Disclaimer: Everything Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer.
Author's Note: This is the last chapter before the epilogue :( which is why it took so long to post. I wanted to make sure it was everything I wanted it to be and I am very happy with how it turned out. Plus, I wanted to prolong the inevitable end as much as possible. I'm really going to miss this story. Oh, and this chapter is long. Over twenty pages. I think it's the longest chapter I have written for this story…possibly the longest chapter I have written, ever. I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Bella POV
Edward was beautiful when he slept. I knew I had told him this before when he had woken up and caught me staring, but I couldn't get over the way the sun would shine on his face, making him seem so peaceful.
I reached my hand out and gently stroked the side of his face, enjoying the small sigh that escaped his mouth. His eyes slowly fluttered open until his vibrant green eyes met my brown ones. I didn't even try to hide the fact that I had been shamelessly watching him.
"Good morning," he murmured, placing his hand over my own that was still caressing the side of his face.
"Morning, Edward," I whispered, leaning in and pressing my lips gently to his, not even caring what my breath smelled like this early in the morning.
Edward didn't seem to care either as he deepened the kiss, placing his free hand on my hip to pull me closer. When he finally pulled away, I was breathing rather heavily and he gave me my favorite crooked smile.
"Proud of yourself?" I teased, moving back slightly so that I could see him better. We were both on our sides facing each other; Edward's arm was still draped lazily across my waist.
"Hey, any guy who can make their girl breathless at eight o' clock in the morning has something to be damned proud of," he quipped.
I rolled my eyes playfully, but couldn't contain the small laugh that escaped my mouth. "Well then, you should be pretty smug right now."
"Oh, I am," he smiled.
I smiled back and reached out to play with his white t-shirt. "Last night was fun," I murmured, staring down at his chest as I drew lazy patterns across it with my fingers.
"Mmm, it was. I still can't believe my mother got drunk."
"She wasn't drunk, she was tipsy," I defended, laughing lightly.
"Bella, Carlisle had to carry her to the car and then up to their bedroom."
"Hey, it wasn't her fault Rosalie made her play that stupid drinking game with her. Drink every time Alice squeals? Honestly."
Edward chuckled and nodded. "You have a point there. I mean, even Emmett had to quit after the sixth time Alice got overly excited about something."
"And you and I didn't even bother playing," I reminded him.
"Well yea, I didn't want to have to hold your hair back while you puked your brains out later that night," he joked.
"I would not have puked," I argued. "I know how to hold my liquor."
"Hmm…true," he murmured.
A small smile broke out across my face. "Alice and Jasper are getting married tomorrow," I said softly, speaking my thoughts aloud. I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that they were finally getting married.
"No shit, Sherlock," Edward teased.
I punched him lightly in the stomach, but he clutched it as if the wind had been knocked out of him. "Stop teasing me," I told him, pouting as I watched him fake gasp for air.
"Jesus, woman, was that necessary?" he asked me.
"Quit being a baby, I barely tapped you."
"Oh yea?" he prompted, raising his eyebrows.
I nodded and suddenly, Edward was on top of me, pinning my body down with his own. "What are you doing?" I laughed breathlessly.
"You need to learn a lesson, Bella. Hitting people isn't nice," he mock-scolded me.
I contained the eye roll and simply reached up and pressed my lips firmly to his, knowing it would shut him up. It did. "Teach me later," I whispered against his mouth. "Right now, I really need a shower." I sat up, effectively moving him off of me as I walked toward the bathroom.
"Wait, you're just going to leave me here like this?" he called after me.
I turned around and looked at him confused. "Like what?"
He looked down pointedly toward his lap and I gasped, placing a hand over my mouth as I saw Edward's erection standing tall and proud through his black boxer-briefs.
"Hmm," I shrugged. "I guess I am."
"Fuck, Bella!" he yelled as I closed the bathroom door behind me and giggled all the way to the shower.
