-123-

BPOV:

The Cullen house is quiet when I make it there the next day. The cars in the driveway tell me that Edward and Carlisle are the only ones here beside Esme, and I think that's for the best.

I don't know how I'm going to tell him. I don't know what I'll say, or what he'll say back, or even when I'll drop the bomb.

I just know at some point today, I have to.

Scanning the first floor, I find no one, but I can see through the kitchen window that Carlisle is out in the backyard watering the flowers. I know before I head up the stairs that Esme is sleeping because Carlisle wouldn't leave her if she weren't. But Edward isn't there, either. Just a peaceful Momma Cullen with a little smile on her face even in her sleep, probably because she's home.

That only leaves one place for Edward to be. He must be down in the theater room in the basement watching a movie or something.

I expect to hear explosions or something as I make my way down the stairs, but there's none of that because he's not watching a movie.

He's in the laundry room, gorgeous face relaxed and focused as he folds his mother's clothes and places them carefully in a basket.

My heart actually stops beating and clenches because how could I have been so stupid?

I love him. I need him. That's all there is to it.

My steps are calmer than I feel as I walk up to him because I know there's a chance he rejects me. There's a chance he tells me he's over me and is ready to move on.

But he's not expecting to see me when he hears my footsteps coming, and it gives me a chance to see the pure fucking adoration in his eyes when he realizes it's me.

It takes away any little bit of my reservations.

This man is mine, and I claim him by wrapping my hand around the back of his neck and pulling his mouth to mine. He doesn't even hesitate, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me tight against him.

When we pull away, chests heaving, I press my forehead to his, temporarily unable to remember all the things I was going to say.

"Hi," I whisper, licking my lips to keep tasting him.

"Hey," he breathes, eyes bouncing between mine and my lips.

"I love you." Easiest words I've ever spoken.

His head jerks back, incredulous eyes scanning me for any trace of deceit.

My lips curve up in a smile as I nod reassuringly.

"I do. And I forgive you. And I'm so sorry it took so long."

He doesn't respond with words right away, frantic lips crashing against mine, hands lifting me so I can wrap my legs around him as he sets me on top of the dryer.

"God, I love you. I love you, too. So fucking much," he mumbles against my lips between kisses, hands slipping under my shirt to feel my skin.

"Edward," I gasp as he pulls me to the edge of the appliance, grinding his hips against me and setting me on fire. "Fuck, Edward, I need you. Be with me again. Move in with me. Marry me. Let me have your babies just...don't go anywhere."

He laughs, one hand coming up to grip my hair, pulling my head back so he can look me in the eyes.

"Yes to all of that, love. Of course. But holy fuck, I missed you, and if I don't get inside you in sixty seconds, I might actually die."

His words make me whimper and nod, pulling his shirt off and patting myself on the back for wearing a dress today to make it easier on us.

Because when he pushes my panties aside and fills me with a guttural groan, I realize this is all I'll ever need.

Him.

Lily Jill: YESSSS!

Epilogue coming tomorrow!