oOo

They had a table directly by the canal, shimmering golden and orange in the evening sun. A row of ducklings paddled by, one after the other, following their mother. Edward and Bella held hands and commented on the enchantment of the picture.

They drank fresh lemonade and shared a platter of crudités, talking easily, laughing, playing footsie under the table.

Bella was only now coming to realize how stressful the past weeks had been. She'd seen far too little of Edward, which seemed ironic since they were now living together.

But things were going to get better once her semester was finished.

"Hey." Edward smiled at her, his thumb stroking the inside of her wrist.

"Hmm? Sorry, what did you say?"

"You were far away…"

"Sorry." She sighed. "I was just thinking about research. It's going to be a lot of work over the summer."

"But it'll be worth it." He was still smiling.

"Hopefully."

"And you'll be rested and relaxed after our little holiday in Wales."

"How long are you planning to stay?" she asked, making big eyes.

"I don't know. A week? I need to ask Aunt Mary if it's free, anyway." He looked out over the water, and his eyes became dreamy. "But I'd love to go, Bella. Think of the cottage in summer. We could bathe in the sea, in the sun…"

And he had her.

"Yes. That would be lovely."

"A break will do you good." He lifted her hand and placed a kiss on her palm, his green eyes sparkling with joy.

He was much happier now that he's started working again, Bella couldn't help but notice. It was hard for her to understand how he could work at night, because she was a total morning person, but as long as it was good for him, it had to be fine…

He didn't work every night, but when he did, she would only feel him snuggle up to her when it was already dawning. It was not ideal, but as long as he could work after the long dry spell following his exhibition, she was happy for him.

"Okay," she finally agreed. "Ask her. I'd love to go."

Edward's smile was beautiful.

Their main dishes arrived: Dover sole for Edward and asparagus with poached egg for Bella. She was so happy that she almost polished off the whole plate – a rare occurrence.

Later, when they were at home, they sat outside on the patio with glasses of ice tea, snuggled up to each other on the rattan sofa, watching the sun as it set over their little garden. The cherry trees right at the very end were in full bloom, pink and fluffy and just so pretty.

Bella had her thighs over Edward's, sitting half in his lap, basking in his closeness and warmth. He, presumably, was using the idyll before them as inspiration for his work.

But, even if it was selfish, Bella did not want him to work tonight, and she nuzzled his jaw with her nose.

"Happy?" she whispered.

His answering kiss convinced her that he was not, indeed, planning to paint tonight.

oOo

Thank you so much once again for your continued reviews and support. I'm ashamed I was such a fail at replying to all of your reviews AGAIN!

So many of you said they would read some original fiction of mine – my heart is still fluttering at your lovely words. I said it before and I need to say it again: I couldn't do any of this without you guys.

I finally created a facebook account. You can find me under Harper Pitt. Profile pic's the same as here. Hope many of you will become my virtual friends…

Thank you again, I cannot express how much your words mean to me.

Your

harperpitt