Some pivotal decisions and much talking will happen in this chapter. Remember, successful relationships are built on trust and a whole lot of communication.

Chapter Fourteen

Bella – Half of My Heart – John Mayer

David – Out of Goodbyes – Maroon 5 and Lady Antebellum

BPOV

Later that morning, David came in to check on Jase as his pediatrician, and on me as his girlfriend. He looked over Jason and checked his charts but looked a bit guilty as he pulled a chair next to mine. Taking my hand, he finally spoke.

"I was very worried about you last night, Bella, and I feel bad that I couldn't take better care of your needs."

I gave him a contemplative look.

He continued, "I was here doing rounds with a few other patients, and I still had some work I couldn't get out of right then." He looked over my face. "I'm glad you took the sedative, and thankful you were able to sleep last night, but I should have been with you, and for that, I am sorry."

I sighed. "I wished you could have, but that's the life of a doctor at times, isn't it?"

"It is. I thought about you and Jason most of the night, and I just feel like I should be doing more. I'll be checking on him every day after clinic hours, and I know you'll be here with him. Can I arrange to have lunch brought in for the two of you?"

I smiled. I could tell he was trying, and to be honest, it would be a welcome choice over the hospital cafeteria's offerings.

I smiled. "I would appreciate that. Thank you."

Jason spent the next week in the hospital. He mostly slept for the first few days, but slowly began to regain some strength and energy. I was assured that this was a very good sign that he was quickly healing. Balloons, toys, books, and a two-layer "get well soon" cake came pouring in thanks to Mrs. Comb's compassion and organization skills. Jase beamed the day she, several teachers, and his friend Trevor and his mom came by to visit and present him with the gifts, courtesy of the teaching staff. Trevor stayed for a few hours, helping to eat the cake and play video games while I chatted with his mother. I smiled as I watched, thanking the Powers that Be for the amazing friends and family I had been blessed with.

Jase and I enjoyed our daily take out lunch courtesy of David and looked forward to his after-hours visits. He brought movies and popcorn for us all to enjoy together.

I spent most of my time catching up on lesson plans, grading papers, and entertaining Jason. Alice had to convince me to go home after Jase fell asleep, and when I did, I would find Edward in my kitchen cooking a late dinner. He claimed that friends took care of each other in crises, which is true.

I had to admit that a hot meal after a long day of worry was more than welcome. I even ate the soups he had prepared for breakfast. An unusual choice, even for me, but they were quick and easy to prepare, and they were delicious.

Sometimes Alice and Esme would come by to visit in the evenings. They would bring puzzles and toys for Jason, ask him questions, and even entertain him with stories. I was grateful that they were using this time to get to know him better. He looked forward to their visits.

When I had asked, Esme assured me that the crisp, cake and ice cream were a huge hit at her committee meeting, and they were hopeful that their annual fundraiser would greatly enrich the library's outreach literacy program the following year. The idea that my vampires were very much invested in benefitting humanity instead of taking from it made me smile. I was heartened to see them define themselves in the ways they wanted, not what nature dictated. The thought that being with and around them made me want to be a better person warmed me, and the feeling settled somewhere deep inside.

Jase was feeling restless the afternoon that Emmett and Rosalie stopped by. The moment Emmett walked through the door with his huge frame and equally huge smile, Jason's eyes popped out of his head. He was awed, and a bit shy at first, but warmed up quickly. Rosalie had brought coloring books, and the three of them had the best time telling jokes and stories.

After they left, Esme asked to have a private word with me.

"Bella, have you given any thought to what you're going to do when Jason is discharged?"

"I guess not." The need to formulate a plan beyond the hospital stay seemed obvious now. "I haven't got quite that far."

"That is understandable. I know you still have to work, so I want you to consider allowing him to convalesce in our home." I was about to protest, and she quickly added, "I wouldn't have offered if I thought it was an imposition. This will allow you time to work, and I will enjoy the opportunity to mother someone who actually needs my help."

I was still about to protest, but then gave it a second thought. If I were being honest, I really could use the help. Jason had grown to love and trust the Cullens over the last week, and I would be able to rest easier knowing he was in good hands.

"Okay, Esme. I would greatly appreciate that."

Looking a bit relieved, she leaned in to hug me. "Thank you, Bella. I appreciate your trust in me."

