A/N: Unbeta'd

Chapter 33

EPOV

With the candles lit, my mom's lasagna warming in the oven, I anxiously wait for Bella to come home. With it being a Friday, I was so happy she was able to get a decent shift at the bar and didn't have to close. Today is September 13; her birthday. She doesn't want to make a big deal of it, and I respecting her wish…for tonight. Tomorrow, there's a "surprise" party at my parent's house. It won't be big, just family, but she doesn't know.

I hear her car pull up outside and quickly glance around, checking everything for the hundredth time. The door opens and Chinook is there to greet her, excitedly wagging his fluffy tail. She greets him as soon as she sets her stuff down, giving him a big hug. I move to make her more aware of my presence. "Happy birthday, Bella."

She smiles, shyly, and says, "Thank you." I can tell the moment she really smells the food. Her face lights up just a little more. "Is that Esme's lasagna? I'm starving!"

I take her hand, letting her sit first, so I can take it out. We eat, drink our wine, and chat about our day. I wasn't nervous before, but I suddenly am. Thank God she excuses herself to use the bathroom because I need a minute to breathe. I watch her leave and, the second she closes the door, I call Chinook over. He's been a blessing more than I ever hoped for; he's become part of us. I pull out the thick chain from my pocket and quickly clasp it around his neck. Standing, I make my way over to the couch, bringing him with me.

When I'd bought him, Chinook hadn't been full grown, yet – grew bigger than Seth was – and after the help he'd done for Bella's nightmares, I didn't have the heart to tell her 'no' to him sleeping on the bed. One night, I'd come home after her from a guy's night and she was already asleep, Chinook next to her, taking up my spot. I didn't have enough space, so I slept on the couch; other nights were a bit stuffed. So, the next day, I took her to pick out a larger bed that would fit all three of us.

When she returns, she sits next to me, greeting Chinook again. I lean back, giving them space and wait. It doesn't take long for her to find the new addition to his neck. She fingers the jewelry for a second before it clicks. She gasps and turns to look at me with wide eyes so quick I thought her head would spin off.

Leaning forward, I place my hands on either side of her face. "I love you, so much, Bella. I feel I've loved you since that first night in the clearing. I can't comprehend a future that doesn't have you." Her eyes still wide, unblinking, and lips parted, surprised.

"Will you marry me?"

Her breathing increases slightly, and she finally blinks. Her body breaks free from immobility, her hands coming up to frame my face. Her eyes shift between mine and then…

"Yes," she breathes. "Yes," louder now. "Yes, I will!"

Relief washes over me and I kiss the ever-loving shit out of her. We pull away and I release the chain to get the ring. Bella holds out her left hand and I grasp it, sliding it on her fourth finger. Raising her hand, I kiss the ring where it will stay for as long as we live.

Our eyes lock and I'd bet money that our faces match. "I can't wait to marry you, Mrs. Cullen."

"I can't wait to have your name, Mr. Cullen," she says, lovingly.

A/N: Squee!