So, this short story is dedicated to Carey Anne and the ladies who were in on my Zoom call, Clo, Aileen, Emma, Consuelo, Alyscia, Trina, Brier Lynn and Krida. It will be a drabblish story, with shorter chapters. Shorter chapters mean quicker updates! :-)

This is not mine. I don't own Twilight, but I wish I did. Sigh …

With the last chapter, we'll have the juicy citrus, resolution with JR and moving forward with their new plans as full-time travelers. Leave me some loving! Thanks for reading!

Chapter Twenty

September 13th, 2020

She launched herself at Edward, toppling them onto the couch as she kissed his face. He laughed, holding her to his body as he eagerly accepted her kisses. Then, their kissing grew heated and so much more. "I want you," she whispered. "Take me to bed, Edward. Make love to me. All of me."

"Fuck, Bella," Edward groaned.

"You can do that, too," she giggled, getting up from the couch. "But first …" She found one of her smaller cameras, along with another memory card. "Let's have fun with the camera, babe."

"You truly are my dream woman, Bella," he growled, scooping her over his shoulder. She squealed with a giggle as he carried her to the bedroom. Putting her on the bed, he kissed her lips hungrily.

"Let me set up the camera. I kind of scoped out the best angle so the camera can get everything," she murmured, biting her lip.

"Everything?" Edward asked, arching a brow. "Even as I fill you with my cock?"

"Hmmm, let me get my GoPro," she blushed. "I'm assuming you want a close up of my pussy as you fuck every inch of me."

"Hmmm, maybe," he purred, kissing her again. He moved away so she could use the tripod to set up the camera on her dresser. Her entire bed was in the frame. She backed away from the camera after she'd turned it on, removing her shirt and revealing the bare lace underneath. "Oh, fuck … you are so gorgeous."

Looking over her shoulder, she unbuttoned her jeans and slid them down her body. Her lingerie was innocence, sin, and sex in one amazing package, leaving very little to the imagination. He walked over to her, snaking his arm around her waist. He kissed her neck, gliding his hands along her creamy smooth skin. "I love you, Edward," she whispered.

"You are my world," he whispered back, turning her head, and brushing his lips along hers. She turned in his arms, making quick work of his shirt. When his shirt joined hers on the floor, she lightly scratched her fingers along his muscled chest. He hissed lowly, moving his palms to her ass. He squeezed her behind. She moaned quietly as his fingers dipped into the sheer material of her panties and pushed them down her hips. Turning her back around he cupped her sex. "So wet, my love."

"All fucking day," she murmured as his fingers rolled her clit.

"Lift your leg, baby," he said. She did as he asked, opening her body toward the camera. She propped her leg on the small ottoman near the foot of the bed. He pulled his hand away, growling at the arousal that coated his fingers. "Suck, Glitter. Taste your pussy."

She took his hand, slurping up her essence from the pads of his fingers. With an insistent, but gentle move, he turned her head and kissed her greedily. He unclasped her barely-there bra and tossed it onto the floor. Bella was gloriously naked, on display for the camera. He squeezed her breasts before moving his fingers back to her leaking pussy. "Fuck, Bella. I need to taste you."

While devouring her lips, he moved her, so she was sitting at the edge of the bed. Her legs were spread. She smiled seductively at him, squeezing her nipples as he moved the camera ever closer to her core. "You really want that money shot."

"Your body is beautiful," he said, panning the camera up and down. "Lick your lips for me, baby and then squeeze your tits. Make those nipples so hard."

Bella did as he commanded, cupping her breasts, and tugging on her nipples. He groaned lowly, watching as she arched her back and played with her tits. Slowly moving the camera down, he zoomed on her soaked and swollen lower lips. Her arousal coated her folds. Her hips moved with each tug of her hands. He wanted nothing more than to bury his head between her thighs and taste her, directly from the source. Placing the camera back on the dresser, he knelt before her and dragged her lithe body to him. With a wink, he slid his tongue along her slit.

"Oh, my GOD," Bella moaned, her head falling back onto the mattress. "Edward!"

