Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The 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. Stephenie Meyer created it all; I just like to play around in her world.

As always, a shout out to the Fab Five (sherriola, Katmom, TwiloverSue, Sammi & NKubie) for their support and help - and beachcomberlc and Ocassye for all their beta and pre-reading power! In addition, Purradox for her expertise and keeping me in line. And to NanStew who has helped me immensely. These women have supported me in ways I can't even explain – specifically - encouraging me to continue when I've doubted my writing skills and ability to tell a story!

Happy Memorial Day to all those readers in the states. As most know, this started out as a one-shot for the Meet the Mate contest. However, I dedicated it to all the service members (living and deceased) in my family and extended social circle due to the nature of the story being a military one (to begin). I also included a dedication to Kory and his Military Work Dog Cooper in a later chapter. Both Kory and Cooper lost their lives in service to our country. I can't express my gratitude enough to the service men and women (and their families) for the selfless service – most especially to those that have lost their lives in it.

~Honor~

"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" Juliet, AKA Erin Cullen, called out dramatically.

Emmett and Rosalie's nine-year-old daughter was extremely theatrical and talented. She flipped her long blonde hair behind her shoulder with artistic flair as she waited for her Romeo to answer. The boy, standing below the balcony, appeared star struck. Even from the distance, Bella saw him swallow hard before he croaked out a reply.

It was then Emmett lost control and started chuckling. "She's already got it babe," he said not too softly to Rose.

A soft thump let everyone know that Esme had effectively warned him to be quiet. Grinning at how easily the Cullen family harassed each other, Bella snuggled into Edward's side.

When he'd told her he wanted to take her to a play for Valentine's Day, she'd tried to figure out how, in a nice way, to tell him the she wasn't really big on Broadway-type stuff. He'd just chuckled and informed her their date was going to be an entirely differently type of experience.

And Bella loved it.

The Cullen men had helped build the sets, and Rose and Alice had done a Broadway-worthy Internet blitz. The grade school play was a fundraiser for the local animal shelter, and if the crowd was any indication, it was going to be a success.

Bella couldn't help but snicker as the drama continued on stage and among the Cullen clan. Juliet's death was nothing short of Oscar-worthy, Erin earning every one of the roses Emmett handed her as she took her bow before a standing ovation. Instead of a fancy meal, the future starlet had elected for an ice cream celebration for the cast as her treat. Dutifully, the family drove the few miles to one of the local "it" kid places. Within minutes of their crew arriving, the place dissolved into chaos.

"Whose idea was it to give them sugar?" Jasper asked as Matthew, Emmett and Rose's son, went screaming by.

Emmett refused to look guilty. In fact, he joined the kids in a Skee-Ball competition, spending an obscene amount of money before intentionally losing to the love-struck Romeo.

"Ms. Bella, how do you know when you've met the 'one'?" Erin later asked from the seat beside Bella. Her eyes were trained on the dark-haired thespian attempting to have a serious discussion with the bear-like Emmett.

Drawn like a moth to flame, Bella's eyes found Edward across the room. He was helping one of the younger kids shoot basketballs. He'd removed his suit coat and loosened the top button of his shirt and tie. Chuckling at something the little girl had said, he looked up to catch Bella watching him. With a wolfish wink, he lifted the girl and held her aloft so that she could make her shot.

"You know no matter what, they'll be by your side through thick and thin. Your heart races whenever you see them, and nothing else seems to matter." She glanced down at Edward's hands, seeing them gently wrapped around the girl's waist. Bella couldn't imagine Edward ever intentionally harming anyone. "You know he or she would fight the Devil himself to protect you."

Erin's eyebrows scrunched as her lips turned down into a pout. "Huh. Well, I guess Daniel isn't it then. I had to kill the spider backstage. I thought he was going to pee his pants when it ran across the floor."

Lips pinched and eyebrows raised, Bella tried to hold in the laughter. "Perhaps, but I think you might want to give Daniel a chance to grow up a little more. It takes boys a little longer."

Erin's bright blue eyes widened. "Uncle Jamie told me something like that once. That it takes boys a long time to find their hero spot. Girls always have it, that's why they make good mommas. Or at least that's what he said."

Bella could see Jamie telling his niece exactly that, and she couldn't stop the lone tear that fell down her cheek. "Well your Uncle Jamie was definitely a hero to me."

"I talk to him at night, you know." Erin still watched her father and earnest beau.

