Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. Any original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

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~~Edward~~

I jolted awake, the feeling of falling lingering from a dream.

Bella was in my arms, her head on my shoulder and her leg over mine under the cool, cotton sheet. I watched her breathing; the soft rise and fall of her naked breasts, her creamy white skin emitted a warmth that radiated in a blissful zapping sensation where our bodies touched.

She said 'yes'.

That wasn't the only thought whirling around in my brain.

Last night, after my proposal, we'd made love and fell into a deep sleep; the elation and sexual euphoria had exhausted us.

It was perfect. Bella had said 'yes'. Only now—after the fact—did I admit to myself that a small and nagging part of my brain had tried to emotionally prepare for an outcome that was the opposite of what I wanted.

I wouldn't have been able to fathom the scenario if she'd refused my proposal. In any case, I knew I wouldn't have taken 'no' for an answer, and if she'd said that word, I knew I'd have set my resolve to convince her to say 'yes', and the plan was to ask her daily until she'd agreed.

In the end, I shouldn't have worried that the answer could have been anything but 'yes'. I knew she was in love with me. Somehow that feeling of love was embedded so deeply within ourselves—in our souls—that the possibility of not being together was just unimaginable. Our love seemed to get more intense as the months passed.

I don't ever want to be apart from her.

I breathed in the smell of her hair and closed my eyes. I realized that I was surrounded by the only things I'll ever need in my life. This house—a fantastic home that would be a place where I didn't have to worry about the leeches—and Bella, laying in my arms in our bed. I thought back to how I felt when we had been alone together at the rustic Canadian cabin, and remembered how, even then, I knew that I could be happily content to only have Bella.

I don't need anything else. This is what love is, a definitive contentment.

I didn't know what time it was, but I knew Alice planned to arrive at 11am with the caterers she'd arranged, so we could celebrate a belated birthday for Bella.

That was what I had told myself; a 'Birthday party', because I hadn't been able to give her one in September, or even celebrate it then because she hadn't told me about it. Now, it would become a birthday party and an engagement party. I couldn't wait to let our closest friends know that Bella was going to be my wife!

I didn't feel anxious about surprising Bella with the day I'd planned. I was eager to show her the writing room. I'd purposely left that room off the tour; not that I hadn't wanted her to see it straight away. It's just that once I'd proposed we'd practically jumped each other, eager to make love and express our happiness intimately.

She'll love it.

Desire swept through my body again as I recalled her passion while I'd made love to her last night. Sex with Bella was just as essential to my existence as breathing, sleeping, or eating.

Bella stirred a little and sighed. Her left hand was on my chest; the ring fit her perfectly.

"I love you, Edward," she whispered.

"I love you too," I whispered back.

"We're going to get married." she replied.

I pulled her tighter in my embrace. "Yes, we are."

She hummed and kissed my chest. "I can't believe we're this...blessed."

"You need to believe it," I stated. "Every day, forever."

Then I shifted to lower my body down the bed and capture her lips in a gentle kiss. It didn't stay that way for long. Our bodies moved without hesitation—not hastily— just comfortably unhurried as we kissed and touched.

Now I was on my back and Bella started driving me insane, kissing slowly down my chest.

I let her. The feel of her wet lips on my skin made me feel so alive. The buzzing sensation where her lips touched my skin energized me. The feel of her wet tongue did the strangest things to my body. The pleasure rippled through me like a wave and the desperation I felt to be inside her became almost too much to bear.

Just when I thought I wouldn't be able to take it anymore, Bella straddled me, her soft, warm hand touching me, positioning me. And then she lowered herself.

In that moment, I was again lost in the sensation without any capacity of thought to comprehend time.

It was her body, the way she moved on me; the way her skin felt. The sound of our heavy breathing, and the almost faint chatter of the birds outside. I felt whole when I connected this intimately with her. All of it was a desperately sweet, sublime pleasure.

Bella set the pace. She started slow and steady, and I caressed her hips as she moved. Her hands ran over my chest and tickled through my chest hair. She was biting her bottom lip, and the sight was mesmerizing me, as I tried to take in the glorious sight of the soft swell of her pert breasts and the way they would move as she lifted herself, slowly, and then lowered herself.

"Edward, I want this...all the time…" she moaned.

I couldn't speak. I didn't need to. I wanted her all the time too.

She then stretched her arms up above her head to detangle the messy bun on top of her head, all the while gliding up and down. She yanked out the hair tie and her hair fell, as if in slow motion down over her neck, her back. She was glorious, beautiful. I heard myself groan with lust. I was the luckiest man alive.

Bella stared into my eyes and then suddenly lifted herself off me and rolled on her back, pulling at my arms and motioning for me to roll on top of her.

Her kisses were wet, and her hands were eager to guide me back into her body.

