{Chapter}
~Liberty Point of View~
I will admit despite the rush I was to get to Fork and no doubt Jasper's rush to return to Alice. We took our time driving the long-distance home. Jasper needed to stop to hunt, to manage my scent, refusing to allow me to make the journey alone. I didn't mind, he hunts while I ate considering that I had to eat. Jasper was amused at my need to see things, surprised that during my life I hadn't really traveled much in the united states outside of bases. But I did want to go home.
That was a new concept for me, but I knew that Forks was now home to me, because that is where he was. I had accepted and was finally ready to embrace the feeling he instilled in me. It was the most freeing thing I had ever felt and the most terrifying as well. I knew that this would not be easy, but I was a soldier who never backed down from anything. I had to believe that we could face whatever we would face together. I smiled as the hours passed and the closer, I came to Forks. I was positively giddy as I saw the sign 'Welcome to Forks'.
"Excited?" Jasper questioned with a smirk sensing my overwhelming excited
"Yeah, I forgot what the feeling of coming home felt like" I replied in a whisper before smiling sadly at the passing trees "And it never felt like this"
"I understand" He said honestly, and I took a breath to calm the nervous feeling that was building "He will be waiting for you"
"You think Alice told him?" I questioned as Jasper chuckled shaking his head
"Alice likes to ensure her visions work out perfectly, she did not make him aware of impending arrival" He said honestly as I smiled knowingly, of course Alice would love playing matchmaker
"Yeah, she is perfect like that" I said softly as he laughed a little shocked
"I am not use to others not arguing against my mate's ways" He said in amusement
"I would never change anything about her, Alice is one of those rare people that just wants the happiness of others" I said softly as Jasper smiled fondly at the compliment to his mate
"I see it now" He said seriously as I blinked in confusion "Why you were destined to be her best friend"
"Oh" I said chuckling lightly understanding the meaning "Thanks"
~Time Lapse
I began trying to reign in my emotions as we approached their home. I knew that I loved him completely and as terrifying as it was originally, I was excited. I had never known this feeling before, it made me feel complete for the first time in my life. The answers were there just waiting for me to have the courage to listen to them. It was completely and freeing. When Jasper pulled the car to park outside the house amazed a little bit that he just didn't appear out of thin air.
"Liberty" Jasper said softly before allowing me to exit my car "I am going to meet with the others, they are all hunting"
"Alice?" I questioned with a raise eyebrow
"Alice" He said with a smirk before exiting the car "Good luck"
"I don't need luck" I replied in amusement as he chuckles surprising me with a hug
"For what it is worth, I am glad to have taken this journey with you" He stated softly as I shallowed knowing that Jasper needed a friend just as much as Alice did
"Thank you for coming" I whispered as he chuckled "Tell the others to enjoy their hunt and I am looking forward to seeing them soon"
"I can do that, now stop stalling and go surprise Edward before he overhears us, and Alice gets mad" Jasper said causing me to laugh
"No one would want that" I stated in amusement as I could hear his chuckle in the wind as he disappeared from sight.
I stood there for a moment just listening to the silence while gathering my courage. Jasper was right earlier when he said it was scary. I hadn't ever said these words to anyone, and I knew that this was a moment that my life would change. For the first time in my life, I would have a partner at my side. I smiled as I entered the house that grew when I took in the soft musical notes playing in the air. I loved when Edward okayed, I adored it. The notes called to me as I walked as quietly as I could to the room where I knew he was.
I wasn't entirely prepared for the sight that I came upon. He had his eyes close with a look of sadness as he played with all his heart, as he always did. I vowed from this moment forward, that this would be a rare sight. I would strive to ensure that he is happy more often than not. It was strange that loving him and accepting it, had increased my desire to place his needs above my own. It was like as love as he smiled, nothing else would affect me.
