oOo

Edward was taking a break from what had not been a very successful afternoon at his studio. Nothing he started seemed right, and he was frustrated with himself as he stood in the kitchen, fixing a sandwich. The temptation to treat himself to maybe a bottle of Heineken was great, but he didn't. He'd been sober for over six weeks now, and whether or not he liked to admit it, it was doing him good. He looked better, and he felt better. He had much more energy, and his mind seemed that much clearer.

He knew that Bella knew it, too, and he was determined not to disappoint her. Edward was aware of the fact that she'd been through enough shit with him and his drinking. She was worth the effort. She was worth any and every effort, really.

She, really, was one of the reasons he found it hard to concentrate on his work. After all, doodled versions of naked Bella were not what he had been meaning to do.

Edward was absolutely certain that he wanted forever with her. He'd been sure once before, but fate had had other plans. His wounds had healed, though the scars would always stay with him. With Bella, he was being given a second chance, and he was going to use it.

She had come into his life when he'd been at his lowest point, and like a wonder, she'd stayed.

And right then, she appeared in the kitchen, wearing a red cardigan, her smile making him smile as well.

"Hey." She stepped to him and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. "Been working?"

She was referring to his paint-splattered shirt.

"A bit," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Did you find everything you need at the library?"

"Yeah," she nodded, slipping her hands into the back pockets of his jeans. "Alice called earlier, they asked if we want to join them for dinner?"

"Uh, yes, sure, why not." He'd not been expecting this, and knew that his response was lame.

"We don't have to…" She trailed off.

Edward shook his head and assured her with a thorough kiss that he'd love to go.

While he was in the shower, he thought again about the when and how of what he was going to say to Bella. Aware of the fact that she greatly valued her independence, he was afraid that it might not be an easy feat – but on the other hand, logic was on his side: she was spending most of her time at his home, which he had come to think of as their home.

Only would she agree? To that, and to the other question that was burning on his mind?

She was so young, she had her whole life before her, who was he to demand she spend it with him? He was… damaged goods.

When he got out of the shower, Bella was in the bedroom, changing into a pretty blue dress. He stepped behind her and pulled her close, and she squealed because his hair was still wet, tickling her neck.

"I love you," he murmured in her ear. "You know that, don't you?"

"Yes." She sounded surprised at the seriousness of his tone as she turned around in his arms. Looking at him with huge, brown eyes, she smiled. "I know, Edward. And I love you. You know that, too, don't you?"

A sigh that was deeper than he'd expected left his lungs.

"I do."

oOo

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