I took an extra long time washing my body and my hair, shaving my legs so that they would be nice and smooth for the wedding tomorrow. I hopped out and wrapped my towel around myself before exiting the bathroom, only to see that the bed was made and Edward was nowhere to be found.
I quickly got dressed for the day, brushing my hair back and putting on some light make-up. As I went to put the towel in the bathroom to dry, I glanced down and saw a folded up note on the ground in front of the bathroom door. I leaned down and picked it up, laughing and shaking my head when I saw that it was a note from Edward.
I still can't believe you did that. You're lucky I love you so damn much.
-Edward
My heart constricted at his words and I smiled widely as I folded the piece of paper back up and tucked it under my book that was resting on the night stand. I went downstairs and had breakfast with the family—they had taken the day off to prepare for the wedding.
And that was how we spent the majority of the day. Esme, Rosalie, and I helped Alice make sure all the last minute wedding stuff was taken care of and shooed the men away when they offered to help—more people doing the work would only complicate things and stress the bride out.
It was almost six in the evening by the time Alice made her last phone call to the band to confirm their appearance at the reception the next night. Esme was in the kitchen cooking dinner with Carlisle, and the three boys were in the den playing video games. Rosalie, Alice, and I were seated in the living room, cleaning up the papers from the coffee table that we had used to make lists and cross off things we had already done.
"Less than twenty-four hours," Rosalie reminded Alice with a sly smile once everything was clean and the three of us got comfortable on the couch.
"I know," Alice sighed, smiling wistfully. "Less than twenty-four hours."
I smiled at Alice's happiness, happy myself that she and Jasper were so perfect for each other. And happy myself for finding the right person to make me happy as well.
As if sensing my thoughts, Edward walked into the living room a minute later. "Hey, are you guys done?" he asked us quietly.
Alice nodded. "Yup, everything's taken care of."
Edward nodded in response before turning to me. "Do you want to take a little fieldtrip with me?" he asked gently, almost shyly.
"Oh, don't tell us you're going to have a quickie before dinner," Rosalie groaned.
She and Alice both burst into fits of giggles, but Edward and I stared at each other intensely. Something about the look on his face told me that he had something important to show me.
"Yea," I replied numbly, getting up and walking toward him. He smiled softly at me, one side of his mouth lifting a little higher, as he took my hand. "Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise."
"Come on, Edward," Alice laughed. "You know the girl hates surprises."
I ignored her comment and walked with Edward toward the front door, stopping to slip my coat on.
"Oh, are you taking her now?" Esme asked, smiling as she walked into the foyer where we were, drying her hands on a dish towel.
"Yea," Edward smiled. "We'll be back in time for dinner, don't worry." He kissed his mother tenderly on the cheek.
"You know where we're going?" I asked her, a little anxious about what it could be.
"Of course. His father and I had to give him the key," she replied.
"Key?" I asked, confused.
"Alright," Edward interjected with a small chuckle, taking my hand again. "Before you ruin it, we're going to go."
"Have fun," Esme said, kissing my cheek and waving goodbye as Edward led me to Carlisle's car. I got in silently as Edward closed the door behind me and got into the driver's side.
I didn't even bother asking him where we were going because I knew it would be a futile attempt. I simply sat in silence as the city passed us by. Eventually, the buildings got further and further apart until we were on a long stretch of highway surrounded by nothing but trees. It reminded me so much of how it was in Forks.
We passed a couple of large houses until finally, about thirty minutes later, Edward turned onto a long driveway and pulled up in front of a rather large house surrounded by tall trees and open land.
I hadn't been here in a few years, but I knew instantly that this was Carlisle and Esme's home. The one they had moved into after moving out of Forks. It was much like the one they had in Forks, the one I had practically grew up in, as it was very secluded and encased by forestry. Carlisle and Esme always liked being far away from the big city.
