A/N: This chapter is a little shorter than the others, and for that, I apologize. But I had big plans for the new few chapters, and a couple things had to happen in this chapter to get the ball rolling. Now, onto the important stuff.

I want to thank you guys for reviewing. Really. There's nothing that makes me happier than to open my email and find I have several new reviews for the story. Your comments help me grow as a writer and I seriously wouldn't have gotten this far in the story without them encouraging me. I especially wanted to thank you faithful reviewers (you know who you are) To my anon reviewer: Thank you so much for your honest critique of my work. I have gone back and re-read my chapters thus far, and I can see what you mean about my story lacking a personality. I'm going to try hard with the remaining chapters to achieve that. Thank you for calling my attention to it.

Now that I've rambled for eight million hours, I just wanted to say that again, this chapter is not my favorite, but I promise, those of you who are continuing to stick with me will be rewarded with an... intense chapter or two in the very near future. Again, thank you all for your support with this story.

Chapter Twelve

"Uh… Bella?"

Crap. I cringed at the sound of Charlie's voice, a deep blush creeping onto my cheeks. I turned, giving him a sheepish smile and leaned against the counter casually. "Oh, hey dad. You're home early."

He eyed me carefully. "What are you doing?"

"Fixing dinner."

"I'm not talking about that. What are you wearing on your feet?"

"Oh. Those. I've got a… thing coming up in a couple of weeks. These were the only shoes I could find that went with the dress Alice picked out for me. I thought I should um… probably practice wearing them before I made an ass out of myself."

His eyes lingered on the peep-toe heels I wore with my gray sweatpants and t-shirt and merely shook his head. "Okay." He nodded to himself. "Okay. Give me a call when dinner's ready, would ya? I'm going to try and catch the tail end of the news."

"Sure dad."

"And Bells?"

"Hm?"

"Try not to break an ankle here in the kitchen, would ya?"

I rolled my eyes and waved him off before I turned back to the task at hand. I whistled tunelessly to myself as I worked on patting out the hamburgers for dinner, thinking about the conversation Alice and I had had on our way home last night from Seattle. I felt a little embarrassed that I'd had to turn to Alice for that kind of advice, but it wasn't exactly something that I could talk to Charlie about.

Renee and I had talked briefly about the subject once she'd realized just how important Jac-uh, the other one was to me, but I didn't feel like that counted. After all, none of the advice she'd given me on dealing with that situation applied because I didn't have to worry about the other one accidentally killing me in the throes of passion.

Of course, I didn't really believe I had to worry about Edward accidentally killing me either, but there would be no way to convince him of that. Stupid, stubborn vampire.

I tried to push the thoughts from my mind as I concentrated on making our dinner, but it wasn't easy. It was never easy to concentrate on anything once I'd started thinking about Edward. In fact, even now, even though I was annoyed with his stupid, stubborn vampire rules, I felt that stupid smile creeping onto my face. Stupid human.

Feeling thoroughly annoyed with my inability to remain annoyed with Edward, I slapped together the last of the hamburgers and stomped over to the sink to wash my hands. Unfortunately for me, I was barely able to walk in the heels, let alone stomp in them. That's how I ended up sprawled on my backside in front of the sink.

"Bells?" Charlie called from the living room. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine!" I grumbled, cringing as I reached for the counter top to pull myself up. I nearly lost my balance again when the shrill ringing of the phone sliced through the air, startling me. "Son of a–!" I managed to get myself up and snatched the phone off the hook. "Hello?" I hissed.

"Are you okay?" asked the unnaturally cheerful voice on the other end of the line.

"Are you spying on me?"

"Maybe. But it's not really my fault," she complained. "I can't exactly help what I see!"

I snorted, rolling my eyes before a horrified thought hit me. "You didn't uh… see what caused me to fall, did you?"

"No" she said, and for a moment, I felt relief. "I didn't see you prancing around in the shoes at all." I couldn't contain my groan.

"Alice!" I whined.

"Hey!" She said with a laugh. "I can't help it! But I must say, I'm impressed. And here I thought you weren't a shoe girl. There may be hope for you yet."

