O-o-o a note..: Hello to all, again! This is lovely, getting all these awesome and heartfelt reviews! I feel so special! More on me not being able to own Twilight… While I'm sure you know all about that empty feeling you get when you realize you can't even get your hands -or claws- on Twilight formal owning thing-y. Yep, but what can we do? Read and review and write a little bit more to coupe with the pain! So here's more…

Chapter 9

Oh shoot, they're going to make me over, worse than Alice did early! What the heck am I going to do? Both vampires started coming towards me, Rosalie with a heated round brush and Alice with a spray bottle. It made me nervous because they were looking at me weird, like they were going to eat me, well not exactly like that. Just a light gleam of a grin was on each of their lips.

Pulling, poking, and prodding are not even the beginning of the things they did to me. All of it hurt my head, but not too much, just enough to make me grimace as Rosalie fixed everything into place with too much hair spray. It must have been super extra strength, might have been something more powerful actually. Alice's hands worked at lighting speed when it came to make-up. I had whimpered, but they worked on, not pay any attention even though I knew they cared.

"I know you hate it," Alice said, smiling as she used a brush to apply eye shadow to my lids, "Though, it's for only the best occasion."

I sighed and rolled my eyes, "Whatever."

They weren't letting me see myself. Is that a crime?

"Now now," Rose used at soothing tone to calm me down.

Without stopping to check her work on my eyes, Alice moved to my lips. Soon, those were done, too. I thought my face was finished, until she brought out yet another plastic thing. To tell you the true, it looked like a bronze fountain holder. She opened in quickly, unscrewing the cap, then shaking her head, she replaced it.

"She's more of a silver, don't you think?" Alice asked Rosalie.

Rose shook her head quickly then left the room.

"What do you mean?"

"Highlighter for your face."

"As in marker?"

Alice only giggled.

"Okay," I breathed, tapping my finger nails.

"Shoot," Alice muttered, "Rose, her nails!"

"Damn it!" I heard Rosalie shriek from her room.

"Her toes, too!" Alice yelled to her sister.

Rose came in shaking a fist at no one, "Damn it again!"

"Use the speed drying stuff," Alice told her, then Rosalie rushed back out, then came in flashing something in Alice's tiny face, "That's will have to do."

"What?" I felt like my head was spinning, might have been all the fumes.

"We're going to paint your nails," Rosalie replied swiftly.

I grunted at the thought and let Alice sweep me up into her arms. Somehow, the towel stay in place. All was okay, with that anyway. On Rose's bed, there was a black dress. It was pretty, but I didn't think it would fit me. Way too small, in fact I told both of them that.

"It's too small," I stoked the material, it was too soft and satiny.

Yet it wasn't satin.

"Not in the slightest!" Alice laughed and pointed to Rosalie, "This one she picked out, but she's knows."

Uh oh, Rose picked out my dress? I'm going to wear it? Oh gosh.

"Here Bella, you have to wear a strapless bra for this one," Rose thrust a bra and underwear into my hands, "We'll leave so you can change. Call when you're ready."

I nodded my head, but they were gone. Sighing I pulled on everything and then gazed at the dress. Once it was on, I had to adjust a few things. At first I though the hem was crooked, but then I found out it was meant to be like that. The bottom was asymmetrical, so it went diagonal at the hem, with a slight ruffle. The sable black color sort of matched Alice's hair. Surprisingly, it did fit. Snugly, hugging what curves I had. Now I could see why Rose gave me the strapless bra.

Only connected by a thick strap crossing my left shoulder, the right was bare, untouched. It was all open in the back, though, how it managed that feat I'll never know. At the very bottom in the back was a series of old fashioned round buttons. Those and the strap is what held it on to me. The whole thing only came to right above me knee. I yelled for Rose and Alice to come in, because I couldn't button the back up.

They came in and both faces held a tremendous amount of shock.

"Oh, I think the pin-up photos went for naught," Rose sighed and couldn't keep the smile from creeping onto her face.