She was everything sweet, and sexy, and more. He spread her folds, pressing his tongue inside of her body. She slapped her hands onto the mattress, rolling her hips along with his tongue. He growled lowly as he captured her clit and pushed two fingers inside of her core. She was so fucking tight. He curled his fingers inside, massaging the spongy spot that made her explode in pleasure every time. His pinky grazed her ass. She whimpered, grinding her pussy against his face and hand. "Let go, Bella. I can feel you holding back."

"I don't want this feeling to stop," she mewled.

"This is only the beginning, Bella," he rasped, sucking on her inner thigh. He knew he was marking her. She was his, as he was hers … "Come for me, love. All over me. My face, my fingers, my tongue."

"Fuck," she exclaimed, gripping the bedspread. Her hips moved, bucking toward his greedy mouth. He chuckled lowly before devouring every inch of her. His hand pumped in and out, bringing her to the brink and then stopping. She was sobbing for release. Her arousal spilled out of her, unhindered and covered Edward's fingers, and face. "EDWARD!" Her orgasm zipped through her like lightening.

He growled lowly, keeping his mouth on her as her body quaked with her climax. When her body relaxed, he stood up and removed his jeans and boxer briefs. He picked her up, kissing her while he held her in his lap. "How do you feel, Glitter?" he asked.

"Hmmmm, Sparkle, your tongue and fingers are …" she purred, stroking his cock. "They make me feel so fucking good, but not as good as your cock."

"Sit on my lap, Bella. Your back to my front," he said, sucking on her neck and maneuvering her on his legs. She blinked the camera. Her face flushed at the implication. "It's for us, baby. Only us … we get to watch the beauty of our lovemaking."

She kissed him, devouring his mouth as she spread her legs. Grasping his length, she coated his rigid cock with her arousal. He grasped her hips and growled when she slid down his erection. Bella's head fell back as he slowly began stroking in and out of her body. She grasped her breasts, squeezing them tightly. "Your cock … so big, baby. I fucking love when you fill me. I want all of you."

"Lean back, Bella," Edward commanded. "I'll give you all of me."

Bella did as he said, and his hips slammed against hers. She gasped as she felt him. Everywhere. He filled every inch of her soaking, silken core. She was so tight this way, and watching his cock disappear inside of her made him even harder. Bella called out his name as she clenched around him. He looked at where they were joined, seeing her arousal leak out of her. Usually, she was very wet, but this went beyond wet. She shuddered and he stopped thrusting. He could feel her muscles pulsate around his cock. He could feel her orgasm. "Edward … don't stop."

Her breathy plea made him tremble and he sat up, rolling his hips. One of his hands cupped her breast and the other moved to her clit. He kissed her neck, lost in her body, her wetness, and her desire. "I love you," he whispered against her ear. "Come with me, baby."

"Yes," she whimpered. She turned to kiss his lips, rolling her body over his. "I love you with everything I am, Edward. I'm …"

"I can feel you. Let go," he mumbled against her lips. He pinched her clit and she screamed into his shoulder, shattering around him. Her climax triggered his and he spilled deep within her pussy, claiming her as his. They stayed together, joined in the most intimate way, panting heavily. Edward slid his arms around her body, nuzzling her neck. "The first of many birthdays together, my love."

"We're not done, are we?" she asked, turning to pout at him.

"For now, we are," he chuckled. "I need some time to recuperate, baby. Then, we'll continue." His hand moved to palm her ass. "I want to love every inch of you." With a twist of his body, she was back on the bed, and he spread her legs. His green eyes stared as his cum trickled out of her.

"You like seeing that, hmmmm?" she asked, reaching down to spread his cum all over her lower lips.

"More than I probably should," he choked out. He crawled back up her and they kissed, stroking each other's body. Edward made Bella come again with his fingers in her pussy and teased her ass while his body became aroused. When his cock was hard, he used her arousal to coat himself. Bella bit her lip as she used the lube, dripping it down her ass. He eased two fingers inside of her rosette. "Relax, Bella."

"I'm just eager to feel you," she whispered.

"I'm always eager to feel you," he breathed, pressing the head of his cock to her ass. "Just breathe."

She did, staring into his eyes as he slowly slid inside. When he was fully seated, he leaned down and kissed her deeply. Where their earlier lovemaking was physically intense, this was more intense on an emotional level. Edward moved slowly and with a purpose of being completely owned by the woman in his arms. It was truly about making love. It was so strong that Bella's eyes welled with tears, seeing how much Edward cherished her.