"I love you!" she panted. The feeling of sliding in deep seemed to again frazzle my brain and I thrust fast and hard.

Several glorious seconds later, I felt her come. She moaned my name in complete ecstasy and then, as her hands dragged from my back down to my bum and squeezed, I couldn't hold back. My orgasm was powerful and abrupt, replacing any energy I had with a blissful feeling of complete euphoria. I couldn't really believe it.

It seemed like an eon to get my breath back.

When Bella stopped kissing me, I opened my eyes and rolled onto my back. Her eyes shone wide and bright; her skin was flushed.

"Stay in this bed, please. Don't move. I just need to use the bathroom." she said and disappeared.

She was back in a flash. We lay in each other's arms, blissed out, sleepy. I tried to rouse myself. I knew Alice would be grumpy if I made her wait too long.

"Can we open the blinds? I really want to see the view." Bella said softly and wiggled out of my arms to find the controller for the blinds.

I couldn't wait for her to see the view, and then I'd tell her the house was ours.

She thought I'd booked it on AirBnB. She's going to be so excited!

I pulled her down and into my embrace and lifted the sheet over her body. She appeared giddy as she pressed the button and silently the blinds started to retract.

The morning sun reflected off the dew on the leaves, the soft blue cast was calming.

How I've missed this view!

"It's so beautiful. I wish we could stay here forever!" Bella propped herself on her elbows as she took in the almost panoramic view.

I took in a breath. I couldn't help but grin like an idiot as I told her. "We can. Stay here forever, I mean. I bought the house for us, Bella. This can be our new home."

~0~

~~Bella~~

I was in shock. Edward had purchased his old house for us, and it was perfect because I'd already imagined myself living here. It must be close to Dad and Elaine and yet it felt like we were kilometers away from civilization.

"When did you buy it…?" I asked, genuinely intrigued.

He'd been so busy with filming and recovering from his broken leg. I just couldn't comprehend that he'd found any spare time to arrange to buy a house!

"Remember the Doctor in Vancouver that knew my dad, Dr Gerandy? He told me it was for sale. Mom made the arrangements and decorated it. It's your birthday and engagement present." he said with the most heart-melting smile.

"My birthday was back in September," I said. I knew he'd wanted to buy me a gift, but this was way OTT! I could see from his excited expression that the house was something he'd wanted too, and that made it even more amazing, and I felt completely elated all over again.

"We don't have to hide here," he said with a calm and relieved voice. "Well, what I actually mean is that we can kind of hide out here. It will be the one place where we can be ourselves without the paparazzi invading. Our haven."

I let myself accept the fact that Edward was super proud and excited as he stared at me, waiting for my reaction. His hands caressed my face so tenderly, but I could see he was nervous waiting for me to speak.

"I love you. It's beautiful. But you know, I could live in a car, as long as we were together."

"Well, living in a car would be cozy." he grinned at me. "But definitely not as comfortable and where would you put your laptop?" he said softly and kissed me, deeply. "Quick, I have to show you something," he said as soon as his lips left mine, leaving me completely breathless.

He handed me his shirt that he picked up from the floor and stepped into his boxers.

I took my time sliding my arms into the sleeves and rolling them up, then slowly doing up each button, as I sat on the side of the bed, with my knees together. I was trying not to bite my lip as he waited, staring at my body rather blatantly and with a lascivious smirk.

"You're killing me!" he said with mirth.

"Sorry," I said without any hint of regret. "I'd rather not leave this bed for the next two days."

I started to lie back down, knowing that the shirt would just barely skim the top of my thighs. I knew I was being suggestive. I wanted him back on the bed with me and I knew I could use my allure to get him there. I owned it, this time. I was just about to be extremely obvious about what I wanted by slowly spreading my legs—

But Edward grabbed both my wrists and pulled me off the bed and into his arms.

"You can't do this to me. I really, really want to show you something. Then we need to get dressed. Alice will be here soon."

"Alice is coming over?" I asked with excitement.

"Yes, we're having an impromptu, belated Birthday party for you."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Nothing is impromptu when it comes to Alice. She knows you proposed?"

Edward simply grinned at me and started leading me down the hall. The polished timber floors felt silky smooth under the soles of my feet. The soft cool cotton of Edward's shirt felt divine against my overheated skin as I walked; I could smell his cologne on the collar. It made me itch to get him naked and back in that heavenly bed.

This time, we can make love with the blinds open! Well, not if Alice is on her way.

I knew if Alice was arranging this impromptu party, it would have been organized weeks ago, and it would be much more than anything I could seriously try to imagine. I was so excited about seeing her again. She had stayed with Angela and Ben in the first few weeks after Edward's accident on set. We had bonded. I mean, she was the loveliest, weirdest person I think I'd ever met. She was direct, efficient, and no-nonsense. I felt a wave of nervousness, which I blamed on my empty stomach. And like clockwork, my tummy grumbled in hunger, and I suddenly felt like I needed a very strong espresso.

