BPOV
A week passed since Edward and I agreed that the best way to thank Seth was to fund the new school for the kids on the reservation. We decided that it was best as an anonymous donation due to animosity most of the Quileutes had towards the Cullens. Jasper, who mostly handled the family finances, let us know that it was done one morning before school.
I also sent Seth some cookies by Charlie and heard that they were excitedly devoured. I didn't want to go on the reservation myself and face Jacob. I missed my best friend, but he had really disappointed me and I wasn't ready to see him yet, or maybe ever.
We were all hanging out at the Cullen's house on a Saturday, some playing board games, some card games, mostly just enjoying a relaxing day, when Carlisle arrived from a nightshift at work, bringing the mail with him. "This seemed like something we should open together." he said, holding a rather thick envelope. He opened it and began to read as everyone listened.
"Dear Cullen Family,
We know that it was you who funded the new school, although we appreciate the lengths that you went to try to hide it from us. We debated not taking the money due to the long-held differences between our people, but Seth convinced us that we were being unfair not only to you all, but also to the children who would truly benefit not only from the new school building, but the expansive library and large playground we intend to build for them with the excess.
We, with the exception of only the Black family who asked that they be mentioned in opposition, would like to extend our sincere gratitude. This goes a long way towards what we hope might be an eventual friendship as we now understand that you are exactly what you claim to be. We are grateful to you all and also to Bella for making us see that. Enclosed are some letters and drawings from the children who are most excited about your generosity, although we have kept you anonymous to them.
Sincerely,
Sam Uley"
The family all had different thoughts about this development. Carlisle, Esme, Alice, Jasper and Emmett were smiling, thrilled with the change of events.
Rosalie and I both, at the same time, asked "With the opposition of only the Black family?" as Edward raised an eyebrow at Carlisle, likely with the same concern.
"That's what it says." Carlisle shrugged.
"How rude." Rosalie said.
"Jacob." I added.
"I'm sorry, Bella." Edward looked at me sadly. "His reaction towards us is my fault."
"No, it isn't. He's jealous. He was a good friend to me while you were gone, but not anymore. You're all I need to be happy. All of you." I smiled at the family and they smiled back, especially Esme and Alice.
"I wonder how they figured it out. Our names weren't on that donation anywhere." Jasper was puzzled. "We didn't even add a note or any reasoning, just sent the money."
"That's why. Who else would make such a large donation without so much as a note?" I asked.
"Suppose so."
"Regardless, them taking it so well is a very good development." Carlisle said.
"Indeed." was Jasper's response. "Would have sent them money years ago if I knew that was the answer."
"Seth probably had a lot to do with it."
"Yeah, I'd say you're right, Bella." Jasper said before he went to look over the envelope's contents with Carlisle.
"It's a lot warmer today." Edward looked excited about something. "What do you say to a hike?"
I instantly knew he meant our meadow and readily agreed. He gathered me in his arms and took off outside without a further word. He apparently decided that his car wasn't necessary and ran holding me the entire way through the thicket of woods surrounding Forks. I closed my eyes and happily rested in is arms.
"Doesn't it slow you down holding me like this?"
"A little. But we're not in any hurry. I've lived without your beautiful face for too long and don't want to hide you behind me."
"What about your perfect memory?"
"Memory doesn't do you justice."
"How so?"
"Your beautiful smile and the way it makes your eyes sparkle. The way your hair cascades over your lovely neck and shoulders. The faint blush you almost always have around me. I could go on forever."
I smiled. He had always been sweet, but this was different. Not in what he said, but in the way he carried himself, it was clear that he felt freer and more open than before. He wasn't just complimenting me; he was expressing his love and it showed in his face.
"I like being able to see you too. Especially your eyes. You know they're my favorite color."
He smiled and sat me down in the warm grass as we arrived. I happily stretched out, comfortably lounging, and enjoying the sunshine peaking through the clouds.
"We've been here a lot, but my memories always bring me back to our first time. A part of me wanted to scare you for your own safety. Another part of me wanted to hold you and kiss you for every precious second until I had to take you home."
"I was in love with you before you brought me here then but getting to spend time with you was everything I needed. I had wanted to touch you for so long but wasn't sure if you wanted the same thing. I didn't want to scare you off, the opposite of you trying to scare me, I suppose."
