Dear Bella,

Our Bo is almost grown, too grown for my peace of mind. Newton's kid has been hanging around lately, more than I like. Can you believe that? Mike Newton's son? I still can't believe you two dated for two years of high school and it took you working at the ice cream shop to gain my attention after I had already graduated.

Four years of dating, giving you my entire heart until you said you would marry me. I knew it would be you and I after our first date. The night you ordered the cheapest item on the menu because you thought I was a poor college student. Of course, I was, but you had no idea I had been saving for an entire month to take you out. You ate your chicken Caesar salad with such relish, thanking me more than once for your dinner. I almost apologized for giving you the impression that you couldn't order whatever you pleased that night. You stopped me from saying the words when you smiled up at me, eyes sparkling, and initiated our first kiss. I was left breathless, fully willing to give you control of where the night might lead.

As quick-paced our first date went, you dragged your feet accepting my proposal. When you finally said yes, I didn't think my heart could take the happiness I felt as it swelled. You were mine, and I yours. I wasn't your first, but I was your last, the same for me … for always.

You weren't given the choice to decide that I would be, but I can make the conscious decision that you are mine.

I remember you walking to me in a sheer white dress across the beach, barefoot, your wavy hair blowing around your head; you were the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. My heart contracted much like it did during our first kiss, but with the thought that I wouldn't make it without you. I had to make sure that each day you knew how much I loved you, needed you, wanted you.

Yet here I am, making it.

I just hope I succeeded with my self-promise and you just knew.

Though you may not be here physically to watch our daughter experience all her firsts, I know you are looking over us and telling me to let her be. Let her firsts happen, allow her forever to happen on its own. Of course, that doesn't mean your father and I won't be standing guard every step of the way, prepared to step in as needed.

She is beautiful, Bella, so much more than either of us use to imagine she would be. She has your features and structure with our hair color perfectly mixed in a shade of gold you wouldn't think natural. The same can be said with her eyes, the most unusual shade of hazel I have ever seen. Though most of her freckles have faded, they are still lightly scatted across her nose, giving me a glimpse of my little girl who dressed me up for tea parties and served me sweet tea in a tiny ceramic teacup, wearing a pink boa and your old sun hat. She is oblivious to the attention of the male persuasion, yet for some reason Chris Newton has gained hers. I just hope he is worthy of it.

Boy is she smart, Bella. I thought I did okay, but her grades are beyond expectations. I know I may be the prejudiced dad, but she is the entire package and then some.

Keeping looking after our girl, and if you have the time, me too.

Love,

Your Edward

Thank you Fran for being my wonderful Beta!