I got out of the car once Edward had parked and he walked around the front of the car to meet me, taking my hand in his and leading me up the porch steps to the front door. I noticed him cradling something in his arm, but he was purposely holding it in a way so that I couldn't see what it was. I watched as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a single key and put it inside the lock, effortlessly pushing the door open.
"That's the key Esme was talking about?" I asked him as we walked into the large foyer. I looked around, noting that the house was beautiful as always and hadn't changed much since the last time I had been there.
"The very one," he smirked, setting the key on the table in the foyer and shedding his coat.
"What are we doing here, Edward?" I asked him seriously, becoming slightly frustrated at his evasiveness. I was trying to be patient, but it was killing me not knowing what was going on.
"Come with me," he said simply, walking past me toward the large living room that housed several floor to ceiling windows.
I watched, confused, as Edward walked over to the grand piano sitting on the far side of the room, next to one of the larger windows. I recognized it immediately as the same piano that had been in the Cullen house where I had practically grown up. It was also the same one that Edward spent hours sitting in front of, composing music and then playing it for me when I pleaded enough. He sat down on the bench and it was then that I saw what he had been holding—the leather bound journal I had given him for his birthday. He placed it in front of him, along with a few music sheets, and then turned to me.
"I wrote something for you," he said nervously, watching me watch him. "And I wanted to play it for you."
I stood there, mouth hanging open slightly, as I stared at him. I walked forward slowly and stood behind Edward as I peered into the open journal. I saw his beautiful handwriting scrawled along the pages where he had written out notes and melodies, brainstorming. Next to that was his sheet music, where he had put everything together neatly.
I was speechless.
"You wrote something for me?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly.
He nodded, tugging on my arm gently until I was sitting beside him on the bench.
"You've always been the biggest inspiration for my music, Bella. After you gave me the journal, I started composing this song. This melody has been in my head for the longest time, but I haven't been able to finish it. Not until a couple of weeks ago."
I stared at him in awe, not trusting my voice to speak just yet. I couldn't believe that I inspired Edward. "I inspire you?" I finally choked out, speaking my thoughts aloud.
Edward chuckled, probably at my stunned expression, and lifted his hand, tucking a strand piece of hair behind my ear. "Everyday," he whispered.
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and quickly wiped my stupid tears away, exhaling a heavy breath. "You inspire me, too, Edward," I replied honestly. He leaned in, eyeing my lips longingly, but I pulled back. "Play it for me first," I whispered pleadingly.
He looked into my eyes, searching for a moment, before he nodded and sat back, placing his hands on the keys and straightening his back slightly. The last time I had sat with Edward while he played music like this was last Christmas. We were in our apartment and he was playing jingle bells as I sang along.
The first time I had sat with Edward while he played the piano, we were seventeen. And he played me what he referred to as my lullaby.
Sitting here with Edward now was the most amazing thing in the world. And as the opening notes of the song began, I couldn't take my eyes off of Edward's face. The song's melody was absolutely beautiful, and as I sat there watching the man that I loved playing a song he had written for me, I was overcome with a flurry of emotions.
Eventually, I looked down at the keys and closed my eyes as Edward continued to play the soft melody. I became lost in the music, and slowly, as the music faded away and Edward played the last few notes, I opened my eyes. The last note rang in the air for a moment as I turned to see Edward watching me closely.
"Did you like it?" he asked me.
I nodded. "Yea," I said, my voice hoarse from my tears.
"Thank you, Bella," he whispered, looking at me intensely.
"For what?" I asked him curiously.
"Everything."
XxXxX
"Can I ask you something?" I questioned Edward twenty minutes later when we were back on the road heading toward the lake house. At his nod, I continued, "Why did you want to come all the way to Carlisle and Esme's house to play the song? They have that piano in the den."
Edward watched the road carefully for a moment before reaching across the center console and taking my hand in his. "I wanted to play that song for you on the same piano that I played on while we were growing up. The same one where I played your lullaby."