I scowled, she was teasing, "Enough, can you help?"

"Of course!" Alice was delighted to see me in the finished product.

I was buttoned up very quickly.

"Nail time!" Alice squealed and Rosalie pushed me to a desk by the opening of her closet.

In seconds, the paint was set. It was dark midnight blue, that changed to black. Like a crow's wing. I liked it, I was going to have to borrow that stuff sometime.

"What about shoes?" I groaned at the thought of asking them.

Rose waved at me, "They're downstairs, but I will leave you to go with Alice now! Good luck!" she gave me a kiss on my cheek and back up so we could go.

"Can I see myself first?" I asked, I was nervous at what they did to me.

"No, it's better that way," Alice took my hand and I moaned.

"This is going to be bad," I rubbed my temples in frustration.

Alice clicked her tongue and we flew down the stairs hastily. At the end of the stairs Esme and Carlisle were waiting for me. I blushed as Esme stifled back a cry of shock. Carlisle smiled as soon as we were within sight and nodded to Alice.

"You girls did a superb job," he beamed up at me once more before giving Alice a small hug.

"Thank you," then she turned to me, "Good luck to you tonight."

A kiss lingered on my cheek when she was gone, a farewell token from her.

Esme looked me up and down, "You are break taking. Even more than before, if that's even at all possible!"

"Oh Esme!" I bounded over and gave her a large warm hug.

It was then that I noticed that Carlisle was holding a shoe box. I couldn't begin to figure out the name, it looked Italian or something. And Edward wasn't there. Was it going to be like this morning?

"Um… not to be too rude, but where's Edward?" I still felt a thrill go through me when I said his name.

"I'll have to drive you to where he is," Carlisle answered simply and opened the door.

I hugged Esme's cold body again, "Bye Esme!"

"Goodbye Bella dear," her eyes had finally started to settle down and come back to normal size.

Outside, the sun was almost beginning to set. The Mercedes was waiting, already on, in the driveway. Turning around briefly, I waved at the house, taking a tiny guess that Alice and Rose were looking out of the windows. I was right, I saw flurries of hands waving back. Wait, wasn't I supposed to be wearing shoes outside?

"Shouldn't I put on my shoes?" I asked.

Carlisle shook his head, then came and lifted from the porch. In the warm car before I knew it, we were already out of the drive way. Edward must have had a plan with the shoes. The car ride was pleasant, but mostly quiet. Carlisle wasn't a speeder, at least he seemed not to be now. The shoe box was on my lap, I tried to open it once, although Carlisle stopped that action.

"Not yet, Bella," he said in a light voice.

I shrugged and watched the road. He turned off into a rocky road, then stopped short.

"This is where you get out," he sighed and was out of the car and opening up the door in a flash.

A bad feeling crept into my stomach, "Do I have to walk?"

"Yes," he spoke lividly, winking at me, "It won't be as bad as you think. Edward has worked out a way."

"Okay," my teeth were chattering at the thought.

Carlisle took the box and opened it, bending down to slip a high heeled, silver shoe on my foot.

"Can I ask what's going on?"

"We got it under control," he assured.

Edward must be crazy if he thinks I'm going to walk without killing myself. Surely, he would come and help me? After the shoes were placed on my feet, they were the kind that slipped on, quite cute too, just a bit high. I got out of the car and wobbled, but Carlisle caught me. It was a bit uncomfortable, I didn't understand why he slipped the shoes on himself. Hey, whatever, even though I blushed super big time.

"All you need to do it follow the path, it's outlined," he informed me, then was in the car and revved the engine.

The lights of the car showed a newly made dirt path, with candles hanging from the trees on either side of the opening.

"Thanks!" I called to him and started off, into the path.

The place was somewhat familiar… like I'd been here before. Only, I couldn't remember when. Plus, the path was smooth, with no clumps, or rocks. Like it had just been picked through. I followed the random candles through the forest, shivering at the sound of the hooting owl. Having been on the path for at least a half of an hour now, I was getting worried. Why isn't there any end in sight? The whole thing went on forever, I just kept walking, the shoes were holding up alright. That was surprising, but anyway.