"You were afraid of scaring me?" he asked with a chuckle. "I was the one casually tossing around entire trees and exposing myself."
"That's what you call exposing yourself? Your chest?" He was so old-fashioned. It was both hilarious, and endearing. He always made sure that I felt safe with him, even from his normal teenage boy instincts, never mind the vampire part of him.
He laughed. "I never thought it possible for someone to love a monster like me. The way you just accepted me without any fears…it was both terrifying and exhilarating. I've struggled for a long time to come to terms with it. I love you more than life itself, but it's hard to not dwell on what I'm taking from you instead of what I have to offer you." His golden eyes were for once uncluttered with worry, not quite matching what he was saying. There was no crease in his brow, no tightness to his jaw like he normally had when he started talking about what he was taking from me, or at least, what he thought he was taking from me.
"Bella, I want to ask you something. Your answer is your own choice, but please at least seriously consider it…for me."
"Alright. Anything."
"Marry me." He blurted it out so quickly, it took a second to make sure that I hadn't misunderstood him, but I heard him just fine.
There was silence in the meadow, barely even the sound of our breathing, as I tried to recover from the surprise of his sudden request. A part of me was thrilled that he was serious enough about me to ask, but a part of me was scarred from the experience of my parents. In the past, I would have refused instantly, but things had changed a lot over the last few weeks, especially between us.
His question had caught me off guard, and I wasn't really sure what to say, so I kissed him. I had intended to show him my love and that I wasn't straight refusing while considering it, but the second our lips touched, the answer was the clearest thought in my mind. There had never been any doubt.
"I will." I whispered, pulling him back to me to continue kissing. I felt his smile against my lips as he took my face in his hands and caressed my cheeks as we kissed. We spent a few blissful minutes together outside of reality before I needed to breathe.
"What changed your mind? I was so sure you would say no."
"You. Getting to understand you better. This means a lot to you, doesn't it?"
"It does. But I don't want you to say yes just for me." His face was concerned now, but I wasn't going to let that last for too long.
"I want it too. I'll admit that I'm a little scared about telling my parents though."
"We'll do it together. May I give you your ring?"
"You already have one?" Of course, he did. He probably has had one, debating giving it to me since we met.
He chuckled and kneeled in front of me now, reaching in his pocket. "I considered doing this properly. A big speech. Getting down on one knee. Maybe even involving some of the family. I didn't want to make you uncomfortable, so this seemed better."
"You were waiting for a warm day?"
"No, I was waiting for the right moment. Earlier, when you said that the family and I are all you need to be happy, it erased any remaining doubts in my mind. I knew that you had developed some feelings while I was away, and I was hesitant."
"Edward, I've never had these types of feelings for anyone but you. I told you that the night you came home."
"I know." He smiled crookedly, a little mischievously, perhaps the happiest I'd seen him as he opened the jewelry box in his hand to reveal a lovely ring. It was kind of big, but not in a showy way. It was several small diamonds bunched together in a manner that was really pretty. "We can pick out one for you together if you prefer."
"No, it's beautiful."
"May I?"
I nodded and he slipped the ring on my finger, kissing my hand and then kissing me. "It was my mother's."
Suddenly, I remembered the journal entry I had been crying over several nights before. He finally got something he had desperately wanted for a long time. Happy tears filled my eyes. "I love it, but especially I love you."
"I love you too."
"This is the one you mentioned in your journal?"
"It is. I've waited nearly a century to have someone to share this with. I had given up even hoping that my mate was out there, that I deserved a mate, when you came along."
"What about now?"
"I have everything I've ever dreamed of, even in my wildest fantasies."
"Except for my blood."
He chuckled. "Alright, except for your blood." His smile was beautiful and sincere. We spent a few hours happily snuggling in the warm sunshine in the meadow, tracing each other's faces with our hands and gazing at each other in wonder, much like our first visit here.
After a while, he stood up, offering me his hand to help me up as well. "Come tell the family with me? I wouldn't let Alice intervene, but if she saw any of this, she's probably ready to celebrate."
"OK, but if anyone bought presents, you're opening them for me. No more papercuts."
"Deal."
"You know, earlier you said you had a question to ask me, but that was really more of a statement." I smirked at him, not wanting the conversation to linger on the last party his family had thrown for me.
"Fine, will you marry me?" he asked, returning my grin.