Edward squeezed my hand as we entered a gorgeous room at the end of the hall. It was a corner room, with floor to ceiling glass revealing a glimpse through the trees of a winding river the distance.

It was breathtaking.

There was a beautiful desk, comfy-looking leather office chair and lots of bookcases. There were a few boxes next to the desk. 'Bella's Things' was written in black Sharpie, my dad's handwriting.

"I saved the best room for last. Your writing room." he said and smiled. "Happy Birthday, my future wife."

I was speechless with joy and happiness. Yet I was also very overwhelmed by this gorgeous man—standing in front of me shirtless, glorious in his strikingly beautiful masculinity and heart-stopping smile—who wanted to marry me.

This house is ours. I could sit at that desk and do the one thing (apart from loving Edward) that made me feel like I had a purpose in life. To write!

"I love it! I love you!" I exclaimed and wrapped my arms over his shoulders and kissed him.

~0~

~~Edward~~

I managed to convince Bella to take a shower, alone. Once she was in the bathroom and I heard her turn on the water, I texted Alice and threw on my jeans and a shirt.

Alice must have been parked at the top of the driveway, because a few minutes later she was breezing in through the front door with two caterers holding trays of food.

"Congratulations!" she winked at me and then directed the caterers to set up in the main dining room.

I followed her to the kitchen, and she put down what she was carrying and hugged me.

"It's so fantastic you bought this house. I just felt like Bella belonged here, you know. Mom has made it even better than it was! It's so amazing! Where's Bella?" she asked.

"In the shower. We slept in."

"Yeah, I bet you did!" she laughed.

"Now, go and have a shower as well. People will be arriving soon."

I reluctantly trudged up the stairs and had the quickest shower in history in the guest bathroom. When I went back downstairs ten minutes later, Alice had all the food laid out on the formal dining room table, along with the glassware, cutlery, and plates.

"It's spectacular, as usual, Alice."

"Yo!"

I turned, expecting Jasper, but it was Emmett.

"Where's the Birthday girl?" he asked.

"Here! But very belated!" Bella laughed as she came bounding down the stairs.

"Great! I was hoping to talk to you both in private before the guests arrive, if that's OK?" Emmett looked cautious and yet determined.

"Guests?" asked Bella. "I thought it was just Alice and Jasper coming over?"

I couldn't help but smile. She's going to have to get used to being the center of attention as far as I was concerned.

"It's your Birthday. I invited all of your friends." I said casually. I kept a straight face. She looked utterly perplexed.

That's when I noticed Emmett was holding a plain white envelope and was looking anxious.

"Let's talk in the living room?" I addressed Emmett. The envelope sparked my curiosity.

Bella immediately held my hand and the three of us walked from the dining room to the living room. Her hand was soft and still warm from her shower. The fresh smell of her shampoo tickled my nose, and I breathed her fragrance deeply. I was almost lightheaded with the excitement of sharing this day with our friends and very eager to announce to everyone that we were engaged.

I pulled her close to my side and inhaled. I was about to talk but Emmett beat me to it.

"This is for you both. It would be really good if you could read it now, keep an open mind." he held out the envelope. 'To Bella and Edward' was hand-written on the front. It was Rosalie's penmanship.

I watched Emmett as I pulled the letter from the envelope. He turned and walked over to the window. He held tension in his upper body and ran his hand through his hair, staring out to the amazing view.

Not good news then?

I read:

Dear Edward and Bella,

I don't expect that you will ever forgive me for the way I behaved, or the things I said.

I'll always regret not telling you sooner, Edward. I knew you wanted to help, but the thought of admitting my mistakes to you seemed incomprehensible at the time. I was paralyzed with humiliation and shame.

I'm sorry I was so rude to you, Bella. Any person that had a simple life—the life that I coveted—was the enemy. Well, at least that thought kept me functioning and, in a way, helped me to be able to recognize the poisonous brainwashing that King put me through. I apologize for my intimidating words and my obvious rudeness.

I know I was responsible for all my actions, and I feel sick and embarrassed about all of it.

I'm thankful for so many things in my life. Emmett is at the top of the list. I am grateful that he was willing to forgive my mistakes and that he loves me, regardless of my past. I want to be a better person when he's with me. He made me see how utterly unhappy I've always been. I can be happy now, with him.

I know it may take some time for you to trust me again, Edward. I'll try my very hardest to right the wrongs of the past, for you to believe in me.

Bella, I won't expect that we'll be close friends, but Edward means the world to Emmett and my hope is that we do see more of each other in the future.