My heart clenched at his words and I squeezed his hand tightly. "Thank you, Edward."
"For what, Bella?" he asked, glancing at me.
I smiled slightly. "Everything."
XxXxX
"Bella, does my hair look okay?"
I looked down at Alice just as Esme put the last rhinestone in Alice's hair for her. "Beautiful," I replied honestly.
She smiled up and me and took my hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "Gah, I am so nervous!"
"Why are you nervous? You're marrying a sexy man, you both have wonderful careers, and the sex is going to be fantastic," Rosalie stated bluntly, handing us each a glass of champagne.
"Rosalie," Esme chided playfully.
Rosalie shrugged. "What? It's the truth. I mean, Jasper looks like the kind of guy who knows how to use what the good lord gave him."
"Rose!" I scolded sternly. "What would Emmett think?"
"About what? I'm just being honest," she defended, finishing off her glass of champagne.
"Lay off the alcohol," I told her, taking the bottle of bubbly out of her hand. "It makes you frisky."
"You like it frisky, Bella?" she teased me.
"Shut up," I said, rolling my eyes, but smiling nonetheless.
"Alright," Alice said, causing us all to turn and look at her as she stood up and walked to the center of the room. "How do I look?" she asked, looking at the three of us nervously.
"You look radiant, sweetheart," Esme said sincerely, choking slightly on the tears that were threatening to escape.
"Absolutely," Rosalie added, smiling brightly.
"Flawless," I chimed in.
Alice smiled at each of us gratefully as Rosalie walked over and helped her put on her veil. Esme took a glass of champagne off of the small table in the room and walked over to me.
"How was it, Bella?" Esme asked me. At my confused look, she clarified, "The song Edward composed for you. How was it?"
I smiled at the memory of the beautiful song Edward had written for me. After returning to the lake house and having dinner with the family last night, Edward and I had retreated to our bedroom early. I wanted to show him how much the song had meant to me, and I did. I had made love to him all night, whispering my love for him over and over again as we both came undone together. I blushed slightly at that because his mother was standing right in front of me, looking at me with an all-knowing smile on her face.
"Um," I said, clearing my throat. "It was beautiful, Esme. Absolutely beautiful."
She nodded, smiling sweetly at me. "I know, he played it for me the other night. I hope you don't mind, he just wanted to get my opinion," she added quickly.
I shook my head. "Of course I don't mind."
"It brought me to tears, it was so beautiful," she said.
"I know. Me too."
"I'm really glad you two worked things out, Bella," Esme said, her voice full of emotion as fresh tears fell down her face.
I couldn't stop the tears that fell down my own face at her words and I looked down quickly, sniffing them back. "I know," I whispered.
"Hey," she said gently, hooking her finger under my chin and lifting my head up to look at her. "No matter what, you and Edward will always find your way back to each other. Because it's meant to be. It has always been meant to be, Bella."
I searched her eyes for a moment through my tear-filled ones and saw nothing but sincerity and truth. "It's always been meant to be," I murmured, mirroring her statement.
Her smile grew wider and she leaned in, wrapping her arms around me in a firm embrace.
"I love you so much, Bella Cullen," she whispered into my hair.
I smiled and held her tighter. "I love you, too…Mom."
She squeezed me back just as Rosalie and Alice looked at the two of us. "What's with the crying fest already?" Rosalie asked us. "Isn't that supposed to happen during the ceremony?"
Esme and I both chuckled and pulled away from each other. Esme held onto one of my hands as she reached her other arm out toward Rosalie and Alice. "Come here, you two," she said to them.
Rosalie and Alice both walked over to us and we all wrapped our arms around one another tightly. "All of my girls," Esme murmured.
"This is so cliché," Rosalie complained, though I could hear the smile in her voice.
"Shut up and enjoy the moment, Rosalie," Alice scolded. "These moments don't last forever."
"Thank God for that," Rosalie quipped.