In was standing there watching him that I realized that accepting my emotions had heightened my ability to read his aura. There it was, shining from the core of who he was. There was love and hope that took my breath. It was in that moment I realized what Virginia was speaking about all those months ago, that my center wasn't within me. Edward was my center and control because my love for him was within my very soul. There amongst the notes of a song that I finally understand that was my song, I found my strength to face anything because this male would be at my side.
"That is the most beautiful song I have ever heard" I whispered from my place into doorway the moment the song ended "Guess I owe you that dance"
"Liberty" He whispered looking at me in disbelief, like he didn't honestly believe that I was there
"I know that I should have realized it sooner and I am sorry that it has taken me so long to accept it" I explained watching as he still looked dazed "I love you, Edward. I love you with everything I am and with everything I have to give."
~Edward Point of View~
I froze stunned at those spoken words from my mate. I felt something within my chest, warm and all consuming. I felt complete for the first time in my existence, hearing her state that sacred word. I moved forward appearing in front of her staring at my star, my hope.
"I love you, too" I stated with a smile touching her face "I can't believe you are really here"
"I am here" She confirmed kissing the inside of my palm "I love you, Edward, so much. I am back and am not going anywhere without you again if I can help it"
"Are you sure? I don't want to pressure you into something" I questioned as she just smiled gently taking my hand
"I never unsure about you, it was never about you. I know that I love you and I know that you love me, I know that you choosing to love me is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me" She stated pulling me to sit
"You have no idea what hearing you say that means to me" I whispered pulling her closer "You are my everything and it would be the greatest honor if you would allow me to be your boyfriend and mate"
"I would love to date you, mate" She said with a smile as the word mate from her mouth made me shiver with delight
"Can I kiss you?" I pleaded softly as she nodded giving me a soft look "Are you sure?"
"Of course, I am" She whispered as I placed my hand on her face relishing in the soft skin
I leaned forward slowly giving her time to change her mind and pull away if she needed to. I moved my lips to cover hers gently, knowing that I had to be careful. I had wanted to do this for a long time and the fact that this was happening was too much to believe. I put a little more pressure against her lips moving mine carefully, I was not preparing for the slight taste of her on my lips. I growled at the most delicious taste, even as slight as it was, knowing it would be burned into my memory.
Her hand moves to lay gently on my chest, feeling her warmth as if it was fire. My lips moving against her own as I reminded myself to be careful as my hand move to her silky hair. I could hear the quickening of her heartbeat. I pulled back needing a minute as the venom filled my mouth at the feel of her heart through her lips.
"I am sorry" I whispered ashamed after a minute to gather myself
"Don't apologize" She stated softly cutting me off when I went to protest "Edward, I am never ever going to judge you for needing a moment. I will need them in the future as well. I am not naïve and am well aware that you have superstrength and have desires that I do not understand. However, I never want you to apologize for it. We will set our own pace and while I am not ready for a more intimate conversation about it, I know that we can manage anything together"
"You are sacrificing a normal relationship for me, I cannot offer you the same as a human could" I said honestly pulling her close again "It is a risk, being in a relationship with a vampire. I could harm you at any time"
"I am not going to pretend that it will be easy" She said placing a hand on my face as I leaned into her warmth "But I want you to promise me something"
"Anything" I replied quickly knowing that there wasn't anything that I wouldn't do for this angel, my mate
"Promise me that this will be an equal relationship. That you will not keep things from me and that everything that we face, we face together. I am letting you know this now because I will not tolerate anything less. I understand that you have lived a long time, but this is new to both of us. When you find yourself having doubts about anything or facing a problem, you come to me, and we can talk about it. I will do the same. I know that we will make mistakes and have setbacks, but I honestly believe that while neither of us is perfect that there isn't anything that we can't solve together. Promise me that you will remember that we are in this together, it is the whole purpose of being in a committed relationship" She explained holding my other hand in hers as I squeezed it thankful for her words
"I can promise you that, mate" I stated kissing her cheek "I would never dream of taking away your ability to make choices or changing anything about you. I adore everything about you and know that I can speak with you about anything"
"I am glad that you think that. I know that I haven't explained a lot, but I am fairly sure that I would beat the shit out of you if you pulled the shit you did in that series to Bella" She whispered with a chuckle as I moved forward nuzzling her neck
"You are nothing like that girl. I would not ever attempt to treat you anything less than my perfect match, my mate. The changes that you have made in me, are far greater than she could have ever achieved. I have been changing since the moment I have met you. You have instilled beliefs that I never believed in, changed my views on things that were once ingrained in me. You are my equal and I shall never treat you as anything less" I vowed placing a quick kiss to her lips as she chuckled against mine in response
"I love you" She said softly as I smiled pulling her into my arms carefully
"I will never tire of hearing you say that" I whispered kissing the top of her hair "I love you too"
I relished in having her in my arms, being able to hold her close. She sighed snuggling into my chest causing me to smile as I leaned down breathing in her scent. I could spend an eternity with her in my arms and be context for the rest of my day.