Never in her life had she expected to find this.

Never in her life had she realized she needed this. Keeping everyone at arm's length because of what her mother had done to her had hurt her, but Edward made her realize that she was worthy of love, of happiness. "Edward," she whimpered. "I …"

"I know," he breathed, capturing her mouth. "I love you; I'll always love you."

The power of their orgasms shattered them both to the core. Bella trembled, gripping Edward's biceps as he moaned out his release. Their heavy breathing was the only sound in the room. "Will it always be like this?" she asked, kissing his collarbones, and sliding her fingers along his muscular back.

"If I had my way, it'll only get better," he murmured. "Now, I don't know about you, but I think a shower is in order."

"Just a shower," Bella said as he eased out of her body. She grimaced. "I love you, Sparkle, but you're huge. Your cock … I mean …"

He snorted, picking her up and turning off the camera as he carried her to the bathroom. Taking a shower, washing off the sweat and evidence of their lovemaking, Edward held his girlfriend under the steady stream of water. She was cuddled in his embrace, sleepy and so very happy. He looked down at Bella. Her eyes were closed. He brushed her wet hair away from her face, and turned off the water. Picking her up, he carried her to the bedroom and put her in the button-down he'd worn during the day. She slept deeply as he curled around her. "Soon, Bella. Very soon. I'll put another ring on your finger," he whispered, kissing her neck. "I love you, Glitter."

"Love you more, Sparkle," she mumbled drowsily.

xx DD xx

October 6th, 2020

In the small condo Miss Alice purchased, Bella was working with Esme on unpacking the kitchen supplies. Miss Alice was in the bedroom, barking orders at Edward and Carlisle as they helped set up her bedroom furniture. She couldn't decide where she wanted the bed. Emmett was carrying up boxes with the movers to be put into storage since the condo was smaller than her apartment, but the storage unit was much, much larger. There was a lot more security, which was needed since JR was released on bond.

He'd been trying to contact her since he was released, but Miss Alice refused to take his calls. Understandably, so … he'd physically hurt her. He'd tried to steal money from her.

And, he was going down.

For a long, long time.

The following week, Miss Alice was going to give her statement to the judge because JR had pled out in order to get a lesser sentence. However, it would appear he wanted to make amends with his mother.

Right. Sure, he did …

That bridge had gone up in flames.

Fiery, disastrous flames.

The flames were so insane that the bridge no longer existed.

"That's it! Perfect! It's completely Feng Shui!" Miss Alice crowed from her room.

Bella snorted from her spot on the floor, putting the pots and pans in the cabinet underneath the island. Esme handed her another pot. "Miss Alice is quite the character. I can see why you adore her," Esme said.

"She was the mother I should have had," Bella shrugged, closing the cabinet, and standing up. "Instead of the dumpster fire I was laden with. My mom was a bitch and always will be a bitch."

"I don't blame you," Esme frowned. "I cannot believe her and how she could believe your stepfather …"

"But, Miss Alice is one of those kind, loving souls. I don't understand how her children could …" Bella trailed off, cutting off Esme. "Her daughter and younger son have contacted her, trying to make up for what their brother did. They understood why she made the changes to her estate. They also vowed to be better and to not be like JR."

"Do you think she'll meet with him?" Esme asked.

"Possibly. After he's sentenced," Bella shrugged. "Are you coming to the courthouse?"

"I'm not because of my compromised immune system. I cannot wait until the vaccine is approved. It's getting closer. Carlisle said that by December, I will be eligible to get it," Esme said. "I hate being so cut off from the world. I know that you, Edward, and Miss Alice are all safe because you don't go anywhere. If you do, you're protected with masks and hand sanitizer."

"We have to take care of our family," Bella murmured, walking to the fridge, and pulling out two water bottles. She handed one to Esme. "As soon as we can, Edward and I are getting the vaccine."

"Me, too," Miss Alice said, toddling into the kitchen. "Grab me one of those, Bella? Your boyfriend and Carlisle are making my bed. They may need some water, too." She grinned, taking the bottle from Bella and squeezed her fingers. "The ring looks beautiful on your hand, Bella. It was meant for you."

"You were so kind to give it to Edward," Bella blushed.

"You wouldn't have accepted it from me, but a promise from him?" Miss Alice snickered.

