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"It's delicious."

Bella's eyes were dancing with mirth as she chewed on another piece of cheese-covered French bread.

It had been Edward's idea to make a fondue, which was a tradition at his parents' house, and he was more than happy to see that Bella enjoyed it. They had a bottle of Sancerre to go with it, complimenting the rich meal.

Bella looked so beautiful, so at ease. They had, of course, spent the afternoon making love after he had finished sketching her. He was eager to begin working on the picture in earnest once they were back in London. It had been a long time since he'd felt that sort of inspiration. It wasn't just about painting Bella, it was herself, her youth, her lightness, her spirit, her joy.

They chatted about this and that while they ate, and gentle piano music was playing in the background. Their fingers touched frequently, and when their eyes met, they shared smiles of intimacy.

It was after ten when they cleared away the dishes and got comfortable on the sofa with their glasses of wine. The fire was crackling. Bella kissed him softly.

"Do you have any New Year's resolutions?" she asked, passing one finger over his chin. "I like it when you don't shave," she murmured.

"Well, that's my resolution number one then," Edward chuckled.

"But I don't want you to get a beard," she added earnestly, sitting up and twining her arms around his neck. "I like you just like this."

To underline her statement, she kissed the side of his mouth, his cheek, and his chin.

"You're adorable," he sighed, cupping her face with both hands and pulling her into a long and very thorough kiss. She tasted like white wine and peaches, and it was easy to lose himself in her.

His left hand was sneaking back to her breasts, his very own place of worship.

So soft…

"Hmm?"

Bella pulled back and looked at him.

"So soft," he repeated, only now realizing that he had mumbled the words against her lips. His breath was speeding up.

Bella giggled a little.

"You know that I'm really shy about my breasts, don't you?"

"No," he murmured against her neck. "I don't know anything of the sort…" He breathed her in. "You smell so good…"

Bella sighed when he stopped talking and nibbled a path down her neck, pulling her sweater a little to the side, revelling in her smooth skin.

"I think my New Year's resolution is to spend as much time as possible kissing you," she whispered against his temple. Her fingers were in his hair, tugging slightly, which made him moan.

It was an hour later that they both remembered what day it was.

"Oh dear," Bella said, looking at the antique grandfather clock. "It's ten to midnight."

"It is?" Edward placed one last kiss on her ear. "Well, funny how time flies, huh?"

"Come on, let's open the champagne and go outside. I'm sure we'll be able to see some fireworks from here."

A few minutes later, they had pulled on their boots and coats. Bella carried two glasses and Edward the champagne as they stepped out the back door onto the patio, which led to the beach. The moon was almost full, and the water wore a magical silver glitter.

Edward poured the champagne while Bella, who had grabbed his wristwatch from where he'd set it down on the coffee table, counted down.

"Three, two, one – Happy New Year!"

They klinked their glasses together and had a sip before their mouths met again.

"Happy New Year, my love," he whispered against her lips. "May it bring all the happiness you deserve."

"Happy New Year," she replied. "I always want you to be happy, too."

"I'm happy as long as you're with me," he sighed, and wrapped her in his arms and held her as close as possible.

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