~Time Lapse
"What are you thinking?" I questioned softly as I moved my fingers through her hair as she lay on my chest
"Just how happy I am, it is a strange feeling" She whispered with a blush causing me to smile brightly in complete agreement.
"I understand" I stated with a smile because I understood how it was too good to be true, to have her in my arms
"I love you, Edward" She said softly hugging me tighter as I smiled kissing the top of her head
"I love you too" I stated just as soft running my fingers down her down gently enjoying the warmth from her being so close
"I am really sorry" She stated as I looked down at her confused "That I left like that, I know that it hurt you"
"You needed to, I understood that" I replied kissing her gently "I may not understand what you were doing when you were away and I did miss you dearly, but I knew you had to do it. But you have thought through everything? You know without any doubts that I love you and not her?"
"Yeah, you made a lot of points that I needed to think about and accept." She said softly thinking for a moment "I know that there will always be a small part of me that feels bad for Bella, for the love story that happened in my world. I accepted though that is all it is, a story to me. That you and everyone here isn't a fictional character, that she doesn't own you and that you chose me."
"I am glad that you came to that realization" I said softly touching her cheek enjoying the softness
"As am I, I knew that it was something that I was failing at doing since arriving here. I needed to realize that after all this time I was still keeping the mindset that this was all partially fictional, instead of real. Now I am with you, completely in love with you, with my eyes wide open" She whispered flashing me a smirk causing me to chuckle kissing her quickly
"I love you" I said kissing her again as she smiled against my lips "But I have to ask, what did you do? Where did you go?"
"And why Jasper?" She questioned giving me a knowing look as I nodded feeling guilty about it "I kind of just traveled, but the first place I really stopped was in my home state. I went to see the Kelly of this world."
"Liberty" I said knowing how hard that must have been
"It was painful, she didn't know me. The twins, especially Kelly, were important to me and seeing them in front of me having no idea who I was broke a little piece of me" She explained as I frowned not knowing how to make this better for her "But then I had to remember that they are okay in my world and in this one Kelly won't enlist to follow me meaning she will be safe. That has to be enough for me"
"I can't imagine" I whispered as she nodded into my chest
"After I left there, I ended up going to my hometown, it was the same in both world. I didn't need to leave because of you, but because of something that I failed to face from that time in my life. Before I even reached the town, I knew that I couldn't manage it alone. There was no way that I could enter that house without someone that could help me maintain control and while Jasper can't affect my emotions, I knew he would understand what I was facing. I wanted you there, but honestly Jasper is the one I knew could understand what I needed with how dark my history is there. A history that made me feel like I wasn't lovable" She explained tensing with each word
"Liberty" I stated stunned at the notion as she blinked back tears as I pulled her closer gently "You are worth so much more than I could give you, you deserve the world. You deserve love, more than anyone in this world or your original one. I may not be able to give you everything, but I promise you that everything I am and everything I have to give is yours including the overwhelming love that is for you alone"
"Edward" She whispered with tears glittering in her eyes.