The surgeon did his exam and promised the day of Jason's discharge was close. The next day David came in to officially go over Jason's records and talk to me as his pediatrician. Before he left, he invited me to dinner and a bit of shopping on Tuesday evening. I thought about the generous offer Esme had made and decided to say yes. I needed to get out and it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Tuesday evening, I said goodbye to Jase, who was having the time of his life folding and flying paper airplanes with Emmett. I don't think he even realized I was leaving. I went home to shower and change. Soon after, David pulled up and we left for dinner at a lovely Indian restaurant in the heart of downtown Rochester.

"I'm glad Jason is healing quickly, Bella," David said, "and after how distressed you were initially, I'm glad to see you're feeling better as well."

"Me, too. Parenting can really be tough sometimes. I knew this going in, of course, but how can you really know until your heart is in pieces?" David nodded sagely.

"I can't imagine what it will be like with our own children," David squeezed my hand, "but I sincerely hope to someday." We had discussed the subject of kids many times before, but the idea of David wanting his own kids seemed to be cropping up with more frequency. I was open to the idea of having more children one day, but I certainly wasn't in any hurry.

I was glad when David decided to change the subject. "So, how was Thanksgiving with your family?" Oh, boy. I had avoided the subject, and with Jase's recent trauma, I had forgotten all about the illuminating revelations regarding his visit with Charlie and Sue.

"It was great." I picked up my wine glass. "Heard you were a big hit with the parents." I took a small sip, watching him over the rim.

He gave me a small, unapologetic smile and forked a chunk of chicken. "It was a very nice visit. I guess you're wondering why I was there."

"Oh, I can very well guess. What I want to know is why you're sneaking around my old stomping grounds without telling me."

"I called Charlie a few weeks before and made the arrangements. I felt that my conference in Seattle was too convenient to not make a side trip." He put down his fork and suddenly looked serious as he took my hand. My breath hitched, and I fervently hoped he wasn't going to do any big romantic gestures here.

"You know how I feel about you, Bella, and I wanted to talk to your father about our future together, but I also know that you and I aren't quite on the same page yet." I guess I could understand why he would sneak behind my back, but the whole idea didn't sit well.

David's intensity broke with his wide smile. "I've got an idea. After dinner, I want to take you to this boutique around the corner. They're having a sale, and I want to get your opinion on something." I blew out a breath. Okay. That sounded intriguing.

David paid the bill, and we made our way up the downtown street. The wind picked up and snow flurries started to sweep the alleys and swirl around our feet. David took my hand and we ducked into the boutique door before I had a chance to see where we were going.

I took a quick look around the showroom floor, and my mind went blank as I stared at designer cribs, strollers, and matching layette sets. I think my jaw dropped a bit. David walked over to a wall of soft plush and picked out a teddy bear. Walking over to a beautiful rounded wood slat crib, he placed the bear in, took my hand, and smiled.

"How perfect would this be for our firstborn? What do you think?" I didn't know what to think. He pulled me in and looked into my eyes. "Should we take advantage of this sale?"

"David, I know I said before that more kids could be a part of our future, but don't you think that this is putting the cart before the horse?"

"It is, yes, but I guess what I'm asking for is a bit of assurance that you're on board with this," he swept his arm around the showroom, "and that you're looking to make a commitment sometime soon."

It wasn't quite a proposal, and I was relieved for that. Another realization hit me, and I sighed. "David, I think we need to find someplace quiet to talk." He nodded, and we rode back to my house in silence. As soon as we walked through the door, David took my hand again.

"Are you about to break my heart, Bella?" I knew this would be quick, so I didn't bother leading him over to the sofa.

"David, I realized tonight – well, I could see this has been escalating for a while. I care a great deal about you, I would never lie about that, and there is nothing wrong with wanting children and a family. Nothing at all. But David, I need someone that loves and wants me first. Someone that will love me completely as a friend, a lover, and a wife, before he loves me as the mother of his children."

David sighed and looked at the floor. I continued, "There is someone out there for you, I know it. But I don't think I'm that person."

He nodded his head and looked me in the eyes. "I can't help but think that I'll look back someday and feel like you're the 'one that got away,' but I do appreciate your honesty." With that, he slowly bent down and tenderly kissed me. Silently, he slipped out the door and it closed with a soft click.

I slumped to the floor, and wept. Did I just make a huge mistake? David was a sure shot at a normal human relationship. Now he was gone, and my future felt shakier than ever.

If I were being truthful, I would admit that David was the easy way. David was a wonderful man, but I would never be able to love him like he wanted. He certainly deserved better than that.

