Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, I just play in the sandbox. I do however lay claim to my original characters including Ella and Adrian and the inclusion of the Fey World.

AN: I'm on a roll here. I've been filled with more motivation to get this story done. I can't believe that I started writing it two years ago! This story started as an idea of a story I thought would only be 30 chapters long and has transformed into something much bigger. Thanks to everyone whose reading/leaving reviews for me and a big thanks to Adam's Gurl who is currently editing this monstrosity from the beginning! ~Hannah

Chapter Sixty-Nine - Coming Back to You

"Come with me."

"Always."

"I need to blindfold you."

"I trust you."

"You have my heart."

"You have mine, keep it safe."

"Always."

…

Edward wanted to surprise me. He wanted a day with just the two of us, was what he said. The blindfold just added to the surprise. Not many people would consent to being blindfolded in the presence of a vampire but not many people had the chance to meet a real-life vampire.

Edward had tied a silk scarf over my eyes, gently tying the knot over my hair. Stroking his hand down my face and arms caused goosebumps to erupt all over my body. Grasping my hand in his larger one, Edward walked me for the first couple of steps before picking me up bridal style and using his vampire speed to get me where he wanted.

He put me down in a matter of seconds but the blindfold remained over my eyes. Though he wasn't touching me I could feel that he was near me. Without my eyes to see, I used my ears and nose to get a sense of my surroundings. I could hear the silence, feel it in the air. It was warm, the breeze blew through my fingertips. I could smell flowers, grasses but could tell that Edward had taken me somewhere I hadn't been before.

Edward touched my shoulder and made me jump. I could feel his laugh as it tickled my ear. He stood behind me, one arm wrapped around my middle while the other hovered over the blindfold.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes Edward."

His question provoked such a powerful surge of different emotions to flow through me.

Edward removed the blindfold slowly but then covered my eyes with his hand.

"Edward," I moaned.

He laughed once more.

"My impatient goddess."

"Am I not allowed to see?"

"Of course, but I want to tell you something first."

"Go on," I replied as I leant back in his embrace.

"I wanted to make a place that was just for our eyes. I wanted a retreat from the world that keeps pushing us into dangerous situations. I wanted to find somewhere where we could be alone. I wanted to give you an escape. I wanted to have somewhere to cherish and worship you. Somewhere we could talk, sleep, relax and enjoy each-other's company. A place I could treat you like a Queen and take you away from the trials of life. I'm spent a lot of time on this Ella, I wanted to do it right, cut no corners. I think I've succeeded, I hope I've succeeded."

With his last words, Edward placed a gentle kiss on my cheek and took his hand away from my eyes. I opened my eyes slowly to avoid being blinded by the light of day. Gazing around me I couldn't help but think of the time and effort that Edward had put into this. Two massive trees stood before me, several of their branches removed and replaced with the most extravagant treehouse I had ever seen. I could see right away that Edward had asked Esme to decorate the treehouse inside and out because it was to perfection.

"How long have you been working on this?"

"Since last year. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye in everything and I've been an idiot in matters where I should have just held you close to my chest. It was important to me to work on this until I was sure it was completed in a way that you would love. You mean so much to me and I needed this to be a place you would love to come to."

"It's amazing Edward and I do love it but how do I get up to it?"

"Easy."

I let out a squeal as Edward flung me onto his shoulders and carried me up the tree trunk like a sack of potatoes but I was laughing by the time he put me back on my feet. The interior of the treehouse was less tree and more opulent penthouse but I loved it all the same.

Just thinking about how much time and effort went into this venture shocked me. I really shouldn't be shocked anymore by Edward's actions but I constantly was. I imagined that if I was a character in a book, people would get bored or irritated by my continual repetitive thoughts but I couldn't help myself.

"You did all this for me?"

"I'd do anything for you."

"You take romance to a whole new level."

"Is that your way of telling me this charmed you?"

"You charm me."

Big glass windows overlooked the skyline of forest and sky. Edward sat down, pulling me with him. Situated between his legs with my back resting against his chest, I imagined I could hear his heart beating in time with mine. His arms loosely encircled my waist and his hands stroked soothing circles on my own.

"Did you ever imagine we'd get to where we are now?"

"I have imagined many different scenarios that involve us, but this has been the best outcome," said Edward.

"You imagined different scenarios?"

"Well in the early days, there was always the worry that I would snap and kill you."

"I don't think you'd be able to do that."

"But I could have, I'm a vampire after all."

"Yes, but I don't think vampire mating would exist with the prospect of letting you kill your mate. Maim perhaps but not kill, there would be no point in that."

"The point is that I thought of it. I imagined scenarios where you left me, where we didn't meet, where you were taken from me, where you didn't love me, the list goes on."

"Why would you think of such things?"

"I don't think I could help it but in the end, it made me stronger."

"How so?"

"Imagining all those scenarios where we weren't together made me appreciate you more. It made me want to be the best version of myself and it pushed me forward with determination to create the best future for us."

"It's something you think about a lot, isn't it?"

"Constantly."

"How would you feel if I asked you to turn me?"

"Conflicted."

"Explain."

"Joyous that I would have you by my side for all eternity but guilty that I would have to end your mortal life."

"I'm not asking just yet Edward. I think we're in a good place right now. With both my Dad and Bella becoming immortal with the partners they're with, I do not wish to be left out nor could I stomach missing out on an eternity with you but I am in no hurry to be turned. There are things out there I wish to experience while I am still human. I have one condition though."

"Which is?"

"If I am in mortal danger and my life is in jeopardy, change me. Don't wait to see if I'll survive, a second wasted could end me. If it comes to that and it's a 'change me or kill me' scenario, pick the former. I won't be mad, getting to spend the rest of my life with you is a dream come true but I'd like it to be on our terms and not anyone else's."

"As much as I hope it does not come to that, I promise I will do as you have asked. I too hope that we can live as we are until you are ready but fate has taught us to expect the unexpected."

"I love you Edward, time is not going to change that."

"I know. I'd actually like to give you something though."

Edward pushed me forward, and I moved from leaning against him to turning around crossed legged and sitting before him. My gaze was momentarily distracted by his beauty, my heart beating in time with my breathing. I don't think I'd ever get used to Edward's appearance.

My heart started beating out a samba in my chest, while my mouth got incredibly dry and my hands clammy. Edward held, in his hands, a little blue box from Tiffany's.

"It's not what you think. Not yet anyway but that is a question I want to ask in the future. This is more of a promise. A promise that I will always be a man you are proud of and always treat you like the Queen you are. I wanted something to confirm my love and devotion for you and something that would make you feel special and confirm the start of our future together."

Edward opened the box and I peered inside, it was a simple band of rose gold, thin enough not to draw too much attention but large enough that I'd be reminded of what it stood for. With a single nod of my head, Edward took the ring out and slipped it on my ring finger. I smiled at the sweetness of Edward's actions. He truly was perfection tied up in a bow for me to enjoy.

"I love you," he said and sealed it with a kiss.