"You really know how to ruin a sentimental moment, don't you, Rose?" I teased her playfully as the four of us continued to hold onto one another.
"Fine," she huffed. "How I love you all dearly. There, happy?"
We laughed at Rosalie's sarcasm before finally pulling away. Right at that second, someone knocked on the door and then it was opened to reveal Carlisle standing there, smiling at us brightly.
"Are you guys ready?" he asked us. His face turned into one of worry when he took in our expressions. "Why are you all crying?"
"We had a moment," Alice laughed softly.
I nodded, wiping my own tears away while Alice and Esme did the same. I glanced at Rosalie just as she, too, lifted her hand to wipe a few stray tears away. She had always been the one to hide her emotions and we rarely saw Rosalie get emotional—she was the master of hiding her feelings. But I could still see the tears in her eyes and stained on her cheeks and I knew there was no way she could talk her way out of this one.
"Rosalie, you're—"
"Crying? Yea, I know!" she interrupted me, frustrated, as she hastily wiped the remaining tears away.
Alice and I laughed slightly as Rosalie walked over to the table and grabbed a few tissues, dabbing at her face and using the large mirror on the wall to fix her make-up.
"Are you ready, Alice?" Esme asked her daughter softly.
I looked at Alice as she let out a deep breath and nodded. "Yea," she said, "I'm ready."
After Rosalie fixed her make-up and helped me freshen myself up a bit as well, we each grabbed our bouquets and made our way out of the hotel room, down the hall, and to the elevators. The ride down was quiet as Alice stood between Rosalie and I, holding our hands tightly. I smiled at her before looking in front of us where Carlisle and Esme were standing, arms wrapped around each other lovingly.
The elevator tinged when we reached the lobby and once the doors opened, Esme turned and kissed Alice on the cheek and said her goodbyes to us as she walked ahead and into the ballroom to take her seat in the front row. Rosalie and I walked to the double doors outside of the ballroom that Esme had just entered, Alice and Carlisle behind us.
"Okay, Rose, you first," I said tensely.
Rosalie rolled her eyes at me and shoved me in front of her as she stepped behind me. "Bella, we rehearsed this. You're shorter than me. You go first."
"But what if I trip and fall?" I dreaded. "At least if you're in front of me, I can concentrate on you and keep my balance."
"Yea right, you'll probably take me down with you," she replied, chuckling at her own humor.
I huffed and turned back around. "If I fall, I'm killing you," I said through gritted teeth.
"Alright, but can you at least do it after we cut the cake? I've been dying to get a taste of that thing."
I chuckled quietly and rolled my eyes as I nodded to the two men on either side of the double doors. They each nodded in return and opened the doors slowly. I peered into the large ballroom, at all of the people seated on either side of the aisle, and I slowly began my walk. I was halfway down the aisle, holding my breath and concentrating hard on keeping my balance, when I glanced up and saw him.
Edward was standing beside Jasper and Emmett, watching me with a small smile on his face. Suddenly, my entire body relaxed and I no longer worried about falling down on my face. In that moment, a storm of memories came flooding back to me. The first time I had met Edward, our night at prom, the day we got married, our three month long separation, the first night we slept in the same bed at the lake house…the night on the boat…the song…my song. Everything came back to me. Even the memory of the time we spent apart didn't hurt as much as it used to. The pain was still there, but now it simply served as a memory and reminder of all we had overcome.
We will always find our way back to each other because we were meant to be. We were always meant to be.
I didn't take my eyes off of him until I reached my place and turned to face everyone that was seated before us. Rosalie took her place next to me and she nudged my shoulder softly as the pianist began to play the traditional wedding march and the double doors opened to reveal Alice and Carlisle.