I could clearly see it now, the broken girl inside the strong woman. I leaned forward wiping away a few tears before kissing her forehead followed by her cheeks then the side of her eyes. I kissed the tip of her nose before finally claiming her soft lips pouring everything I could into the kiss, as much as my control would allow, in an attempt to show her just how much I adored her and cherished her. I pulled back after a few short moments looking at her, straight into her deep blue eyes.
"Do you understand?" I questioned and she nodded trembling beneath my heads "Good because from this moment forward, when those memories overwhelm you or when those feelings come back, I need you to remember that I am here. When you feel unlovable, let me show you how very loved and adored you are"
"Okay" She said in a whisper kissing my cheek before laying her head back on my chest.
There were no doubts in my mind, that this would be a conversation we would need to have again. I knew that there was only a small portion of her past that I was aware of and almost nothing about the darker things she had face. I would need to show her that she had me, that we would always have each other. That she could rely on me just as I know I could rely on her.
I moved to kiss the top of her head because I could now. I felt her sigh against my chest as I moved my fingers down her arm as she curled into my chest. I relished in the intimacy with her, as innocent as it. I smiled as I noticed her breathing even out glancing down at her to see she had fallen asleep. I knew that she was still suffering from exhaustion, but we would work on that. She was back and I knew she slept better in my arms. I would take care of her.
~Time Lapse
~Liberty Point of View~
I smiled in amusement as I hung up the phone from calling Virginia. Edward was in the kitchen attempting to cook for me as Esme normally did. I bit my lip to keep from laughing know that this was just one of his ways to show that he cared, but he did look insane in Esme's apron. He looked up throwing me a wink causing me to chuckle at the scene before me.
"What are you doing?" I questioned seeing he was grabbing the cinnamon from the cabinet
"What?" He said in confusion, and I chuckled grabbing the cinnamon out of his hand.
"Cinnamon and spaghetti sauce does not go together" I said in amusement kissing his cheek as I set it back on the counter "Let me help."
"But I wanted to cook for you" He pouted, and I shook my head in amusement kissing his cheek again.
"We can cook together this time, watch and learn" I said going over to the cabinet to get out the fresh herbs.
"I would like that" He whispered wrapping his arms around me from behind as I turned down the stove top
"It has been a long time since I have done this" I stated with a chuckle as I began mixing the herbs into the pot.
"Is it hard?" He questioned leaning over me as I added the Italian parsley
"No, not really. It is just about getting the seasoning right really" I explained loving the look on his face, clearly curious about what I was adding
"I don't think I have ever seen you cook" He stated as I moved holding out the spoon for him "Just mix it?"
"Yeah, stir it slowly while I get the water for the noodles ready" I directed turning to the pots "And you would not have seen me cook, Virginia and Esme oversee it normally"
"They like taking care of you" He stated as I smiled filling up the water
"I know" I replied moving the pot to the stove kissing his cheek "I like this though, cooking with you"
"I do too" He whispered quickly kissing me before turning back to the sauce "How long does this take?"
"Not long, it only takes a few minutes when the noodles are in the boiling water." I explained moving to set the table
"Where did you learn to cook?" He questioned as I smiled remembering the one of my better memories
"I learned from my grandmother a lot. But this I learned when I spent a month in Italy once" I stated glancing at him to see him smiling at me "It was a rare moment of freedom from life and being a soldier, I met this chef who respected American soldiers for keeping her son alive in world war two actually. She taught me how to make this, her secret family recipe. Granted it is much better from complete scratch instead of using the store-bought paste"
"That is amazing, she sounds like an amazing woman. I am guessing you like to travel?" He questioned and I nodded in confirmation moving to add the noodles to the water
"I love to travel; I love learning about diverse cultures and the people surrounding them. I haven't traveled nearly as much as I would like and most the places that I have seen were war zones" I explained as he brushed his hand across my cheek softly causing me to shiver.