"You're right. I wouldn't have accepted it from you. It should have gone to Mariah or Thomas," she argued.

"No, it went to the person who deserves it," Miss Alice said, kissing Bella's cheek. "The daughter of my heart … the woman who loved me when my children couldn't be bothered. I love you, sweet girl."

"I love you, too, Miss Alice," Bella whispered.

"I told you to call me Alice," she chided.

"Sorry … five years of calling you Miss Alice," Bella giggled. "It's going to take time."

"Your room is all done, Miss Alice," Edward said. "My dad is fluffing the pillows."

"I appreciate it, Edward. I'd do it myself, but my wrist is still not all that strong," Miss Alice responded. "I can't exactly go to physical therapy. Well, I can, but I don't want to be around all those people. So, I'm doing my exercises with Carlisle."

"We'll help you," Edward said. "I can pull some gear from one of the gyms that will help with your fine motor control. I did some work with the athletic trainers when I was university. I do have some athletic training skills. I can work with my dad …"

"That would be wonderful, Edward," Miss Alice grinned. "Now, I'm, for all intents and purposes, moved in. Once Emmett gets here, I want to thank you by ordering dinner. What's good around here?"

"There's a fabulous sushi restaurant around the corner that delivers," Edward suggested. "I can put the order in. I have an account since I've frequented that place since I moved in here." He took out his cell phone and placed an order. The food was delivered, shortly after Emmett came into the condo. It was an amazing night, filled with laughter, friendship, and a newly bonded family. Miss Alice was settled in her new place and safe from her son, which was all that mattered.

Bella and Edward stayed at his condo that night, christening his bedroom.

Again.

They also stayed up, talking about the changes in décor Bella had planned for his place. Their place. It was still too sterile. She needed green things and to boho up the place. He was more than willing to change anything in his condo to make it a home. Before? It was a place for him to sleep. Now? It was going to be their home.

Well, their home when they weren't traveling. Those plans were coming together, beginning with picking up their converted van in early February.

A week later, they were at King County Court House. The courtroom was set up for social distancing. The only people allowed inside were the attorneys, the court employees, and witnesses. Bella and Edward were seated in the back since they would be called for their testimony, their faces covered with masks. Miss Alice was sitting closer to the district attorney, practically covered in a hazmat suit. Her personal attorney was sitting next to her.

JR walked in with his attorney; a public defender assigned to him by the courts. JR was dressed in a shabby suit, and he looked like shit. They sat down at the table opposite of the district attorney. A few moments later, the bailiff announced the judge, and the hearing began.

Miss Alice, Bella, Edward, and a statement from Carlisle, who could not attend due to being exposed to COVID while he was working, was read for the judge. Carlisle was quarantining at Bella's apartment since Bella and Edward moved into his place to be closer to Miss Alice.

After their testimony, JR stood up before the judge was going to issue his sentence. He held a piece of paper. His hands were shaking as he read from it. "My name is Jasper James Whitlock Junior and I'm pleading guilty for the charges brought against me by my mother, Mary Alice Brandon Whitlock. I … I fucked up."

"Mr. Whitlock, you can make your statement without using such language," the judge chided.

"Apologies," he muttered. "But, I did mess up. I made poor decisions and in order to correct those mistakes, I hurt the person who I loved the most." Miss Alice scoffed, earning an amused look from the judge. "It's the truth."

"Your actions say otherwise," the judge admonished. "If you're not going to say anything of note, I can issue my sentence now."

"I'd like to continue, your Honor," JR said quietly. He put the paper down and turned to face his mother. "I was a shit son and I made it all worse. You were sick. All I saw was dollar signs. You're my mom and I hurt you. I really did fuck up. I know that language is not appropriate for court, but it's the truth. I squandered Dad's legacy and lost everything. I have no one to blame but myself. I'm sorry. I know I'll never be able to make it up to you, but I am sorry." Turning back to the judge, he jutted out his chin defiantly. "I'm ready, your Honor."

The judge shook his head, reading off JR's sentence. He would spend seven years behind bars and a permanent restraining order was issued to protect Miss Alice from her son. He also had to pay for Miss Alice's medical expenses from when she was injured, along with her moving expenses, as well.

