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"Here, give me that suitcase," Edward said.
"Thanks." She was breathing heavily from the effort of dragging it downstairs.
"Jesus," Edward exclaimed, though not without mirth. "What have you got in there?"
"I'm sorry!" Bella grabbed the picnic basket that held bottles of water and sandwiches for their trip. "I packed a few books… and your birthday present is very heavy, too."
"Oh, okay." Edward passed her and placed a small kiss on her lips. "In that case…"
It made Bella smile. Since the day before, he had let his painting rest, and had helped her prepare everything for their trip to Penarth. His rather gloomy mood from the weeks before had lifted, and he had returned to his old self, warm-hearted and sensitive. They'd cooked together last night, and had spent a luxurious evening in their bathtub and bed.
Edward heaved her suitcase into the trunk of the car and put on his sunglasses.
"Ready to go?" His smile was quite cocky.
Bella loved to see him so carefree.
"Ready," she confirmed.
.
Seven hours later, they were on the beach, snuggled up in a roofed wicker chair. The sea breeze was quite cool, and not too many people were around. A few families, the children squealing as the cool waves hit their legs.
The beach was clean but rocky, and tiny shells were being brought in with every to and fro of the foamy waves.
Bella was wearing her bikini and a hoodie, her legs underneath her, cuddling into Edward's arms. He was much warmer than she was, in black swimming trunks, his legs too long for the footrest of the beach chair. He had buried his feet in the sand, his eyes closed, enjoying the warmth of the sun.
Bella looked out upon the sea, endless and majestic, before she, too, shut her eyes and dozed off to the calming murmur of waves and seagulls.
She placed her face on Edward's chest, enjoying the sensation of his sun-warm skin, the bristle of hair against her cheek, and his even breathing.
This Edward was a total contrast to the one she'd gotten used to over the past weeks. It almost felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. If only she knew what had made him so reticent before, so melancholic.
.
They had dinner on the terrace, laughing and chatting easily, small kisses and tender touches enhancing the invisible bond between them.
"What do you want to do tomorrow?" Edward asked when they had cleared the table and were sitting outside on the bench looking out over the dark sea.
It was getting cold, and Bella was shuddering despite the afghan she was wrapped in.
Edward pulled her close, rubbing her arms and kissing her neck, his hot breath teasing her.
"I don't know," she sighed. "Just being on the beach with you was so lovely today."
"You didn't go into the water," he chuckled.
"Yeah, because I watched you," she smiled. "And by your squirming, I could see that it is icy!"
"Not that icy," he murmured, his tongue darting out to caress her ear. "Will you go tomorrow? With me? I promise to keep you warm…"
At that, Bella turned in his arms so her lips could capture his, and she suddenly wasn't so cold anymore.
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Thank you for your support. As I said, there will be 22 more chapters. Trust me. Please.