I dressed for bed and laid awake for a long while. Staring at the dark ceiling, I tried to picture what my life would have been like with David. Jase and I would have moved into his huge house. We would have purchased a minivan as children came along, and perhaps adopted a dog. I scoffed at myself. The only thing missing from that scenario was the white picket fence. How long after the wedding would David have insisted that we start trying for a baby? I knew he loved me, but I also knew that our marriage would always take a back seat to the children. Would he have insisted I quit my job to be a stay-at-home mom full-time? I found pride and fulfillment in being a mom to Jason, but my identity as a teacher, and my life outside of my home were also important to me.

With a sigh, my thought process moved on to the thought of a relationship with Edward. If there was a polar opposite in relationships, this was it. Other than the relationship itself, there would be no permanence. We would always be looking forward to the next location. The thought of a dog or minivan in the Cullen's driveway seemed bizarre. The thought of Edward behind the wheel made me grin. As if. A car seat squished into the Volvo or even the Aston Martin was more likely. I knew Edward would encourage me to keep teaching, or not, or do anything I wanted, really. He would be behind me all the way. Children, however, could never happen with him. Was I okay with that?

I sat up and gathered the comforter around me. I had pictured more children as a possibility, but was giving birth a must for my future happiness? If I remained with Edward, we would have to go through a reproductive care center and search for a sperm donor. I knew Edward would also be supportive of that decision if he knew it would make me happy, but was it fair to him to watch me give birth to, essentially, another man's baby? I shook off that thought knowing that if I couldn't have his child, I wouldn't want to, anyway.

I thought about Phil and Renee. They were happy together before Jason. He was certainly a welcome surprise, but Renee didn't need another child to be fulfilled. Jason was a blessing to me as well. I may not have birthed him, but I was a mother to him in every other way. I loved him as if I had. No, having more children wasn't necessary for my happiness. Jason had fulfilled that part of my life, and with that realization, a wave of relief washed over me.

I was settled enough in the moment to snuggle back down into my pillow and finally fall asleep.

I woke the next morning feeling rested, but still conflicted. As I went through my morning routine, I thought about the possibility of starting a new romantic relationship with Edward. I thought about the talk we had in Forks, and his promises of not keeping secrets. His promises of creating an equal partnership between us. I thought about my feelings toward him and what it would take to work out the logistical problems.

I reflected on the last few months and realized that Edward had been working hard to keep his promises, and he had certainly taken his vow of friendship to new levels. I knew I could count on him for anything, but his promises of making decisions together could only be tested by time. Was I willing to give him another chance?

I knew I loved him. I always had. Irrevocably, and I realized that my future happiness needed to include him. I looked at the reflection in my bathroom mirror and steeled my resolve. I decided I was going to take Jake's advice and go with my heart. Right then, I chose what I knew I wanted, and not what nature, society, or even others around me dictated what they thought was best for me. This decision settled into my bones with an absolute rightness. This was my choice, my chance, and I wanted to embrace it wholeheartedly.

I knew, however, that my commitment to Edward would heavily depend on his level of commitment to me. The subject of my possible change had always been a thorn in our relationship. The big question was, did he see this as a "forever" kind of love, or as a "till death do us part" kind of love?

I spent the next few days in the hospital with Jase and tried to keep him entertained as we awaited the moment his surgeon would announce he could leave. Emmett, Esme, and Alice came by often to visit and keep his spirits up.

The takeout lunches continued as well, despite the fact that David was no longer coming by to visit, and he did Jase's checkups remotely. I felt bad that our relationship ended the way it did, but I couldn't feel bad about the fact that it did end. David was a very good man, but he wasn't the one for me. I did appreciate his thoughtfulness and knew that he would make a wonderful husband and father for a very lucky woman one day, and I wished him every happiness.

Edward continued to call in the evenings, swing dinner by either at the hospital or my house, wherever I happened to be, and every so often, he would stay to visit as well. I could tell he was trying to help, but also to give me space and respect boundaries. I gave myself a few days to work through my feelings, then decided the time had come.

I kissed Jase's sleeping face and made my way to the parking lot. It was late, but I knew Edward would be home. I had texted him earlier if I could come by, and he was expecting me. As I parked in the front of the Cullen home, I took in a huge, fortifying breath. This was it. My life was about to change forever. I didn't need to knock; Edward was already waiting for me at the door. He welcomed me in, and with a questioning look, followed me up to his room. The house was quiet, and I asked him why.