Unfortunately, JR was completely broke. He had nothing to his name, along with a shit-ton of debt and some illegal dealings that were going to be troublesome for him in the future. However, it was no longer Miss Alice's concern. JR had been removed from his mother's life.

After JR's sentence was read, Miss Alice stood up and scuttled down the aisle to leave the courtroom.

"Mom!" JR called. "Mom … please!"

Miss Alice turned to him, tears welling in her blue eyes. "You broke my heart, JR. I loved you unconditionally. I still do, despite what you did to me, but you are … you have to live with the consequences. Be well, son." She turned on her heel and left the courtroom, with Edward and Bella behind her.

"Miss Alice?" Bella asked when she got closer to her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm tired and I just disowned my son," Miss Alice muttered. "I want to go home … I need some time."

"I'm so sorry," Bella whispered, sliding her arm around Miss Alice's shoulders. "If I could take the pain away …"

"I know, sweet one," Miss Alice breathed, taking Bella's face in her hands. "I love you, Bella. I'm so grateful that you were here with me while I dealt with this. You truly are the daughter of my heart." She reached for Edward's hand. "Both of you …"

"I'm your daughter?" Edward teased.

Miss Alice rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean," she quipped. She took Edward's proffered arm. They left the courtroom and drove back to the condo complex. Miss Alice hugged both Bella and Edward before ducking into her place.

Bella stood in front of Miss Alice's door. Edward gently took her hand, guiding her into his place. Once inside, he guided his girlfriend to the couch. "Talk to me, Glitter," he murmured. "You seem concerned."

"Miss Alice … she seemed so shattered," Bella grimaced. "Her own child, he got jail time for hurting his mother. She's got to be so confused. Fuck, I am."

"I think that she needs a moment to come to grips with what happened and with JR's half-assed apology," Edward replied soothingly.

"That apology was some serious bullshit," Bella sneered.

"I know that you're pissed off. I'm pissed off, but JR got what he deserved. Even if it did cost him his relationship with his mother," Edward explained. "We'll be there for her when she's ready to talk. I think … we need some distraction."

"Distraction or distraction?" Bella quipped.

"A little bit of both," he retorted, scooping Bella up and carrying her to their bedroom.

xx DD xx

January 7th, 2021

After a quiet Thanksgiving and a socially distanced Christmas, Bella and Edward finished packing up Bella's apartment. Most of her furniture was going to be donated. The only things that were being moved into Edward's place was her bedroom set and all of her décor, specifically her plants. She was determined to make Edward's sterile, cold condo into a warm inviting space. She'd started doing that during Christmas. Her insane amount of holiday decorations covered every stationary surface.

Leaning against the counter, Bella looked at her empty apartment. "I'm going to miss this place," she said. "It had character."

"My condo has character," Edward grumbled, tying up the last garbage bag.

"It has character now," she teased. "Before, it was so modern and cold. So, unlike you …"

"Before I met you, I was modern and pretty damned cold," he shrugged. "You brought out the lighter side of my personality. I like it … I like who I am when I'm with you, Glitter."

"You ground me and make me feel loved," she smiled. "I love who I am with you, Sparkle. But, I love us more. I never expected to find someone who could deal with all my crazy."

"You are not crazy," Edward chided, hopping onto the kitchen counter. "That's the farthest thing from the truth."

"Up until I met you, I kept everyone at arm's length. It was because of what my mom did to me and how she believed her pervy, douchey husband over me. I never realized how much that impacted my life until I met you," she said, sliding between his legs and rubbing her hands along his muscular thighs. "I love you, Sparkle. Thank you for swiping right."

"Ditto, baby," he laughed. He captured her lips with his. They quickly lost themselves in the kiss until there was quiet knock on the door. "To be continued? At home?"

"Yeah. Let's get this chapter closed," Bella said, stepping back and walking to the door. The landlord was standing outside with a clipboard. "Hi, Hank."

"Ms. Swan," he grinned, stepping inside of the empty apartment. "I hate to see you go. You were one of the best tenants I've ever had."

"I'm moving on to bigger and better things," she said. "Here's the checklist you asked me to fill out."

"I'm just going to do a walk-through," Hank replied. "But, from the look of it, the place is in great shape. Better than Mrs. Whitlock's apartment. The damage from the upstairs neighbor really mucked things up in her old place. I have to completely gut her place along with the apartment above hers." He shuddered. "There was mold on every wall upstairs and the fridge? I barely contained the puke when I opened it. It was filled with a science experiment of the highest order."