Bella nodded. "My grandmother Swan used to say heaven's floor has holes and that the people we love can hear us when we talk to them." Bella thought about the night she'd screamed at her mother following Renee's death. She'd made her peace the next one.

"No, I mean, I talk to him. Uncle Jamie comes to see me sometimes."

Bella was silent for a moment, unsure of what to say to the young girl.

"He's proud of you and Uncle Edward."

Erin jumped up at that moment as Emmett waved her over, leaving a stunned Bella in her wake.

"You okay?" Edward asked later, as Bella continued to digest Erin's announcement throughout the rest of the ice cream social.

Laying her hand against Edward's cheek, she grinned. "Yeah, everything's perfect."

It was only after the kids wore down that the families split to go each their own way. She and Edward's destination had remained a surprise, no matter how much she'd begged for hints. All he'd volunteered was to dress nice for the occasions.

When they pulled up to a crowded parking lot next to a pier, Bella's confusion must have shown because Edward finally caved. "We're going on a dinner cruise."

Bella gasped. "Seriously?" Excitement crackled in waves off her.

Edward tweaked her nose, enjoying the way pleasure made her cheeks rosy. She'd gained weight, softening out the angles and hollowness of her cheeks, and her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Good choice?"

Bella grinned and teased, "We'll see." Her teasing stopped when they exited the car, the frigid temperature making her shiver.

Pulling her close to ward off the cold wind blowing across the lot, Edward hurried them toward the walkway where they joined similarly dressed couples waiting to board the Royal Argosy. The smells of rich food and wine surrounded them as soon as they entered the cabin. No more than a dozen tables were placed around the glass-enclosed dining area. Long stemmed red roses were arranged in vases at each table, contrasting against the crisp white of the linens. In the corner, a string quartet played Bach, adding to the romantic ambience.

"Wow." Bella turned to Edward. "Exactly how much was this little present?"

Shrugging, he refused to answer. "Henri recommended the chef. Said he was the best Italian master in the city. He brought Jude here last year for Valentine's Day." He chuckled. "All I know is Henri said he got lucky, like real lucky, afterward."

At his doggish statement, Bella punched her elbow into his ribs causing Edward to grunt.

"Mr. Cullen, your table is ready." A young girl stepped before them, and Bella could swear she saw the girl struggling to keep a straight face.

She led them to a table next to one of the large plates of glass where Edward held the chair out for Bella to sit. The view of the bay was extraordinary, the occasional stars twinkling through the breaks in the clouds and reflecting off the water. They looked like diamonds against the black of the Sound.

"May I recommend a bottle of red wine?" the girl asked as soon as Edward sat to Bella's right.

With a shy nod at his raised eyebrow, Bella let Edward know it was okay. She'd been weaning off the pain killers as much as possible. Preparing for their Valentine's Day date, she'd made sure to take only over-the-counter pain relievers. The girl handed them a fancy single sheet menu before she left.

Bella quickly glanced down the list, her eyes sticking on the description of the spaghetti with spicy Bolognese. There were fancier dishes on the menu, but the description left her mouth watering. She looked up to find Edward watching her.

"What?" she asked at his look.

"I'm admiring you. How beautiful you look tonight."

She blushed at his words. She'd intentionally dressed for the evening in a red dress with a sweetheart neckline. It made the most of her breasts and made her look a little less pale. She'd also gone to the stylist with Alice and Rose and gotten layers cut into her long hair. It was the first time since before her capture that she'd been able to do so, and only because they'd gone to a female hairdresser who had done Esme's, Alice's, and Rose's hair for years. Her head felt a ton lighter, as did her mood.

The weeks since she and Edward had gone dancing had passed, blending into days and nights of discovery. Their moments of affection were growing more heated, their non-sexual moments rivaling those times for intimacy. She felt as if she knew him, better than she'd ever known anyone.

And while they'd yet to make love, Bella was more than ready to try now. She'd known it the evening she felt the pressure leave her heart, but she'd promised Edward she'd wait until he planned it, so waiting is what she was doing. In the meantime, they'd weaned off the leather restraints. Just the night before, Edward had lain against the cool silk of his sheets, hands to his side, legs spread as Bella used a vibrator to come in front of his hungry eyes and then sucked him off. She'd felt so badass doing something so . . . normal.

"What's put that devilish light into your eyes?" Edward asked.

Bella didn't answer because, at that moment, the girl approached the table with their wine. After removing the cork, she allowed Edward to taste it and with his nod filled a glass for Bella.

"Have you had time to look over the menu?" she asked. "I can give you some suggestions if you haven't decided."

