmas with his new girlfriend in tow.

Alice is the opposite of my brother's usual type. Tiny, pale, and hair all the colors of the rainbow. She's a ball of energy that can easily give Marley, post ice cream night, a run for her money. They met in group therapy and are taking things slow, considering they both have been burnt by past relationships.

Jasper had a lot of apologizing to do, part of the reason he brought Alice with him when he came home. To help him make amends and try to correct his wrongdoing.

I stuck close to Bella, making sure her first Christmas with us was perfect and paranoid that my brother would come in and ruin it. But when he asked to talk to her privately, she assured me they'd be fine. And they were.

I'm not sure what Jasper said to her, but they both came back with red-rimmed eyes, and Bella was the one who planned a trip to North Carolina to celebrate his birthday in January.

We've come a long way, and I'm elated that my family is complete.

Now, I want to make it really complete. It won't be until Bella has my last name.

I really hope she says yes.

We're moving fast, but that seems to be our style.

"Daddy, can Perdita come to my party?"

"Of course, Muffin. Nana is planning to put her chickens in their coop for the day so she can be there."

We're walking back to the car, hands swinging, and her excitement is palpable when Bella texts, asking if we want to come have lunch with her at the restaurant. I figure now is as good a time as any to gage whether Marley can keep my proposal a secret or not.

I tell her that it's important, that it's a surprise for Bella, and she makes a show of zipping her lips, locking and throwing away the key. I can only hold hope that she keeps her promise.

Bella greets us at the door. "What have you two been up to?" she asks, greeting us with kisses.

Her hair is matted with sweat, and the front of her apron is dirty. She's been busy.

I offer her a noncommittal shrug and tell her we've just been running errands for Mom.

The ring nestled in the box is practically burning a hole in my pocket, and I realize I shouldn't just worry that Marley is going to spill the beans.

"Go take a seat, and I'll grab the food," she instructs. "Marley, ranch or barbecue sauce?"

"Hmm. Both."

While she's gone, Emmett pops by to say hello, and I give him the ring for safekeeping so I won't do anything stupid like propose on the spot. He promises to keep it safe until the party and tells Bella she can go home when we're finished with lunch.

"You're sure?"

He nods. "Alec is coming in at three, and I'm going home to my girls." He ruffles Marley's hair. "Would you like to come home with me and spend time with your cousin?"

Marley nods enthusiastically and turns to Bella and me. "Can I? Please?"

We okay a sleepover but remind her that she has ballet tomorrow at three. Emmett offers to drop her off in the morning, and we finish our lunch before saying our goodbyes.

Bella decides to take a soak in the tub to unwind from her long day at the restaurant while I take Perdita on a long walk. She loves to take a trip around the park close to the house before the sun goes down, and I'm more than happy to take her.

When we get home, Bella has set up the living room for a movie and an early night in.

She waits for me to get cleaned up and pats the spot next to her on the couch. I don't waste any time pulling her into my side and hum.

"You smell good."

She kisses my cheek and extends a leg. "New sugar scrub. Feel."

The movie goes unwatched while I enjoy her soft, sweet-smelling skin.

~MM~

The nerves don't start to kick in until the morning of Marley's party.

It's a chaotic race around to get everything prepared. Jasper and Alice drove in the night before, so the girls are working on food and enjoying passing Maggie around while the guys finish up last minute decorations.

Streamers, balloon arches, and goodie bags.

I'm nervous, hands shaking and in cold sweats while I stand perched on a ladder and wait for Dad to hand me the other end of the birthday banner we're hanging.

Marley practically floats around the house, excited for the day to come.

Something in me is telling me to just do it before I lose my courage.

When Bella comes looking for me, I ask her to come help me out back, and the entire room goes quiet. They all know what's about to happen.

She squeezes my hand and asks me if I'm okay, and all I can do is nod.

"What's going on with you?" she asks. "You've been acting strange all day."

I look back to the house and realize everyone is standing at the open sliding glass door. I clear my throat and swallow thickly.

"A year ago today, I picked you up from the airport, unsure what our future held."

Bella nods and her eyes well up with tears. "I know."

"I knew the second I placed my daughter in your arms that things changed, but I could never imagine how irrevocably those changes would be." I reach in my pocket and kneel on shaking knees. "A lot happened in those first months, but we got through it, and I'm asking you to be with me—"

I hold out my hand, and Marley joins us with a blinding smile.

"—to be with us forever. Bella Swan, will you marry me?"

Bella takes a deep breath and chokes on her answer. "I thought you'd never ask."