"Ewww," Bella groaned, shuddering. "I need to shower now. Thanks."

"Apologies," he snickered. "I'll just check your place and once I've signed off, getting your keys, you're good to go."

"I'll run this down to the dumpster," Edward said, kissing her temple. "I'll be right back, Glitter."

Bella waited while Hank wandered through her now empty apartment. He checked underneath cabinets, opened closets, and assessed the windows and doors. Hank handed Bella the paperwork and took the keys from her as Edward walked back inside. "You're good to go, Ms. Swan. I'll send you your security deposit back to your new address."

"Thanks, Hank," Bella smiled. "Best of luck."

"You, too," Hank nodded, leading them out of Bella's old place. He locked the door, shaking hands with Bella and Edward as they left the apartment building.

Edward helped Bella into the passenger seat. She looked up at the building, a soft smile on her face. "It feels real, now."

"What, Glitter?" he asked.

"This next phase in our lives," she answered. "We're making plans. We're moving forward. I can't wait until we begin our next adventure, traveling the country."

"Well, we need to pick up the van first," Edward chuckled, kissing Bella's forehead. "But, things are falling into place, Bella." He closed the door, walking to the driver's side and drove them back his condo … no, their condo.

The next few weeks went by quickly. Edward had formalized his agreement with Emmett, solidifying his decision to be a silent investor. The final step was to hire a new business manager, which they did. An old friend from Bella's past interviewed for the position. Jacob Black, who grew up in La Push, near Forks, where Bella lived after moving out of her mother's home, was a perfect combination of brains, brawn, and business acumen. He'd take over Edward's job, giving Edward the freedom to travel the country and the world with his girlfriend. They also got the vaccination for COVID, scheduling their second dose in early March.

On Valentine's Day, Edward and Bella went out for a romantic dinner. Edward wanted to get down on one knee as they enjoyed their dessert, but a blast from the past approached them at the restaurant.

"Bella? Edward?"

Looking up, they saw Rosalie. She looked softer, rounder, but tired. "Rose," Edward said, blinking at her. "This is a surprise …"

"Yeah," she replied, blushing. "I just moved back to Seattle. Can I join you?"

"We're in the middle of our Valentine's Day celebration," Bella said, her voice sharp with anger.

"I know," she muttered. "I won't be long. I promise." Edward gestured to an empty chair. Rose sat down, smoothing down her hands on the table. "Have you spoken with Emmett recently?"

"I talk to him every day. He's my best friend and business partner," Edward clipped.

"How is he?" she asked.

"He got COVID in May, but he's fine," Edward responded. "Why do you care? You're the one who ended it with him after telling him you were pregnant and that you didn't want to keep the baby."

Rose sighed, shaking her head. "That was a mistake. Breaking up with Emmett was a huge mistake. I also kept the baby. All elective procedures were cancelled because of COVID, and I couldn't … even if I wanted to, I was already …" she trailed off.

"So, you had the baby," Bella stated.

"I had the baby," she clarified. "A baby girl … Tessa. I named her after Emmett's mom."

"Congratulations," Bella said flatly. "Now, what do you want with us? You're clearly at a romantic restaurant. Are you here with a date?"

"Business dinner. Tessa is with my nanny," she explained. "I just wanted to talk to you because Emmett, he has a right to know about his daughter." She blinked down and twisted a bracelet around her wrist. "He won't take my calls."

"Do you blame him?" Edward asked. "You cut off communications after you said you were going to abort his child. He was fucked up Rosalie. He still is. However, he does have a right to know that he has a kid."

"Are you going to try to hit him up for money?" Bella sneered, narrowing her eyes at Rosalie. The visible gulp from Rosalie answered that question. "Wow … you haven't changed. Only looking out for yourself. Maybe you should give Tessa to Emmett and then, he can be rid of you forever."

Rose looked ashamed and tears welled in her eyes. "Please don't tell him."

"He has a right to know," Edward said softly, calmly, but the anger in eyes swirled. "My loyalty is to him. You have until the end of the week and then I'm going to tell him. Don't be surprised if it's through an attorney." Blinking to Bella, he tossed out a couple hundred-dollar bills and held out his hand. "Come on, Glitter. I've lost my appetite for dessert."