"I will take you anywhere you want, we will have all the time in the world to travel the world together" He vowed causing me to smile at him
"I am going to hold you to that" I said in amusement setting the timer
"I cannot wait to try it" He stated smiling the sauce as I chuckled pushing my power into it
"Go head and give it a try, see if it is missing anything" I directed as he smirked tasting it
"That is really good" He replied holding out the spoon for me to try as I hummed at the taste
"Yep, that is ready" I said moving around him to turn down the heat "Now it just simmers until the noodles are done"
"I will pick out a wine, red or white?" He questioned placing a hand on my back
"Red" I directed enjoying the date like feel to this dinner already "I guess this could count as our first date"
"No" He said setting the wine of the table with two glasses "Our first date will be me officially asking and planning an evening out, you deserve that"
"Okay" I said with a chuckle as the timer went off
"I will get that" He stated before I could move already grabbing the pot of boiling water
"Thanks" I replied knowing he was doing it for my safety, silly vampire
~Time Lapse
I smiled as Edward moved to clean up the kitchen after a genuinely nice meal. No matter what Edward said, I was considering this to be date. It was too nice of a dinner and a day for it not to be. Edward used his speed to clean up as I moved to the living room but before I would even sit, I was being picked up into his arms. I laughed in surprise as he sat down holding me securely to his chest.
"What is it?" I questioned hearing him groan suddenly as the front door opened and I knew he heard his family returning.
"About time kiddos" Emmett boomed and before I had the chance to stand, he was giving me a huge hug pulling me away from Edward who growled in disappointment "Welcome to the family little sis."
"Thanks Teddy, but technically I am part of the family. I am dating Edward" I said with a smile as he released me
"Yet" Edward whispered in my ear causing me to shallow thickly at the statement as Emmett patted Edward so hard on the shoulder, I was surprised he didn't fly into the wall.
"Congrats bro! Hurt her and I hurt you" He said as Edward growled lightly at him.
"I would never hurt my mate" He said kissing my cheek "I would never harm you"
"I know" I said in honestly as Alice grabbed me into a tight hug causing me to flinch as my powers surged to my skin
"Finally, I thought I would have to lock you both in a room together or something" Alice said squealing in happiness "I am so happy for you both."
"Thanks Alice" I said softly before she released me and hugged Edward.
"I told you it would work out" Alice said with a smirk toward him as Jasper smiled at me
"I couldn't think of a better person for a future sister" Jasper said softly as I smiled in thanks knowing it was in response to an earlier conversation
"Thank you, Jasper," I said honestly before watching him pat Edward on the shoulder clearly thinking something to him that had Edward's eyes widen before he nodded in whatever agreement they just came to
"If you need any help dealing with Edward just let me know" Rosalie said, and I smiled at her knowing that she wasn't used to showing emotion to any human, but I knew she was genuinely happy for us
"I will keep that in mind" I said with a smirk as Edward shook his head in amusement at whatever silent message, he just received from her.
"I am so happy for both of you" Esme said softly pulling me into a hug and I smiled brightly, I had never truly had a mother before.
"Thank you. Esme" I whispered honestly before pulling away watching as she hugged Edward whispering something to him that brought a huge smile to his face.
"I trust that you are well?" Carlisle questioned softly as I nodded in confirmation "Then I am happy as well"
"Thanks" I said in amusement as Edward wrapped me in his arms again.
"I love you" He stated as my hands found his arms
"I know" I replied glancing up seeing the happiness clearly written on his face "I love you too"
"How was your trip?" Esme questioned as Edward moved us to a seat.
"It was enlightening" I whispered biting my lip slightly uncomfortable with everyone staring at me.
