I do not own Twilight.
Huge thanks to SunflowerFran for betaing; remaining mistakes are mine.
oOo
The sea breeze was cold and clear, but the sun was shining on this very first day of the New Year.
Hand-in-hand, they were walking on the beach, watching Jennie frolicking in the water, chasing the waves that were crashing rhythmically onto the sand.
Bella was back in her Michelin man coat, yet still looking tiny. No woman had ever done to his heart what Bella did. She was a miracle. His very own miracle, who had stepped into his life one dark night in October, and saved him.
"Bella."
Impulsively, he pulled her to his chest, making her squeal. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he lifted her up until they were at eye-level.
"I love you so much," he said. "You know that, right?"
"Yes, Edward," she giggled. "I love you, too. Now let me down!"
"Mmm, but I don't want to…"
He kissed her again, and again. And again. Softness and warmth, and salty sea air.
"Edward," she panted after a few minutes. "Let me down…"
He obeyed her, and set her back on her feet.
Her arms stayed wrapped around his neck, just as his were still around her hips. Well, one was making its way down to grope her bottom.
She was peppering the stubbly skin of his jawline with kisses; her whispers hot against the chilly sea breeze.
"I love you so much," he repeated hotly against her soft lips. "So, so, so, so much…"
"I love you too, Edward."
Jennie interrupted them as she came running their way, barking wildly, shaking her head and sending drops of water right and left.
"Hey, hun!"
Edward bent down to pat her ears. Jennie's tongue hung out as she panted with excitement, standing on her hind legs until Bella let her lick her hand. This done; Jennie ran back to chase the foamy, white waves.
Edward pulled Bella back into his arms.
"Where were we?"
"I was telling you that I love you," Bella whispered softly, but despite the strong sounds of the sea, he heard her.
"And I love you," he repeated again and again.
And they were happy.
They were together.
Trusting and loving.
Edward had never felt like this; free, and happy and… as if he actually was enough for Bella.
As if he was enough, full stop.
oOo
A/N:
Next chapter will be the last, followed by an epilogue. Yes, it's hard to let them go. Believe me, I've been there…
Which is why the last chapter will be much longer than the other ones in this little story of mine.
Your
harperpitt