Edward is allowed one day a year with Bella. Following the war with the newborns, Bella chose Jacob. As the years pass, they continue their annual date with Edward always longing for more. Canon. EPOV.
Day 365, This Year
My life was over. For 364 days a year, my life was over.
But today was day 365. Today I would see Bella. Alice promised.
I was early. I always was. My back rested against the brick wall of the restaurant. If she was paying attention when she drove up, Bella would find me staring. I wouldn't give up one second of that view.
She'd arrive early, too, just not as early as me. She'd park a few, deliberate spaces away from any other car in the lot, not knowing which one was mine. She'd walk up to me, keeping a careful three feet away, at least at first.
We wouldn't hug. We had the first year. The second year she caught herself.
Jacob, I guessed. Jacob would know if we touched.
And it had been a very long time since we touched. Not since that first year.
I sighed.