All I can do is apologize for everything and I hope for your forgiveness.

Happy Thanksgiving.

From Rosalie.

I passed the note to Bella and took in a deep, calming breath before I looked directly at Emmett. He waited silently for Bella to read the letter and when she looked up, he stepped towards us.

"Rose was almost physically sick writing it, but I told her it was the least she could do."

He had a determined expression, and I knew he cared for her so much more than I initially thought.

"I won't ever try and excuse her actions, Edward, but you need to know that she's truly remorseful about how she acted that morning. She's getting professional help, and I think that'll help her understand how much danger she put you in. She's really anxious that you'll never forgive her."

The residual anger I felt whenever I thought of that morning started to make my heart rate accelerate and then I felt Bella slip her warm hand in mine and squeeze it.

The action completely calmed me.

I'd recovered from my injuries. Being unconscious and in a hospital had also given me the most life-altering experience; dreaming of what my past with Bella could have been like. It also set me on the path to buying this home and provided a public forum for Bella to face the media and fans in a way that empowered her to tell the world that she was mine. I didn't want to dwell on the fact that it could have been catastrophic for me. It wasn't.

I looked Emmett directly in the eye. "I forgive her. I'm really happy that she's finally worked it out, you know?"

Emmett nodded his head, and then he smiled, stepped forward and bear-hugged me so tight I could barely breathe.

"I forgive her as well." said Bella. "She's very lucky to have you, Emmett."

Emmet let me go and then proceeded to embrace Bella in an equally overzealous bear hug.

"Thank you, both." he sighed with relief.

Just then I could hear Alice approaching from the dining room.

"Bella!" she squealed as she almost ran to hug her. "Congratulations! I'm so very happy that you're going to be my sister!"

"What?" asked Emmett, looking confused.

"I proposed to Bella. We're getting married." I told him.

Alice was admiring Grandma Platt's ring on Bella's finger. I watched mesmerized as Bella's face flushed in a crimson blush, and her smile seemed to fill my body with intense pleasure.

"Oh man, this is epic." Stated Emmett and hugged me again. "Congratulations. I suppose stalking a girl to a cabin can really pay off, huh?" He 'play' punched me in the arm, but I still rubbed the spot as an automatic reaction.

~0~

~~Bella~~

Edward made sure I ate some brunch and made me a heavenly espresso. I wanted to ask who was coming over, but I forced myself to be gracious and let Alice do her thing.

Angela and Ben showed up first and then Eric and Samantha, and even though I knew Eric still held a flame for Angela, it wasn't awkward, in fact I think he was relieved that he seemed to get along so well with Ben.

Edward's parents turned up next and I could see Esme's glint of pure joy when she spotted the ring on my finger. They had me feel so welcome and accepted, since I'd met them in the hospital all those weeks ago. I was so happy that they would be my in-laws.

It really felt like my Birthday was today and not two months ago.

Jasper breezed in then, with bags of ice and behind him were two men wearing waiter outfits. They set up the champagne in ice buckets and worked the room, making sure everyone had a glass.

"Maybe I should get changed into something more formal," I whispered in Edward's ear as everyone mingled in the living room.

"You're perfect." he stated and pulled me closer.

And so are you.

I was beyond excited when through the door Kate and Garrett walked in with Alistair in his baby carrier.

"Kate!"

"Bella!" She laughed and gave me a warm hug. "You look radiant. Being in Forks really agrees with you. Thanks for inviting us, Edward."

Edward stepped behind me and rubbed my lower back, smiling at Kate. I turned to him. "Are you going to make an announcement? I can't hold it in any longer."

Kate looked at me puzzled.

Edward wrapped his arms around me and sighed. "Not everyone's here yet, but how can I resist you?"

Edward turned us both towards the crowd of people gathering in the living room and coughed to get everyone's attention, just as Mike the Concierge and James the bartender walked into the room, looking nervous. They both smiled in recognition when they saw me and Edward. I was thrilled that these familiar faces from my time in Vancouver were here!

"Fantastic, now everyone's here. I just want to thank you all for being here today. As you know, Bella's birthday was September thirteenth, but we never had a proper chance to celebrate."

Edward paused, noticing that the waiters were ensuring Kate, Garrett, Mike and James all had a glass champagne or juice in hand.

"I want to thank my mom for her amazing decorating. I want to thank Alice for arranging this party for Bella. Thank you all for coming. It means so much to us." Edward squeezed my shoulders.

"Everyone, my announcement probably won't come as a surprise to some of you. In some way, each of you have helped us, to…overcome obstacles. I can't accurately express to you all, how much your support has led Bella and I to this moment. I'm very ecstatic to let you all know that Bella has agreed to marry me and so this party is also our engagement celebration!"

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