Author's Note: Sorry for another short chapter! They will go back to normal soon.

EPOV

Time stood still as I held Bella, savoring every second of our reunion. I had seen nothing but her face in my mind since the day I left, and now, she was no longer just a memory, I could hold her and kiss her and love her as she should be loved. After a while, she started to shiver and I remembered how cold she must be, especially against my skin.

. "Bella." I pressed our faces together and rubbed her nose gently with mine. "I was really hoping that you would like your present and come back to me. I know it's wrong of me to want to have you, but I need you. Come inside and warm up with me. I have a surprise for you." Suddenly, I was extremely excited for her to see what I had spent the night working on.

Her gasp as I opened the door and she took in the decorations made every bit of work worth it. With surprise on her face, she asked "You did all of this? By yourself?"

I loved how easy it was to surprise her. "By myself. For you, Bella. I love you. I have so much to say, so many apologies to give, but I wanted to start by offering you what I hope will be a relaxing day at home, with me, where I can show you how much I love you and celebrate the miracle of you still choosing me after everything I put you through. Would that be alright?"

Her kiss was the best answer I could have possibly hoped for, but when she started to cry, I knew that I still had a lot of apologizing to do for the pain I had put her through. I led her to the couch to get warm and held her to me as she cried, comforting her as best I could.

"Edward." She finally spoke. "This is beautiful. It's a lovely surprise. I missed you so much. I have been so scared. I didn't think I'd ever see you again. Please tell me that you realize now how much I love you. Did you really mean everything in your letter? You're here to stay?"

How could she ever forgive me for hurting her so badly that she was struggling to believe my complete adoration of her? "I'm here to stay, love. I swear it. I will not leave you again unless you make me and even then, I won't be far. I don't deserve your love and forgiveness, but I'm so glad to have it. You are my entire existence. I will never lie to you like that again. I've also learned my lesson about doubting the word of my family. They are very sorry Bella; they miss you too." I meant every word.

I showed my complete sincerity the only way I knew how to, with a kiss. Touching her and kissing her always sent the feeling of sparks flying all over my skin and I was euphoric with the sensations. I held Bella, kissing her, and caressing her soft hair and skin until she relaxed and fell asleep in my arms. There would never be a more beautiful sight than my Bella sleeping. I was careful to hold completely still, knowing how little rest she'd gotten the last few months. I was happy with the opportunity to admire her.