"I'll think about it."
"Good. Me too. In fact, it's all I'm going to think about until you are my wife." He was so happy, and it was one of the most wonderful things in the world. I snuggled close to him with a big smile as he ran us back through the woods and home.
The second we stepped in the house, everyone was smiling, minus Rosalie who wasn't in the room, and ran to hug and congratulate us.
"I didn't want to scare you with another party." Alice said. "But I'm so happy!" She started squealing and jumping up and down. That was more of the reaction I expected from her. "Will you let me help you plan your wedding? We need to talk dresses and flowers and venues and-"
"Alice, we would love for you to help. We can start talking about it Monday at school, after we've told my parents."
"Alright! I saw the date you picked already and it's super sweet!"
"We didn't say anything about a date.
"No, but you're already decided."
"And what if Edward wanted another date?"
"He doesn't." She was so sure of herself that all I could do was laugh.
"What date did you choose?" Esme asked, curious.
"My birthday." Edward smiled. "June 20th." He turned to look at me. "There is no better present."
"I can think of one." Emmett said, laughing loudly.
"Pervert." Alice responded, making a face at him.
"Never said I wasn't."
Thankfully, the Cullens kept their celebrating simple. We were sincerely congratulated, and Esme and Carlisle had baked me a small cake. Alice bought me flowers, which she had already placed in a smooth plastic vase with nothing I could easily hurt myself on.
"You knew I would say yes?"
"There was little doubt."
"Did you know?" I asked Edward.
"There was still a chance you would say no."
"You honestly thought I would say no to you?"
"A little."
"Marriage is a big deal, especially after what my parents went through, but you are all I want, forever. Of course, I want to be your wife."
"You can never say that enough." he smiled and held me close to him, kissing my hair. We spent a few moments in silence, together in our little bubble, before Alice's giggling snapped us out of it.
Esme sat down beside us. "Bella, you've made Edward so happy, and us in return. We are thrilled to be able to officially welcome you to the family."
"I never did thank you properly for talking to my dad for us."
"Nonsense. It was my pleasure to help." She handed me a stack of photos. "I wanted to show you what the rest of the family's weddings were like. I thought you might be curious."
"I didn't know you all took photos."
"Not many. Vampires usually don't since we have perfect memory. We insisted on at least wedding photos though for the happy couples."
"Rosalie and Emmett get married a lot?" It was hard to tell that they were different weddings except for the change in attire.
"Rosalie loves the symbolism and the prestige of the ceremony. It reminds her of attending balls and parties in her human years."
"I'll have to ask her about that sometime. I bet she has some cool memories. Your dress was lovely." I was looking at a picture of Esme and Carlisle, guessing it was from the 1920s or 1930s.
"Would you believe that Edward helped me pick that out?"
"No." We laughed.
"He is the one that helped me and Carlisle realize we wanted to be together. We were both too afraid to mention it to the other and make them uncomfortable. And when the time came for a wedding, I didn't exactly have any female vampire friends at that point, definitely not living with us, so I asked Edward for his opinions."
"Alice isn't going to let him help me with mine." There was no question there.
"No way." She smiled.
"Esme, would you help us plan the wedding? We would love for you to be involved too."
"I would be delighted. You have no idea how much you've changed Edward for the better. He had always been so scared, pessimistic. Even I was starting to doubt if he was meant to find his mate or if perhaps, he had been changed too young, but then you came along and suddenly there was a new light in his eyes and a spring in his step. You bring joy to our entire family, your family."
Suddenly, I was crying, and we were hugging. I had always loved Esme, and she had always loved me, but now I realized that I didn't have to try to impress her or be on my best behavior, she loved me for me, as did Edward. She had no idea what this talk meant to me. "Thank you." I smiled at her and wiped my eyes.
Edward was still holding me, sensing that I was a little overwhelmed, although in a good way. "We don't have to have you home for a couple more hours. Would you like to come listen to music with me?"
"That sounds nice. Thank you for showing me those photos Esme. That was really cool."
"Any time, dear. And don't worry about telling your parents about your engagement. Take it from a mom. They may be scared at first, but they only want you to be happy. I know they love you. It will all be alright."
"You have a gift for knowing just what to say."
"I always tell her that's her talent." Edward said, taking my hand and leading us out of the room. "Love you too, mom." he added quietly, likely answering her thoughts as we went upstairs.