"Rose, this was your choice, and you should have known that this wouldn't have gone well," Bella said harshly, threading her fingers with Edward's. "Have a good life."

Within a couple of days, Emmett reached out to Edward and Bella, telling them about Rose. After meeting with an attorney, Emmett sued Rose for custody of Tessa. Things would not be resolved right away, but the anger that Emmett felt toward Rose was beyond anything he'd ever experienced. The one thing that did happen was that the judge had Emmett meet his daughter and he was enamored with her, but the hatred he had for his daughter's mother grew exponentially.

She'd taken so much from him … namely, his capability of loving freely and his trust in women. She'd shattered his heart with her actions and cold reception to being pregnant. Now, she'd denied him the opportunity to be there while she gave birth and almost denied him access to their child.

A child that was half his …

He had every right to Tessa. Emmett was her father, and he deserved a spot in her life, regardless of how Rosalie felt about him, or how he felt about Rosalie.

As much as Edward and Bella wanted to be there for Emmett, their next adventure was just cresting beyond the horizon. They were traveling to Colorado in a couple of days, toward the end of February, to pick up the van and were driving it back to Seattle before they began their journey to travel the continental United States.

By the time they got back to Seattle, two days after picking up the van and driving from Boulder to Seattle, Emmett had calmed down. He still abhorred Rosalie, but his daughter was his priority. With Miss Alice, Esme, and Bella, he converted his guest bedroom in his condo into a sweet nursery for Tessa. He wanted her to have a special place in his home and the room was a perfect combination of sweet and sassy, which described Tessa, to a T.

While Edward and Bella prepared to begin their journey, they vlogged and blogged and shared on their Instagram. Every moment was being documented, through Bella's gift of prose, Edward's camera work and their combined talents in editing – after a course to improve their video editing skills. The YouTube channel was climbing up the ranks and they'd just hit almost 100,000 subscribers, steadily climbing every day, along with more sponsors from travel companies and online security systems.

By the beginning of March, their itinerary was set. They set their departure date, one year to the day since they left for São Paulo. The van was packed with clothes, filming equipment, food, and the kitchen sink.

No, seriously, they had a kitchen sink in their van.

This was in addition to a propane tank for cooking, composting toilet, and tiny shower stall. They truly could live off the grid, but until they got used to it, they'd decided to stay on campgrounds.

Eagerly, they were excited for their new adventures and plan in life. But, Edward had one more thing he wanted to do before they started on the next phase of their journey.

xx DD xx

March 9th, 2021

Seated in their shared condo, Edward and Bella sat down on the couch with a camera filming. "It's been one year," she began. "One whole year since we left for São Paulo and today, we are starting a new journey."

"You've seen the work we've put into our plans. The van is packed, ready to go. Our longtime friend and adoptive mother will be checking out our condo while we're out traveling the country. I've stepped back from my job and Bella …" he trailed off, kissing her temple.

"I've resigned from my position as an editor at the local publishing company," she said. "I submitted my final assignment last night. It's weird to be starting on this ride, traveling the country, but I'm so excited. I'm excited to find a partner who is eager to travel as I am. I'm thrilled to explore the country I call home with the man who I love more than anything. So, this is just the beginning …"

"It is the beginning," Edward grinned. "I'm eager to start it with you, Bella. I love you."

"I love you, too," she breathed, brushing her lips with his.

"Come on," Edward chuckled, reaching for the camera. "The adventure awaits."

They filmed packing up the condo and locking the door. Riding down the elevator to the garage, Bella's eyes widened when she saw her adoptive family waiting by their converted van. "What's going on, Sparkle?" she asked.

"You'll see," he grinned, setting up the camera on a tripod. "Our family wanted to see us off."

"Even the smallest member of the family," Emmett said, waving Tessa's hand at them. Bella walked over to Emmett's baby girl and swooped her into her arms, nuzzling the soft, chubby baby. Tessa giggled, grabbing at Bella's hair. "Do you love your Auntie Bella, little one?"

"Auntie Bella adores her Tessa-bear," Bella cooed, pressing a kiss to the baby's forehead. "Her mother? Not so much."