Bella shook her head softly, "I've already made my decision. I'm going to go with the spaghetti."

"Perfect! It would have actually been my first suggestion. And you, sir?"

"I was going to go with the spaghetti as well, so would you suggest something else? Maybe I can talk my girl into sharing."

His girl . . .

"I like the basics, but I'll tell you even the basics aren't plain here. The Mushroom Ravioli al Forno is to die for. The cook does it for our vegetarians. Myself, I like meat, but even I can appreciate how good it is."

"The Mushroom Ravioli it is then."

"Very good. I'll be right back with your salads and some bruschetta."

"She's sweet," Bella said as the girl walked away.

Grinning, Edward glanced toward their server for only a moment. "Yes. Poor thing working on Valentine's."

"Let's make sure she gets a good tip, so hopefully it'll make up for part of being stuck with us." Bella smirked.

"Will do." Edward laughed softly before he grabbed her hand and squeezed. "So, at our last meeting with Marcus, he suggested we share some embarrassing stories about ourselves. It seems appropriate for me to share one tonight."

Giggling at the way Edward rolled his eyes, Bella took a sip of her wine. The sweet taste burst across her tongue, and she took another healthier swallow.

"Since I've shared my first-time experience and the utter humiliating moments of it," he emphasized the word moments, reminding Bella of his funny story about losing his virginity and how quick it'd been. "It's only appropriate that I tell you I got my heart broken for the first time on Valentine's Day."

"Really?" she asked, trying hard to keep the humor out of her voice, but losing. She already suspected, from his tone, that she was about to be treated to a funny story.

He sniffed. "This is a very important story, Bella. You need to give it your utmost concern." Placing his hand over his heart. "Susie Jones broke my heart. When I asked her to tell me whether or not she would be my Valentine, she checked the "No" box. She didn't even give it a "Maybe."

Bella's giggles were loud. She couldn't help it.

"I kept asking every year for three years. She always marked "No" with a big bold "X." It was mortifying. Particularly when I found out the next year that she'd had a crush on Jasper the whole time. He ended up dancing with her at the elementary school Valentine's Day dance. Asshole. He knew I thought she was pretty."

Afraid she was about to snort, Bella covered her mouth with her hand. She imagined there were a lot of girls who had crushes on the Cullen men over the years.

"It was to be the way of the world for years to come. Emmett had all the girls tied up with his muscles, and Jasper had the tortured-soul thing going for him. I was just the red-headed geek."

"Su . . .re." She drawled out the word. Bella was quite certain Edward had as many or more admirers as his brothers. "You know, you're not the only one who has gotten their heart broken on Valentine's. My first boyfriend forgot it was Valentine's Day, or he decided to ignore it. Jake was the only one, other than my father, who gave me anything. It was half of his candy bar from one of the girls who had a crush on him." Bella shook her head at the memory.

"It's amazing we survived the heartbreaks to give love another chance," Edward teased.

They were both still laughing when the waitress came with their salads and bruschetta.

"In the interest of full disclosure, I have another mortifying story about Valentine's Day. In high school, I tried to impress my girlfriend by buying her roses, chocolate, and a necklace. I'd even talked to her sister about what I should get. My problem was I didn't listen to the suggestions given. Every year, my dad gets my mother a dozen red, long-stemmed roses no matter what else he purchases, so I was determined to be as debonair as he is. Problem was, Laura's sister had suggested orchids. Little did I know the smell of roses made Laura sick—some sort of weird association from childhood from when she'd been in the hospital with food poisoning. She couldn't look at me for months without turning green. Needless to say, my efforts entirely backfired and she couldn't stand to be around me. It was the death knell on our fledgling relationship."

Bella didn't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for him, but when he smirked at her stoic look, she laughed so hard she started crying. Thanking Alice for insisting on waterproof mascara, Bella tried to delicately wipe the tears away without ruining her makeup.

Dinner came and was thoroughly enjoyed as a shared meal full of hilarious stories of their failed attempts at juvenile love. In the oddest of ways, it was the most romantic evening Bella had ever experienced.

They elected to wait on dessert until later in the cruise, opting instead, to wrap in the provided heavy blankets and sit in a sheltered area outside to enjoy the view. The damp, cold air took Bella's breath away when they stepped out, but Edward quickly escorted her toward a sheltered alcove near the stern. An outdoor heater had been set up, so wrapped in the blanket next to Edward, Bella found the chill tolerable. While there were various sounds along the river, the slap of the waves against the boat was the most predominant. It was soothing. Another cruise ship passed in the distance, the lights adding to the sprinkling of stars reflected in the water.

