Rose keeps her word and no one is the wiser to Edward's and my relationship. I don't tell him she knows because I don't want him to worry, but it feels so good to be able to talk to someone about him.

By Friday, Emmett relents, and I'm allowed to be alone for the night—or so he thinks. Instead of driving, Edward comes and picks me up around eight. He's kind enough to carry my portable oxygen and bag for me and helps me into the truck as usual.

Before he starts the truck, he leans over and captures my lips, ignoring the tubing in my nose. "God, I've missed you," he says. "Are you sure you're up to a night with me? You know, we can just hold each other. That's all I need honestly."

I shrug. "Let's just see how the night goes. As long as I'm in your arms, I'll be happy."

He smiles, kissing me once more before backing out of the driveway. It doesn't take long to get to his house, and he once again helps me out of the truck. He literally leads me to the couch and tells me to relax, so I put my feet up and do just that, grabbing his TV remote.

"I'm afraid to say that dinner isn't exactly fancy," he says from the kitchen area. "It's just turkey burgers. Is that okay?"

I nod, flipping through channels. "That's on your list of heart-healthy meals, isn't it?"

"Yup, no more bacon-wrapped anything for you." He chuckles. "But I've been browsing, and a lot of the meals look decent. Emmett's making them for you, isn't he?"

"Sadly," I sigh. "His food is bland as hell though. Somehow, he thinks no seasoning means heart-healthy. I think I'm going to take over dinner duty again—if he lets me."

"Well, he left you alone for the night, so he's giving in some. You know he's just worried about you, right? He doesn't want to control you."

I smile as he flips the burgers in the pan. "Yeah, I know. He's just being a good big brother. But enough about him. How've you been?"

We talk about his week as he finishes dinner, and then we eat on the couch, just lounging together. It's nice and relaxing. Eventually, I fall into his arms, and he holds me tight as we lay together.

I roll back and look into his eyes, reaching up and cupping his covered jaw. "I couldn't say it before because I was scared. If I die, I'm going to leave a wake of devastation in my path, and I didn't want you to feel the pain. But the truth is I could live, and I want to have you by my side. I love you, Edward. I've loved you for some time, and I'm sorry I couldn't say it sooner."

He smiles, running his hand through my hair. "It's okay, beautiful. I knew you'd say it when you were ready. I love you too—so much. Loving you can never be painful. No matter what kind of time we have, we'll make the most of it."

"But let's hope for forever." I lift up, kissing him deeply.

He caresses my cheek, moving his lips against mine. I fall into the bliss of tasting him.

This is the only heaven I need.

Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.