"Get in line," Emmett snickered, taking the baby back.

Miss Alice stepped forward next, holding a bottle. "This is for you and Edward. Open it when you reach your first destination and enjoy having raunchy van sex," she snickered, giving Bella a bottle of champagne, authentic champagne from the Champagne region of France.

"I like the idea of raunchy van sex," Edward purred, sliding his arm around Bella's waist. "Tonight, Glitter. We'll have so much to celebrate."

"Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway is not all that momentous," Bella quipped.

"You'll see," Edward sang. He walked her to the van, catching his parent's gaze. With a shy grin, he got down on one knee. "Isabella Marie Swan, when we met, I knew that I'd met someone special. Little did I know that I'd find my best friend, my lover, my forever. We survived quarantine, in paradise, and fell in love along the way. Was it smooth-sailing?"

Bella smiled, shaking her head no. "But, life isn't supposed to be smooth-sailing."

"No, it wasn't, but being with you made everything better," Edward breathed. "Bella, I love you more than anything. As we take this next step in our lives, I can't imagine doing it with you as my girlfriend. I want you as my partner, my fiancée, my wife. Will you do me the distinct honor of being my wife?" Reaching into his pocket, he produced a box and opened it. With shaking hands, he held it up.

Tears were streaming down her face as she looked at the man who'd captured her heart. The man who had taught her how to live, without fear and with so much joy. His green eyes were brimmed with tears as he held the box with an exquisite engagement ring in front of her. It was an oval-shaped diamond with smaller diamonds on the band. It was beautiful, elegant, and perfectly her. She sobbed, nodding eagerly. "Y-y-y-yes, Edward. I love you so much," she whispered.

He took out the ring and sliding it onto her finger. Shooting up, he hugged her to his body and spun them around. Placing her on unsteady feet, he captured her lips with his. She gripped his shirt, lost in his mouth moving over hers. Pulling back, he kept his forehead to hers. "To the beginning of a new adventure, to destinations unknown …"

"The destinations may be unknown, but with you, I'm home," she breathed. She kissed him again, pulling back and grinning at him.

"Can we congratulate you now?" Carlisle asked, a wide smile on his face.

"Yes," Edward laughed, sliding his arm around Bella's waist.

Hugs, kisses, and laughter were shared as Esme and Miss Alice gushed over Bella's ring. Edward grinned at his father, who couldn't have looked more proud. Emmett was happy for his friends, seeing the joy in Edward's face and Bella's eagerness, but he was sad that he might not find it because of what Rose did to him. Shaking his head, he decided to focus on his friends', his family's happiness.

Edward walked over to Emmett, caressing a finger down Tessa's cheek. "I know that this must have been tough for you. I'm sorry, Em," Edward murmured.

"Do not apologize," Emmett argued. "I'm happy for you. You and Bella are so perfectly matched. I can't imagine a more perfect couple. I'll find my other half. For now, I'll enjoy my best girl and plan your bachelor party. I am your best man, right?"

"Of course," Edward grinned, hugging Emmett. "You'll find happiness, brother. You deserve it and you'll get it."

Hugging Bella, Miss Alice smiled at her adoptive daughter. "I hate that you're leaving," Miss Alice grumped near the van. "We need to start planning."

"Let us enjoy being engaged," Bella said, laughing with a wry grin. "We'll be back. You have a copy of our itinerary."

"I know, I know," she said, kissing Bella's cheek. "I love you, sweet girl. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

"Agreed," Esme nodded, hugging her newest daughter.

More hugs and kisses were shared before Bella and Edward got into the van. Setting up the camera on the dashboard, Bella reached over to squeeze his hand. "Are you ready, Sparkle?" she asked. "For the start of our next adventure?"

"With you by my side? I'm ready for anything," Edward answered, turning on the van. "Destination … forever, Mrs. Cullen."

"And a day, Mr. Cullen," she quipped, leaning across and kissing him. "Forever and a day."

A/N: That's all she wrote. There's one more chapter … which will be an epilogue, wrapping things up for Glitterella and Sparkleward. What will they do for their wedding? What about Emmett and will he find his HEA? Miss Alice?

Pictures, both pervy and otherwise, including Bella's engagement ring, are on my blog. You can find a link for that on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.

Leave me your thoughts. Also, thank you for reading!