A/N: SM owns all things Twilight. Everything else is mine.
Chapter 14
I put my glass on the coffee table after taking a sip and rest my elbows on my knees. Taking a deep breath, I start what could possibly be a conversation that's both relieving and upsetting. "You remember the night at your house when I finally realized that it was your mom talking to me in those dreams?" She nods. "Well, I had another dream that night that has been repeating itself until recently and I've had two other different ones. They all leave me with dread," I pause before expressing my worst fear, "and the fear that I'll lose you completely."
Bella reaches over, placing a hand and my forearm. "I'm here, now, and I don't see a reason why won't be later. Just talk to me and tell me what's going on. Maybe I can help like I did last time." She says calmly and I feel like a giant ass for not confiding in her sooner.
Taking another deep breath – this time feeling a little less stressed about it – I start from that night the warnings started. I ask that she just let me get it all out before saying anything. Once each one is out there, I mention that they don't happen every night, but twice a week or more. Bella's silent for a couple minutes, and I hate it. I look up when she stands, afraid she's leaving, but I'm thankful that she only walks over to the window. After peeking outside, she closes the curtains more to get rid of the gap.
Finally, she sits back down, legs tucked under, hands clasped in her lap. "I can see why you didn't want to tell me, but it hurts, too, that you couldn't trust me enough."
Fuck. "I do trust you," I rush to reassure her. "I just didn't want you to freak out considering you told me you're afraid that the man in prison will find you and take revenge. I didn't want you to feel like you have to look over your shoulder when there might be nothing. I didn't – don't – want to dim the light that you are." I look to her and see that she looks slightly more relaxed than she did when she sat down. "I love you, Bella, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep you whole." I don't know if it was the right time, but I felt like she needed to know.
She seems a bit surprised by my confession, but it's gone quickly and replaced with big smile. Moving closer, Bella gently grabs my face in both hands and molds her lips to mine. I reach a hand up and weave my fingers into her hair at the base while the other goes around to her lower back, holding her to me.
She pulls back slightly, then gives two more pecks before saying anything. "I believe you, and I love you, too."
It only seems fitting that we consummate those three little words, right?