A few hours later, we were going to ride back to Charlie's in my truck to tell him the news of our engagement, except my truck wasn't where I had left it parked in their driveway. Edward smiled and walked me to the garage instead, where it was sitting with the keys in the ignition.
"The poor old girl sounded like she needed a tune up." Rosalie said, leaning over the engine of Emmett's Jeep, her long, blonde hair framing her face delicately without a single visible tangle or oil smear despite the physical work she was doing.
"Um, thanks, Rosalie."
"Don't mention it." She quickly returned to her work and Edward smiled gently at me, helping me get situated. Neither of us spoke until we were back on the main road.
"That's her way of saying congratulations."
"That was really sweet, but she still doesn't like me much does she?"
"Just give her time. She does. I'm sure you've noticed that the rest of the family adores you."
"Maybe a little." I blushed.
"As do I." he said, kissing my cheek.
"Don't dazzle me while I'm driving."
"That's why you should let me drive."
"Your driving scares me."
"I know." He laughed. "To be honest, right now I'm a little scared of Charlie."
"You, big scary vampire, are afraid of my human father?"
"He has a gun." He said matter of factly.
"Guns won't hurt you."
"Yeah, and how do we explain it when it doesn't?"
"Convince him that his gun is defective and that he better try it again for good measure."
"Bella!" He shouted, shaking his head at me.
"What?" I laughed.
"You're supposed to be on my side here."
"I am. But his confusion would be hilarious."
"Let's just hope that doesn't happen tonight." He said flatly.
"You can read his mind. Just tell him what he wants to hear."
"That will go well. Hi, Chief, I've treated your daughter terribly by leaving her, and I know my parents told us we shouldn't get married too young, or at least you think so, but I intend to marry her while we're still teenagers but yet I can promise you that this won't be like other teen marriages and she will go to college and have a future. Oh, and I can't have kids so don't worry about that. We're virgins and I'm a vampire so I can assure you that she isn't and won't be pregnant."
"Pretty much."
"You're insane." He laughed nervously.
"And what does that say about you for choosing me?" I was giggling. He was speechless. I parked the truck. "I love you though."
"I love you too." he said, smiling at me. I could sense his anxiety and tried to be strong enough for both of us. "He's wondering why I rode over with you."
"Then I guess we'd better get inside." I was nervous too, of course, but wanted to get it over with.
Edward helped me out of the truck, and we went inside. "Hi, dad."
"Hi kids. Why did you both ride over here together?"
"We wanted to talk to you. My father is going to pick me up and drive me home when he gets off work in an hour."
"You wanted to talk to me? Huh." I walked into the living room and sat down, pulling Edward down beside me by his hand. Charlie sat across from us.
I wasn't paying attention to which hand I used to reach for Edward with, and my dad immediately froze, staring at it. "Well, I knew this was coming."
"We came to tell you and to ask your blessing." Edward said.
"Isn't it traditional to ask the father first?" He raised an eyebrow at us.
"Bella wouldn't have liked that. I wanted her to know that it's completely her choice."
"Fine." Charlie said, quiet for a moment. "You're so young."
"This is what I want, dad. I love him."
"You aren't pregnant?"
"God no!" I shouted. He barely had time to finish the question. "It's not like that. We just want to be together."
"And just dating and going off to college together isn't good enough?"
"Neither one of us is the type to change our mind once something is decided. You know that dad. We want to be together. We're absolutely sure of it."
"You're right. And how are you going to take care of my daughter?" he asked Edward.
"Dad! I can take care of myself."
"It's a good question, Bella. Chief, I promise that she will always be loved by both me and my family and what's mine is hers. I will always see that she gets everything she wants if it's within my power. Money is no issue and I'm happy to spend it on her."
"Well, it's clear who wears the pants here." Charlie smiled and laughed, catching me off guard. Edward laughed along with him.
"I'm alright with that. We both want the same thing. Bella to be happy." Edward said.
"I knew this was coming. You have my blessing, but…" he looked and pointed at me. "You have to be the one to tell your mom."
"Ugh!" I shouted, hiding my face. "That's the part I dread."
"Exactly." My dad responded with a smile, settling back into his recliner.
Well, at least half of the parental pair wasn't going to try to kill us. At least my mom couldn't fire a gun from Florida to Forks.