"Alice took everyone for a hunt. I guess she thought we needed a bit of privacy."

I had almost expected she would have told him. The question must have been clear on my face.

"She didn't say why. I'm always pleased to visit with you, but I'm curious to know why you're here so late tonight." He led me to the couch.

I wasn't sure how to begin, so I just jumped in. "I broke up with David a few days ago."

Edward's face was blank. "I see."

After all the careful thought and consideration over the last few days, I was surprised to be feeling a bit nervous. "Edward, you've been openly honest with me about your feelings and intentions, and I need to be as well. I've come to realize that although my life is fulfilling, and I am capable of being happy by myself, I just…well, I just don't want to anymore."

He looked confused. "Want to what?" Oh, man. I was butchering this. How ironic that the English teacher was lost for words.

"I don't want to be without you anymore. Yeah, my life is good, but it's always so much better with you." I chanced a look, and Edward looked apprehensive but hopeful.

He slowly reached for my hand. "Does this mean you're giving me, us, another chance, Bella?" I nodded my head and got lost in the joy radiating from his eyes.

Edward gathered me in and held me in silence for a minute. He then slowly picked me up off the sofa and dragged me across his lap while his face was buried in my neck. He was shaking slightly, and I could feel his chest heaving. If I didn't know better, I would swear he was crying.

I felt more than heard him speak. "I feel like I've been reborn. I swear to you, Bella, I will cherish you every day of my life, and I will never, ever leave you again."

Edward finally broke away and leaned his forehead against mine. "I can hardly believe it. Your trust means everything to me." He brought his hands up, and cupping my face, kissed me tenderly. As his hands roamed down my back, I ran my hands through his hair and felt him moan. The kiss quickly heated, and Edward gripped my hips and rotated me so that was straddling him. After a minute he broke the kiss and I felt him chuckle. My mind was lost in a fog and I tried to hold my grip as he gently began to pull away.

"We need to slow down, love." That was the last thing I wanted to do. Smiling, he circled my wrists and brought them to my sides. "Believe me, Bella, there is nothing I want more than to keep going, but we do have much to talk about." I huffed a bit, and he chuckled again. I didn't want to admit it, but he was right. Reluctantly, I climbed off his lap and faced him. He brought my legs up and took off my shoes.

"I still want to be touching you, though." He slowly began to rub my feet. It was my turn to moan.

"Wow. Not sure where you learned that, but keep it up, and you can touch me all you want." Edward laughed. It had been years since I'd seen him so happy.

"Bella, that day we talked in your office, you had many valid concerns. I want us to begin this relationship with confidence, so what do you want to talk about first?"

I knew exactly what I wanted to know. Everything between us would depend on his answer. "Do you plan on changing me at some point?"

His hands stilled for a brief second. He looked up at me with a penetrating stare, then slowly began to rub my feet again. "I'll admit, Bella, the idea of cursing you to this half-life doesn't thrill me. You deserve so much better," my heart began to sink. "But I've learned much during our separation. I know I can't live without you, and if sixty years is all we've got, it simply isn't enough." My eyes snapped up to his.

"I've learned my lesson with making unilateral decisions that affect us both. You put your trust in me, and I am now doing the same for you. I trust you, Bella, and when you say you want this life with me, I believe you." My breath hitched as he continued. "I'm all in. I love you; I never want to be without you again, and I am willing to give you what you want. What we both want." His golden eyes melted. "If you'll have me."

I leaned over and repeated his words back to him. "Your trust means everything to me." I kissed him. The conversation I had with Carlisle the night of my birthday disaster flitted through my mind. "You know, heaven wouldn't be heaven for me if you weren't there, Edward." I leaned back again. "Besides, who says I'm destined to go there anyway? Even if such a place does exist. As far as I'm concerned, I've found it right here."

I breathed a tiny sigh of relief. If he wanted me forever, I was all in, too.

"I will wait as long as you need, Bella. Tomorrow, or sixty years from now, we will make your change happen when you are ready. I will do my best to protect you, but if it looks like your death is evident, will you want me to change to you prevent it?"

I nodded my head. "Absolutely."

"I promise, Bella, to do my best, but I feel that I must also add that I won't compromise your or Jason's safety. For my own sanity, I must know that the two of you are safe at all times. I know I promised to keep you in the loop as much as possible, and I will, but there may be extenuating circumstances where time for decision making is limited to spur-of-the-moment."