I rolled my eyes. "Is there a reason you called, other than to harass me."

More laughter. "Actually, there was. Edward's on his way over. I thought it might be a tad bit embarrassing for you if he caught you prancing."

"Stomping, Alice! Not prancing! I do not prance!"

"Whatever. Listen, he'll be there in twenty-three seconds so unless you want–"

"Bye Alice! Thanks!" I said before hanging up. I kicked the shoes off my feet and scooped them in my arms before I hurried out of the kitchen and up the stairs. I'd just gotten the shoes stowed away in my closet when I heard the sound of his knock against the front door. "I got it!"

I nearly lost my balance as I ran down the stairs before I flung myself at the door, yanking it open.

No matter how much time I spent with him, I always felt slightly breathless the first time I laid eyes on him after an absence. As it was, I hadn't seen him at all yesterday or last night, as Jasper and Emmett had taken him out hunting in an effort to save his hair from Alice's clutches should he decide to infringe on our shopping trip.

I couldn't help the smile that lit my face as I took in his marble face, seemingly sculptured to perfection, his tousled hair, his casual stance as he stood there, waiting for me. For a moment, I could not breathe.

That stupid crooked smile that I loved so dearly slowly made its way to his face as he held his arms out expectantly. "What? No hug?"

At those words, I snapped out of my trance and threw myself at him, my arms encircling his neck as I inhaled deeply. "Oh! I missed you!"

He laughed as his cold hands found their way to my waist. "I missed you too love," he said softly, his breath tickling my ear. "It was torture to be away from you, even for one night."

"Please tell me you're staying tonight."

"One night away is more than enough for me, sweetheart."

I breathed a sigh of relief as I reluctantly released my hold on him. "I'm glad to see that pretty color again," I said, reaching up to trace my fingers carefully under the eyes. His dark purple bruise-like marks were lighter and his eyes, which had been nearly black with the thirst the last time I'd seen him, were now that pretty topaz color that I'd fallen in love with. Simply put, he was perfect. But then, I already knew that.

Xoxoxoxo

I trudged down the hallway to my bedroom, my dirty clothes tucked under my arm. I pushed the door open and kicked it closed behind me, tossing my clothes to the floor in front of my dresser. It had been the perfect evening. Edward had stuck around for dinner and for the first three innings of the ball game Charlie'd been watching before he'd excused himself with a whispered promise to me that he'd be back as soon as Charlie was in bed.

With nothing better to do to occupy my time, I'd decided to keep Charlie company, though I didn't understand what was happening and he was too wrapped up to explain. I had settled in for a long evening on the couch, willing time to go by quicker than usual when it started.

It was nothing more than a tickle at first, an irritating little tickle that would not go away no matter how many times I'd cleared my throat. Finally, during the eighth inning, Charlie had had enough and had stalked up the stairs to the medicine cabinet and came back with a cough drop. "Here," he'd said, a pleading quality to his voice as he sank back down into his chair. I'd gotten the hint.

Now, even after my shower, I wasn't feeling any better, so I trudged over to the window and shoved it open before I sank down onto the bed, waiting for him. I had just gotten comfortable on the bed when Charlie poked his head in, his face apologetic.

"I didn't mean to run you out of the living room, kid."

"Oh, it's fine. I'm not feeling too hot anyway, so I figured I should probably come get some rest."

He nodded. "Well… you need anything?"

"No thank you. I think I'm good."

"Alright. Well I think I'm going to turn in myself. If you need anything, just give a yell."

"Thanks dad."

"Get some rest kiddo."

I waved as he backed out of the room, closing the door behind him. He hadn't even had enough time to get all the way down the hallway when Edward arrived.

"You're getting sick?" He asked, his forehead creased with worry. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"It's just a scratchy throat."

"Perhaps you should see Carlisle."

"Oh for God's sake, Edward. It's a scratchy throat. I don't know anyone to ever die from that." My words had come out sharper than originally intended and I cringed at my tone. "I'm sorry."

He crossed the room faster than I could blink and was at my side in an instant. "Is there anything I can get you love?"