"You warm enough?" Edward asked as he tucked the blanket tighter around them.

"Yeah." Bella snuggled closer against him. "Dinner was amazing. Henri and Jude were totally right, but I'm afraid I'm not going to have any room for dessert."

"I know, right? But we have several hours and some dancing to do before our trip is over, so hopefully we'll be able to do the selections justice." He leaned over, feathering kisses along her hairline. "I know I want to spend some time with you in my arms."

Moving her hand beneath the blanket, Bella patted his muscled stomach before scratching her fingernails across the material of his button down shirt. Glancing up at him through her eyelashes, Bella said, "I can think of several ways I'd like to be in your arms."

Even in the dusky light of the alcove Bella saw Edward's eyes darken. "Baby . . ."

"I want you, tonight, in our bed. I'm ready Edward. I want your lips on me, you on top, and you in control.

He cleared his throat, and she'd never seen him more uneasy.

"What?"

Panic washed over his face.

"Edward, just spit it out, you're making me nervous."

She watched as he took a deep breath then squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. It was clear to her the moment he decided to confess to what was bothering him. A peace seemed to wash over him.

"The cruise wasn't the only present I got you, but I've been attempting to grow balls, as Emmett would say."

Bella giggled, imagining Emmett saying exactly that. "What kind of gag gift did you get me?" she laughed, imagining what would make Edward so nervous. Maybe he'd bought her restraints. The idea made her equally as turned on as edgy.

He shook his head. "No, no gag, unless you laugh your ass off at me."

Pulling her hand free from the blankets, Bella held her hand out. She wiggled her fingers at him.

"No, not this way," Edward murmured, moving to extricate himself from the covers. He'd barely stood before he went down on one knee before her.

Bella gasped. "Wha-"

"Bella, I want you to be mine, in everything. The first time we attempt to make love, I want it to be as man and wife, so you know . . . really know . . . I'm in this forever." He produced a black box from somewhere, but Bella had been too startled by his words to truly watch what he was doing. He continued on while she tried to breathe. "It doesn't matter to me when we finally become one physically. What matters is that you know we're one spiritually first. Bella, you're my other half, my mate. I knew it the moment I saw you. It might have taken me some time to recognize it for what it was, but deep down I knew. I know it's too soon, I know you're thinking I'm crazy, and I know you're probably ready to run the other way, but I had to be honest with what I've been feeling because it's been eating me alive."

A light from inside flashed over Edward as he kneeled before her, making the green of his eyes blaze.

"I'm not opening this box, because I want you to be in control of when it happens. It's enough for me tonight to let you know where I stand." Taking her hand, he placed the box in it, curling his fingers around hers so they closed together over the dark velvet.

Having her hand captured in this manner would have once set her spiraling into a very dark place, but the heat of Edward's fingers wrapped around hers seemed as natural as breathing, as natural as being two souls united as one.

One . . . she felt it. Even Charlie has said she and Edward moved together in some strange, supernatural sort of way.

They'd spent as much time connecting with his family as they did emotionally over the past weeks. And Edward had even taken a long weekend so they could travel to Forks. There, Bella had fallen even more in love with him as he spent time with Jake, Leah, and their kids. She'd never forget finding him, Charlie, and Jake on the Black's back porch drinking beers and talking trash about football and baseball. Jake's wink had been all Bella had needed. Edward fit in . . . perfectly.

"By the way, I asked Charlie's permission when we visited. He laughed before giving me his permission." Edward looked at a loss for an explanation of her father's behavior.

A short burst of hysterical giggling tore out of her throat before she found her voice. "He thinks you're crazy."

His smile was blinding. "About you." Squeezing her hand softly, he leaned forward, capturing her mouth softly. "When you're ready, marry me, Bella," he whispered against her lips.

Using her free hand, Bella grabbed the back of his head, using the short strands of his hair to hold him firmly. Crashing their mouths back together, Bella poured every ounce of her emotions into the kiss, drinking him in, nipping at his bottom lip in order to hear him groan against her. Gone was the hesitancy; she wanted to experience it all. No, it didn't make sense, but she couldn't imagine being anywhere else than by Edward's side.

"I love you," she said softly. "And yes."

Breathing sharply, Edward tightened his hands on her arms. "Yes?"

Bella nodded before she flipped the lid of the box open. "Let's go with crazy."

~Honor~