"I understand and accept that there may be times where that is necessary. I wouldn't want any harm to come to Jason, so that is acceptable. Don't worry, though, barring illness or accidents, I don't think my change will be happening any time soon. We have Jase to think about now."

"This is true. What does that scenario look like to you?"

I remembered the "old" Edward who would have told me exactly how things were going to go and took a moment to appreciate this new and improved version.

"At what point does your family plan to move on?" He gave me a puzzled look. "I only ask because my 'plans,' as tentative as they are, will depend on that timeline."

"To be honest, Bella, we really haven't discussed anything remotely related to that. In fact, most of my family's efforts this last school year has been helping to repair our relationship."

I grinned at the sheepish look on his face. So, our reconciliation had been a family effort? Every doubt that I was being a burden in inserting myself into their complicated life went right out the door, and I fell in love with the Cullen family all over again.

"Well, I can't very well be 'out of commission,' so to speak, for an entire year with Jase still needing me." I looked at Edward. "I am remembering correctly, right? It's about a year?"

Edward nodded his head. "That's an optimistic estimate. It takes longer for most."

"Yeah. So, I guess I'll have to wait a few years. Until he's in college at least. Wow. Twelve years?" If I was worried about looking older than Edward before, now I was alarmed. "Edward, I would, technically, be eighteen years older than you. How can we have an open relationship if I look like I could be your mother?"

"That means nothing to me. However, if it is a concern for you, we can consider other alternatives. Maybe we can take a year away while Esme and Rosalie serve as surrogate mothers? I know each of them would love that opportunity."

"I don't know. I would miss him, and although I know he would be fine, what would a long separation do to our relationship?"

"We live in an age where technology would make that less of a concern. Video chatting is a viable alternative, Bella. You could still be 'present' for any milestones, and you could maintain a relationship just as close as the one you share now."

This was true. "I guess. I'll have to think about that." And I would. As long as I knew Edward would honor my wishes regardless of the timeline, I could carefully think about my decisions. We had plenty of time.

I moaned again as Edward moved on to my arches. They were the most sensitive part of my feet. He smiled and changed the subject.

"It's nice to agree for a change. So, how do you want to handle our relationship?"

"Well, I know that news of an affair with one of my students would not go over well. We will have to move out of Rochester sooner rather than later. So, at the end of the school year?"

"Yes, I believe that makes the most sense. What do you think we should do in the meantime?"

"Edward, excited as I am that we're back together, the thought that you are one of my students does not sit well with me. I realize that at 110 years old, our situation is different, but…"

"I understand. And you are correct. Not only would our relationship destroy your reputation, which I would never allow, but it would also draw unwanted attention to the family. We must move."

"Would your family move with us?"

"I know Carlisle, Esme, Alice and Jasper would. They all missed you too much not to. At one time, I would have bet Rosalie and Emmett would continue to live here for another few years, but now I'm not so sure. Emmett and Jason are bonding, and I don't think Rosalie would insist staying knowing it would hurt Emmett."

"So, it's a good bet they will all come. Does your family have, like, a housing rotation or something?"

Edward chuckled. "You're not too far off. We have homes in certain regions. We do rotate, but we also live abroad occasionally too. I know your career is important to you, and I think the family would be pleased to go wherever you want to teach. Provided it is in a weather-friendly place, of course. Although, I do think the Pacific Northwest is out. We avoid taking residence in areas we have recently lived. There is too great of a risk we could be recognized."

That made sense. "Well, I guess I better start putting resumes out there. Give me a list of acceptable places, and I'll get right on it."

Edward continued to rub my feet and had a look of complete contentment. I laid back on the sofa and sighed. I couldn't remember the last time I felt completely relaxed. Changes I wanted to make on my resume went through my mind. I had a sudden realization.

"There is still a lot of school year left before summer vacation. How are we going to manage our relationship until then?"

It was Edward's turn to sigh, and he glanced up at me. "I hope you won't get mad at me, Bella, but Carlisle and I have already made a few plans in the hopes that you and I were able to repair our relationship."

"I would like to hear them."

"We think it would be good for me to 'graduate' early and move into an apartment in Buffalo. I could then attend Buffalo State, and easily be back to spend the evenings with you."

"Buffalo State? That's, what? Over an hour away?"

"It is, but not a problem for me. I can make the run in about 15 or 20 minutes."

I tried to work the math but decided that it really didn't matter. I could finish out the school year, still have Edward in the evenings, and protect the Cullen family at the same time. This sounded like a great plan to me.