"Jasper told me that you two went to a museum together" Alice said happily twirling before practically jumping into Jasper's arms, this vampire was too much at times
"We did" I confirmed in amusement "I definitely want to do that again; it was really interesting hearing about the actually facts from his point of view."
"You should go with him and Carlisle" Esme commented causing me to chuckle knowing Carlisle would be like a kid in the candy store
"Indeed" Carlisle said brightly just making me shake my head in amusement
"Okay, I look forward to it" I replied as Edward played with my hair
"I was just telling Liberty that I wish to travel with her, perhaps we should schedule a family vacation with sightseeing for them" Edward explained as I had to cover my ears when Alice squealed at the prospect
"I know the perfect place" She said getting out her phone no doubt to start making plans
"Will she tell us where?" I questioned Edward who just smirked "Let me guess, you want it to be a surprise?"
"Will it bother you if I say that I wish to spoil you and surprise you the same?" He whispered kissing my cheek as I sighed knowing that this was important to him.
"Okay, I won't ask questions, but you have to explain it to Virginia." I stated seriously knowing that she most likely won't like me going away again so soon.
"Very well" He replied with a smirk kissing my cheek as I rolled my eyes as Alice skipping around no doubt planning the trip down to the last second.
~Time Lapse
~Edward Point of View~
I smiled as I leaned forward kissing her gently relishing in her scent surrounding me and her taste on my lips. I knew that it would never be enough, not when I had to pull away releasing a low growl after a few short seconds. She smiled grabbing my hand leaning forward to kiss my cheek. I was thankful that she held no judgement or disgust in her eyes, she knew how careful I was being to ensure that I would not accidently harm her.
"Hey" She whispered placing a hand on my cheek "Are you okay?"
"Just wishing that I could kiss you properly" I stated honestly knowing she could easily see through lies.
"You will one day, I believe that we could accomplish anything together. I am not ready for more anyway. We will take things slow and figure it out as we go" She said seriously as I smiled pulling her into my eyes.
"You are amazing" I stated slightly awed at her understanding and willingness to be patient with me
"You know what I really what to do right now" She said pulling back looking up at me as I raised an eyebrow in question "I want to hear my song; I only caught a part of it"
"Will you dance for me?" I questioned recalling a distance promise that was made
"I think I can handle that" She replied with a smile "I did promise that I would, and I will"
I didn't hesitate to pick her up causing her to laugh in order to speed off to the room. Before she could blink, I was sitting at the piano waiting to begin her song. I knew how it would end now, the love that we shared ensured it. She smiled softly as I began the first notes of the piece. I was distantly aware of my family watching, but my eyes were on my mate. She closed her eyes as I could see the weight physically lift off of her allowing the peaceful look.
Then she began to move to the notes coming from my fingers moving with practiced ease. I followed her slow and soft movements, flawless in her own way. I was memorized by the small actions, the dance bringing my song to her to life. I felt nothing but peace and love watching my mate dance across the room. I knew without a doubt that she was my everything, that she was created for me. I was sure if my heart could beat, it would be beating out of my chest.
It was a fulfilling experience, playing my carefully composed song as she danced with grace. She was bringing it to life, just as she had my own existence upon her arrival in this world. She was hope, love, peace, and life. I stared at the stunning woman knowing that she was my direction, that I would follow her anywhere. I knew as she twisted that I would protect her forever. I knew as she soundlessly landed on the tips of her toes that I would always adore her. I knew as my fingers came to a stop as she stopped in a slow bow smiling brightly at me that I would be everything she needed me to be.
"I love you" I whispered breathlessly appearing in front her and cradling her face gently
"I love you too, Edward" She replied leaning forward to kiss the corner of my mouth "Ready to take me home? Virginia is expecting me soon"
"Of course, mate" I stated pulling her close wanting to feel her in my arms "Just a few more minutes"
"Okay" She said sighing as she leaned into me hugging me back "Take your time"