Whoa, I saw a flash of light up ahead. It illumined the whole end of the path. For a second, I thought the light was blue!

"I must be losing my mind!" I huffed as I broke through the forest.

Now I know why I thought this place was familiar! It was the clearing we were at when we met James! A shiver ran though me, but I stopped it as I surveyed the rest of the clearing. All around the edge of the trees, candles were lit. In the middle was a bed, though low to the ground like one of those blow up beds. It was covered with white blankets and had some random throw pillows on it. That was good, I would need a major rest from all the trekking and NOT tripping I just did. The stars were just barely visible in the newly night sky. I sighed as I looked around me, where was Edward?

"Well, that was a miracle!" an all too familiar voice rang behind me.

I spun around and was caught in the tenderness and love of Edward's gaze.

"I missed you!" I exclaimed but was caught in shock by how wondrous he looked.

His face was god-like, but seemed to glow in the candle light. Or maybe it was because of the pale gold v-neck shirt, that was light knit and long sleeved. It fit tight, which showed off his physical body. A pair of slim dress black pants he wore, except they were different from the one he wore earlier. He was barefoot.

He eyed me, then giving a crooked smile, came over and kissed my forehead, "Bella."

I felt like I was hyperventilating, not in a bad way.

"Calm down," he spoke into my ear softly, then took my hand and started to the air bed.

Another flash of light happened across the field, I jumped, but Edward only chuckled.

"You're scared of fireworks?" he asked, peeking down at me.

"No, it caught me off guard," I explained, but the paused, "why fireworks?"

Edward raised an alabaster eyebrow, "It's customary, Fourth of July?"

"Is it really the Fourth of July?" I was horrified, why hadn't I known this?

"Yes, if you weren't paying attention to the streamers and signs and even the calendar for you sake," he laughed at my expression.

"Oh," I squeaked as he sat me down on the mattress, "I guess I didn't."

"Obviously not," Edward gave me a small feather light kiss on the lips, my eyes popped open at the sight by the mattress.

A full course meal, grilled chicken breast, with a side of wild rice and snow peas, the meal I didn't get a chance to have at lunch.

"Edward!" I pursed my lips, faking that I was mad.

He knew better, but acted anyway, "What is it?"

"You cooked me more food?" as soon as I said it, I realized I was hungry.

"I'll kill the whole world for just you, Bella," he winked and got a fork down from the side and cut off a piece of chicken and brought it to my lips, "On the lips of an angel."

I grunted, he wanted to feed me?

He set the fork to my lips, closer and I was so hungry I ate it.

"See?" he had another forkful of food before I was done chewing the last bit.

It was amazingly good, "It's so good," I murmured, "Did you take a chef hostage and have him cook for you all day today?"

"Nope!" Edward gave me a lopsided grin and I took that forkful.

That's how it went, and every so often he picked up a wine glass filled with grape juice and I drank that too. Pretty soon, I was stuffed and all the food was gone from the plate.

"Well, someone was hungry!" he set the fork down and scooted me closer to him.

I sighed, I was full and happy, "Must be all the make-up."

I could feel his laugher, "You are so funny."

"People have told me that, or more else laughed at me," I scowled, thinking of all the times I've tripped and Emmett pointing and breaking out into giggles.

Two fireworks popped above us, one blue and one white.

"Do mind if I do something?" he asked, looking at me from upside down, questions in his eyes.

"Go ahead," my voice quivered, he could do whatever he wanted.

Still in the upside down position, he kissed my nose and stood me up momentarily.

"What-" I started to question, but he cut me off.

"Just do what I tell you," he commanded.

"Okay," I nibbled on my lower lip and waited.

Edward's tone was joyful, "Lay down on the bed, stomach down and that's all."