"Why Buffalo State?"

"It's far enough that no one will be suspicious, and they also happen to have a great music program." I nodded my head.

"You know it is a bit unusual for students to just leave for higher learning in the middle of the year. Won't that cause suspicion?"

"Perhaps some, but because I'll be moving on between semesters, it will be minimal. Carlisle and I have been working on gathering letters of recommendation, and I am actually already enrolled. Jasper hacked in extra credits from the last school we attended, so I have enough credits to graduate early."

"You must have been pretty confident our relationship would work out." It seemed like a ballsy move.

"Not at all, but I wanted to be sure I was covered just in case." I had no doubt he would have been accepted immediately anywhere he applied but putting down all that money "just in case" was crazy. And on such short notice, too. Don't most students put in applications a good year in advance? I wouldn't be surprised if Buffalo State would be getting a new wing sometime in the near future. And getting into student housing on short notice as well? Good luck. I had my doubts that even a Cullen could pull that off. I had a hard time picturing Edward in a dorm. Living with roommates and trying to explain why he didn't need to eat or use the bathroom just didn't compute.

"You're not staying in student housing, are you Edward?"

He full-on grinned. "No. We closed on a condo there last week." Ah. Of course. He picked up my hand and kissed my wrist. "Real estate is a good investment. Plus, it can give us a bit of privacy should you decide to come visit me." That would be nice.

"So, you'll be leaving soon, then?"

"Now that we are official, I will be 'leaving' at the beginning of January. But, only on paper, so to speak. I will be with you here or at my family's house in the evenings. Other than not seeing each other in school, nothing will change."

That made me happy. I deeply appreciated Edward's careful planning, and his consideration for my ideas and feelings and told him so.

"I've learned from my mistakes, Bella. I'm far from perfect, but I promise I will never discount your participation in our relationship again."

I sighed in complete contentment. As hard as our separation had been, I could now see that time and experience had been necessary before Edward and I could make our relationship lasting. It seemed I had received everything I wanted. I wondered what I could give Edward.

"What can I do to make this relationship better for you?"

"I can hardly believe I have you back in my life, Bella. Your mere presence is a gift I thought I would never have."

"That's sweet, but if we are to be equal in this, I need to know if there is something you need that I can fulfill for you."

Edward sighed and continued to rub my arches. He kept his eyes on his hands.

"Bella, I realize that my upbringing and old-fashioned tendencies sometimes don't mesh with your more modern outlook, and I know that I am bringing this up way too early, but I would like to wait until we're married before we are physically intimate."

I remembered the tentative touches and barely-there kisses when we were first together. Although he was more passionate now than he was then, I had hoped he would be willing to give a little more here as well. It had been maddening for him to constantly pull back.

"Are you asking this for the same reasons as before, Edward? You're concerned for my safety?"

"Yes. And, I would like to make love to you for the first time as your husband. I feel that anything less would be disrespectful and would cheapen our commitment to one another."

"Edward, I know you know that I don't see it that way, but if this is what you need, I can restrain myself." I felt pained just saying it.

He gave me a wide grin. "Glad to hear it. You were a little vixen back then, always testing my restraint. Maybe six years has helped you to mature a bit more, too."

"I don't know. Keeping my hands off will be challenging. You are every woman's dream, you know." I laughed as he rolled his eyes. "Does this mean that you plan on proposing?"

"I had not planned on broaching this subject for a while, but since it has come up, yes, I will propose at some point."

It was my turn to grin. "And will this be before or after you change me?"

"I may have quite a bit of control, Bella, but I don't know if I can wait twelve years to fully make you mine. I will need to be married to you, however, whether or not you have changed."

I was humbled. I knew what this concession had cost him, and I was impressed with his resolve.

"I can live with that. Thank you, Edward. I love you."

With that, he kissed me, and all other worries instantly dissolved. Tonight, I was going to enjoy Edward's attention. Tomorrow would be another day.

A/N: I have a feeling some of my readers won't be happy about Bella's decision. As per canon, we know Bella takes much time to make her decisions, but once she does, she sticks by them wholeheartedly. She came to some realizations and was finally able to reconcile her heart with her head. David is a wonderful guy, but his goals and ambitions just don't mesh with hers. She made the right choice in ending their relationship.

Sometimes taking a leap of faith is a bit scary, but Bella is finally listening to her heart. Edward has learned much about relationships over the last few months and is doing all he can to be the man Bella needs.