Alice really was a beautiful bride and she seemed to smile at each and every person she walked past until her eyes locked with Jasper's. Carlisle took Jasper and Alice's hands and clasped them together before kissing Alice on the top of her head and taking his seat beside Esme. I looked behind Carlisle and Esme and saw my mother and stepfather, and then my father. I had only seen them briefly before the reception as they had all come in only a few hours before the wedding started.
As Alice and Jasper began exchanging their personal vows, I glanced over at Edward and just as I did, he looked up at me. Our eyes locked in an intense stare as Alice and Jasper expressed their love for one another. We finally broke away from our gaze when the Pastor said, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Rosalie's cat call was heard even above the roaring applause that overtook the entire ballroom as everyone leapt to their feet and smiled at the newlyweds. I couldn't hold back the few happy tears that fell from my face at the sight of two people so in love.
XxXxX
The reception afterwards was a beautiful affair. The banquet hall that Alice and Jasper had shown Edward and me during the first couple of days we had been here had been transformed into a breathtaking wedding reception. Edward and I were seated at a table with my parents and stepfather, Phil, as the band continued another set and couples danced in the middle of the dance floor.
"So, any grandchildren yet?" my mother asked us coyly.
"Mom," I groaned.
"Always knew how to embarrass the poor kid, didn't you?" Charlie chuckled.
"I'm her mother, it's my job," she defended playfully before looking back at Edward and me. "So?" she prompted.
"No, no grandchildren yet," I sighed, blushing three shades of red. "Why do people keep asking us that?"
"Because you've been married for three years. We've all been waiting patiently," she replied, smiling slightly.
"Soon," Edward said before I had the chance to respond. He placed his arm around my shoulders and squeezed me reassuringly.
"See, now that is a response, Bella," my mother teased.
I looked at Edward and smiled gratefully just as Phil and my mother excused themselves to go out on the dance floor.
"So, how are things in New York?" my father asked us, taking a long drink from his glass of wine.
Edward and I exchanged a quick glance. We had talked about telling my parents what had happened between us and ultimately decided to keep it short and sweet. We had told them that Edward and I had just come out of a rough patch in our marriage and were on the verge of divorce. We told them it was a moment of weakness and stupidity, and thankfully we got our heads straight before it was too late.
Renee had immediately asked for details, but Charlie had saved us, saying that that was between Edward and me and that we had told them all we needed to and would only delve into details if that was what we wanted. I shot him a thankful look when he had done that. My father had always been a very private person, and even though we were extremely close, there had always been this quietness about him. He wasn't cold or distant, but he was subdued, reserved. He kept mostly to himself which was why it had been so easy living with him. The two of us were like each other in that way and details weren't shared about certain things unless they were absolutely necessary.
"Things have been good," I replied simply.
"So if Edward's been living at the apartment, where have you been, Bella?" he asked conversationally.
I was relieved that Charlie was so easy-going about this. Even after we had told him about initially lying to the Cullens upon first arriving, he had simply nodded and mumbled his understanding, knowing me well enough to know that I never did anything without good reason. And not wanting to hurt my family was good reason.
"I've been staying in a small apartment about twenty minutes away from my work," I replied honestly.
Charlie nodded and took another sip of his wine. "So, what's gonna happen when you guys go back? You gonna get another apartment? Maybe buy a house?"
Edward and I looked at each other again and smiled slightly. This was something we hadn't told anyone else. I really wanted Charlie to be the first to know.
"Actually, we're moving to Seattle," I said. Charlie's head snapped up and he looked at me, shocked. "Yea," I continued, nodding slightly. "Edward got offered a position at a new law firm here and I'm planning to work on my writing more. Esme even knows an editor at the Seattle Times, so I'm going to call in for an interview as soon as we're settled."
"You're moving back to Washington?" Charlie asked, the excitement evident in his quiet tone.
I nodded. "Yea, dad," I whispered. "We're gonna be right here in Seattle, closer to Edward's family and…closer to you." I choked slightly on the last word as the tears arose once again. I got out of my seat and walked over to my father, leaning down and wrapping my arms around him in a tight hug. He hugged me back just as firmly.