"Just you," I said, holding my arms out for him. Not needing to be told twice, he climbed in the bed beside me, making sure to wrap the blanket around me tightly.

"How's this?"

"Mmm… perfect."

Xoxoxoxo

I should have known, I thought bitterly as I tossed in turned much later that night, trying desperately to get comfortable. My body ached, my throat screamed, and try as I might, I couldn't get enough oxygen into my lungs via my nose.

"Edward?" I whispered. "Could we get rid of the blanket?"

"Bella love, you'll freeze."

"I think that would be better than being burned to death," I whimpered. "Please? I'm so… I'm so hot!" I could feel his cold hand pressed against my forehead, so I closed my eyes, savoring the feeling.

"You've got a fever," he commented disapprovingly. As if I could really help it! I would have snorted if it wouldn't have hurt.

"Please?"

I could see his beautiful lips turn down into a frown as he deliberated. "You're supposed to sweat out the fever, Bella. It's not going to do you any good if I allow you to discard the blanket."

"It would make me feel better," I whimpered pitifully.

"The blanket stays. But perhaps…" He sat up, jostling me slightly as he did so, before he removed his shirt. If I hadn't felt so bad, I probably would have gawked at the way his hard body was sculpted. But I didn't have the energy, so I said nothing. He tossed his shirt to the floor before he laid back down, tugging me closer to him.

I laid my head down against his icy shoulder, savoring the feeling. It felt wonderful against my flushed face. His fingers weaved themselves through my hair as he stroked my head gently. I could hear the low rumble in his chest as he hummed softly, no doubt trying to soothe me.

I closed my eyes, willing sleep to come as I snuggled closer, nuzzling his chest with my nose. "Edward?"

"Yes my love?"

"I love you."

His hard lips pressed against the top of my head. "I love you too sweetheart."

"Edward?"

He shook slightly beneath me as he chuckled. "Yes?"

"Will you show me what you look like sometime? You know, when it's sunny?"

"I suppose I could do that."

"Would your hair really never grow back if Alice ripped it out?"

"I would be as bald as a baby's bottom."

"I would still love you, you know."

"Thank you my love. It's nice to know you'd still love me, even if I were a hideous monster."

"You wouldn't be offended if I bought you a wig though, would you? If you were bald, I mean."

"Do you realize you're rambling?"

"Yeah."

"You should really get some sleep."

"Okay," I conceded with a sigh as I snuggled even closer. I tried to kick the blankets away, but my plan was thwarted as he tugged them back up, tucking them in around me. I could feel him humming again, the vibrations nearly lulling me to sleep, before I was overcome with another coughing spell.

I wheezed pitifully, trying desperately to fill my lungs with air. He pulled away from me as he reached over to the night stand, handing me the glass of water. "Drink baby," he commanded softly as he held the glass to my lips. Once the fit was over, I laid my head back down, my throat burning once more as I tried to fall asleep.

"Edward?"

"Bella, please. If you're not going to rest, I'm not going to be able to stay."

I frowned at that before I screwed my eyes shut, really trying, though the attempt was futile. "Edward?" I tried again. An exasperated sigh escaped his lips as he pulled away from me once more, sitting up. I pulled my arms free from the blanket, reaching for him. "No! Please don't go!"

"You need your rest, sweetie. You're not going to get better if you're not rested up enough to fight this off and you obviously cannot sleep if you're up half the night asking me ridiculous questions."

"I didn't have another question," I told him, clearly pouting. "I just… I wanted to tell you I loved you again."

I could feel his stiff body relaxing as he allowed me to pull him back to me. "I love you too Bella," he repeated. "I'll still love you in the morning, you know."

"Forever?"

"And ever."

"You promise?"

"With all my heart. Now please," he pleaded, "get some rest."

I could feel the smile forming on my face, despite the discomfort I was in, as I closed my eyes. Whether or not he'd meant to, he'd just promised me forever. I was quite sure the implications of what I'd asked and what he'd promised were two different things, but I wouldn't think on that now. For now, as I drifted off to sleep, cradled in his arms, my mind was filled with thoughts of forever, in the literal sense of the word. And there was only one way for me to achieve that. I just had to figure out how.