I shrugged and did as I was told, I could see the rocks way ahead in front of me and then I felt Edward's arms on either side of me. Where the strap of the on my shoulder ended in the back, I could feel his lips start to kiss. My mind and heart both skip a beat and Edward stopped.

"Bella?"

"I'm fine."

Somehow he balanced himself on one hand and with the other he moved my hair away from my neck and back. Now, the rested his whole body on mine, it was so weightless, I could tell his chest was by my butt. His hands carefully ran along my sides and down my back. It was so right, I blushed and he could feel it on my back.

Cool breath tickled my back while he resumed kissing down my spine. They were slow, trailing kisses. I shivered sometimes and at this he would laugh. It continued like that until he reached the bottom- where the buttons of the dress began. I sighed and laid my head on its side. So softly I could hardly feel it, he unbuttoned the dress with his teeth, and each time he unbuttoned a button, he placed a kiss where that button had been. Trying to focus on not dying of pure enjoyment and half embarrassment, because I'm sure my back was hairy, I also tried to keep my breathing even. Though, that was tough, with Edward's lips and fingers caressing me and all.

Finally, he got to the last button, I heard my own breath catch and Edward came up without unbuttoning it and laid face to face beside me.

A smile broke out across his face, I blushed, "What?" he asked.

"You're making it so hard!" I realized I was gripping the blankets in my hands, enough to turn my knuckles white.

"Really? I was?" like he didn't already know, I saw the passion burning in his eyes.

"Yes," I panted, finally catching my breath.

"Oh, hm… well, I wonder…" Edward was gone from my side and sight, I sat up, muddled by his sudden disappearance.

Then, he was in front of me again, at the foot of the bed.

I folded my hands in my lap and looked down at him, waiting because I knew he was started whatever when he was ready, "Edward?"

"Give me a second," he warned, working out something in his head.

I did what he asked, again.

"Bella," he started, "A dictionary can't even begin to fathom what I feel when I'm with you, when I think of you, when I even look at you. If all the love songs in the world were combined, it would take eons to try and contemplate the joy, bliss, total happiness that surrounds you," Edward was gazing into my eyes with total devotion, "I give you my unforgiving and utter love through out my whole being, my soul, I know we will always be together. Held in each other's sweet embrace, we will never leave our love or even hopefully lose sight of each other. Only when necessary, wishing I could hold you are care for you forever and forever," he pulled out a silver box and opened it, "Let me warn you this isn't a wedding ring."

I was crying by the first two words of his speech, it was beautiful, stuttering like crazy, I said, "What do you mean? By the end part?"

"Well, it's something else, but not an engagement ring," he swept my hair back and open the box.

Swathed in white cashmere, was a silver ring. In the middle, there was a ruby heart, it had to be at least 2 carats and there were three tiny diamonds in a triangle shape on either side. Around the whole length of the band, glittering pave accents in alternating imperial topaz and onyx covered it. I was breathless.

"Wow," was the first thing that came to mind - and mouth, "What is it then?"

"A promise ring," he chuckled with joy and took it carefully out of the box, "Will you promise to love me and stay with me until I can muster up enough courage to change you?"

"Edward!" I screamed and flew into his arms, and cried into his shoulder, "I love you, I love you!"

"You will?" he asked, unsure.

"Your mine!" I squealed as he slipped the ring onto my finger.

Edward lifted me gracefully off the air bed and looked up into the sky as a burst of colors lit up the sky, making him glow, making us glow. I kissed him hard on the lips and he kissed me back, equally hard. A light breeze swept through the clearing and danced my hair around his face. He pulled back and leaned his forehead against mine while we stood there, caught up in each other.

Yeah, a long one finished! Sorry it took so long, I was afraid to write it because it might not turn out the way I wanted it too. It came out okay, hopefully you guys liked it. I tried hard to make it as real as possible. There should be one more chapter, then the sequel. If you like it, or hate it, review for me. Thanx so much, you save me from a lot of bad thoughts. I love you guys, even though we've never and will never meet. Review! Ta at for now, much!