"I missed you so much, Bella," he whispered into my hair.
"I know," I murmured. "I missed you, too."
I pulled away from him, but he kept one arm around my waist as he looked over at Edward. "And Edward?" he prompted. "I sort of…missed you, too," he said.
Edward smiled slightly and stood up, extending his hand out to Charlie. They shook hands and Edward patted my father on the back as the band began to play a slow song.
"Uh, Edward?" my father started hesitantly as he stood up and dropped both of his arms to his sides. "Would you mind if I stole my little girl away for a dance?"
My jaw practically unhinged at that—Charlie was like me and avoided dancing at all costs.
"Of course," Edward smiled.
I smiled at him and took my dad's hand as he led me to the dance floor. I felt so much like a little girl again as I hugged him tight and we swayed to the music.
"Bella," he said after a moment of silence, "I know I don't tell you this nearly as much as I should, but I just wanted you to know…" he trailed off.
"Yea, dad?"
"I just wanted you to know that…I'm really proud of you, kid."
I squeezed my eyes shut tight to keep the tears away as I wrapped my arms around my father tighter. "Thank you, daddy," I whispered.
XxXxX
The night continued for hours after that until finally the limo arrived to take Jasper and Alice to the airport. They had packed their things the night before and Esme and Carlisle had arranged for their things to be brought in a limo so that they could leave for their honeymoon right after the reception. I was extremely envious that they were going to Paris for their honeymoon, and Edward chuckled at my pout, kissing me softly on the lips and promising to take me there someday soon.
I hugged and kissed Alice and Jasper goodbye, tears filling my eyes at their departure, when I remembered that Edward and I were moving to Seattle and we would be seeing them again soon. This wasn't goodbye for long.
"Have fun, Alice," Edward said, hugging his sister tightly and kissing her on the cheek.
"Thank you, Edward. We'll call when we get there, okay? When are you guys going back to New York?" she asked us.
"Tomorrow night," I replied.
Alice's face fell slightly. "So…will we see you guys on Christmas?"
"Yes," Edward said.
"And every single one after that," I added.
Alice eyed us with a confused expression on her face. "That's expensive. Flying out to Seattle every Christmas."
"True," Edward nodded. "So good thing we won't be, huh?"
"What are you guys talking about?" she asked, shaking her head to clear her thoughts.
"Alice, we're moving to Seattle," Edward stated calmly.
Alice's mouth opened and closed a few times before she covered it with her hand and began shaking her head. I watched in amusement as she stared at us with wide eyes.
"Are you okay, Alice?" Edward chuckled.
"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, you better not be screwing with me right now," she stated sternly once she had dropped her hand from her mouth.
"We aren't, Alice," I assured her.
Alice's face broke out into a wide smile as she jumped forward and hugged Edward and I both at the same time. "Oh my God! I can't believe this! You guys are really coming!"
"Who's coming?" Jasper asked us curiously as he walked over to us.
"That's what she said," Emmett quipped as he joined us.
"Edward and Bella are moving to Seattle!" Alice squealed.
"What?" Rosalie asked, shocked, having overheard us from where she was standing on the steps of the hotel. She quickly walked over to us. "You guys are moving to Seattle? What? When? How? Who?"
"Breathe, Rose. Just breathe," I soothed her, placing my hand on her arm.
"Hey, what are you two doing?" Carlisle asked as he and Esme approached us and addressed Alice and Jasper. "You're going to miss your flight."
"Edward and Bella are moving to Seattle!" Emmett bellowed, a hint of awe in his voice.
Esme's mouth fell open as she turned to look at Edward and I. "Is that true?" she asked, her voice quietly hopeful.
"Yea," Edward replied. "It's true."
