Last update for today. Final chapters will go up tomorrow. Thank you for all the reviews! I love reading your theories!

EPOV

Several hours after I texted Bella, I'm handing my keys off to a valet once I reach The Sound Hotel and make my way to the Currant Bistro. I grab a seat at the bar and order a beer and a Shirley Temple, trying to come up with a game plan in my mind. I've only ever been sure of a few things in my life that have panned out, but I know Bella is one of them.

When she and I first came back from the cabin, we tried so hard to keep things casual, but I knew we were failing at every turn. She'd been opposed to dating and starting a real relationship so much so that I didn't broach the subject, but I knew deep down we had something … substantial. Something real.

The more time we spent together, not just having sex, I knew I was right. And I knew she felt it too. If the last six months have shown me anything, it's that Bella is not only a perfect match for me, but she has a way about her that always keeps me guessing, but she also keeps me grounded and feeling secure.

So, when I happened upon a jewelry store downtown just after we made ourselves official and saw a ring, I followed my gut. The tiny box sits in my pocket, but it doesn't weigh me down. It isn't heavy; it has a conscious weight of what it means, but I don't subconsciously feel overwhelmed by it.

I remember when Jasper was going to propose to Alice, for the first time, and he kept telling me that the ring felt too heavy to carry. In this moment, I can't relate. I keep checking my pocket to make sure it's still there. I don't have to wait long until I look up to see Bella walking over to me, and I rise to greet her, pressing a quick kiss to her lips.

"Hi, thanks for meeting me here." I help her into her seat and take my own.

The bartender comes over with a Shirley Temple and sets it in front of Bella. "Excellent service." She takes a sip and turns to look at me. "What happened?"

"What makes you think something happened?"

Rolling her eyes, she laughs a little. "We had plans to order a pizza and look at new bathroom tile. I know it wasn't the most exciting night planned, but—"

I tell her all about my conversation with Jasper, and while it doesn't mirror the one she and Alice had, it's similar enough.

"I think Jasper and I are fine, or we will be." I sigh, and she reaches out to grab my hand. "I feel bad because he thought he was going to marry the love of his life."

"It's a shame; it really is." Bella shakes her head. "It's also a shame they spent all that money."

"I thought so too." I pull my hand away from hers and fidget a little.

"What did you do?"

I don't say anything as I reach into my pocket, pull out a small box, and set it on the bar, sliding it toward her. "Everything is booked. It's only been six months, but …"

"Yeah, it's been six months, Edward." She's looking at me, but her fingers are creeping closer to the small box.

I slide the box over to her and when she finally opens it, she lets out a small gasp. "How did you know? I mean, I fell in love with this ring in June."

"I found it in May. I saw it and knew it was meant for you." I angle myself toward her. I'm not getting down on one knee-"

"I'd only expect you to get down on both." She looks me dead in the eye, and we both start laughing.

"I've been sure about three things in my life. First, that I wanted to help people. Second, that our trip to the cabin would change things, for the better or worse. And third, that I love you more than I can express. You make me happy in a way I can't describe, but you also make me want to be better. Not just for you, but for myself." I take a deep breath, staring at her.

Bella's eyes are filled with tears, but she smiles. "I love you … but if you're implying that we take over Alice and Jasper's wedding with two weeks to go, I might have you committed."

"Okay, just … this is more important than anything to me. Will you marry me? If six months isn't long enough, I'll ask again in another six. Or six years or sixteen."

She throws her arms around my neck, pulling me close. "Yes. I don't care how long it's been because we have forever after."

"Wait." I pull her away from me. "Did you just say yes?"

She nods. "But I am not having Alice's dream wedding. It's not for us."

She's right; I can see that. I was caught up in the moment of knowing that I was ready. I slip the ring from the box and onto her finger. "Then when do you want to get married?"

"Oh, we'll get that figured out. Can we settle up here and go home? You know, so we can really celebrate?" She starts kissing my neck and it takes all my energy to focus on the bartender.

"Can I close out?"