Esme quickly came forward and hugged Edward and I both fiercely and Carlisle did the same right after. It was definitely not the way we had envisioned telling everyone, but it was just one of those things that happened in the moment. And I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
After Edward and I briefly explained our decision, Jasper and Alice said one final goodbye to everyone and hurried to their limo so that they wouldn't miss their flight. After they left, Edward and I spent the remainder of the night with Renee, Phil and Charlie. Carlisle and Esme joined us and caught up with my parents for a while. My mother was excited about mine and Edward's move, even if it still meant we wouldn't be living that close to her. After my mother and Phil left to go to their hotel room, Edward and I saw Charlie off with the promise to call him and keep him updated on our move—he wanted to come to Seattle and help us get settled.
Once most of the guests were gone, the rest of us stuck around a while longer to see the reception come to an end before we all piled into our own limo and headed back to the lake house.
"Ahh, that was one hell of a wedding," Emmett said as he cracked open a bottle of beer from the small bar inside the limo.
"It was," I agreed. "I'm ready to get out of this dress, though."
Rosalie agreed whole-heartedly just as we finally approached the lake house. The six of us got out of the limo and tiredly made our way inside. We sat around the living room for a couple of hours after we had all changed into our pajamas and played a few board games, passing the time slowly. When my exhaustion was finally getting the best of me, Carlisle suggested we call it a night. Edward and I had a flight to catch the next day and the others were going to be packing up to head home as well.
"Goodnight, beautiful," Edward murmured against my hair as he held me close to him while we lay in bed later that night.
"Night, Edward," I whispered, placing my hand over his arm that was draped across my waist, my back pressed against his warm chest. "I love you so much."
He kissed the back of my neck and nuzzled his nose into my hair. "I love you, too, angel."
I smiled warmly and fell asleep quickly, dreaming of green eyes and bronze hair.
XxXxX
The next day was hectic. Everyone was running around, cleaning up the lake house and getting everything in order. Rosalie, Esme, and I helped each other pack our bags while the guys went outside to tidy up the backyard and then go out on the dock to make sure the boat was secure.
We had a nice lunch together in the dining room—simple grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup that Esme had made. It reminded me of when we were kids.
Edward and I helped everyone put their packed bags into their respective cars, and by the time two o' clock in the afternoon rolled around, everyone was set and ready to go. Edward and I had our flight in about four hours and were already packed and ready to go as well.
Rosalie asked me to ride with her and Emmett to their house since I had yet to see it. I asked Edward to come along, but he said he was going to stick around at the lake house and see his parents off.
I hugged Esme and Carlisle goodbye with the promise of contacting them as soon as Edward and I got back to New York. We were going to keep them updated on our move.
After kissing Edward goodbye, I got into Emmett's Hummer and the three of us laughed and talked the whole way to their house.
Their house was absolutely beautiful. It wasn't too big and it wasn't too small. The neighborhood was also a very nice one and I could definitely see Rosalie and Emmett living here for a long time.
"You like?" Rosalie asked me as she hopped out.
"I love it," I replied sincerely.
Rosalie and Emmett decided to take out their luggage after I left, so we all walked into the house and after being given the grand tour, I settled in their breathtaking kitchen while Rosalie served me coffee and muffins.
We sat there talking for a couple of hours or so when I realized it was a little past four in the afternoon. "Oh, we better head back. Edward and I have our flight at six," I said hastily, getting up and putting my dish and coffee mug in the sink and rinsing them off.
"Don't worry, Bells, we'll get you back in time," Emmett called from his spot in the adjoining living room. His eyes were glued to the football game playing on the screen.
I turned to Rosalie. "Shouldn't we leave now?" I asked her.
Rosalie sat there sipping her coffee calmly. "Don't worry, Bella, we'll get you back in time."
"Yea, but the flight—"
"Bella," she interrupted, "We will get you back in time."
I stared at her confused and only grew more and more anxious as five o' clock grew nearer. Our flight left in a little over an hour and if we didn't leave now, there was no way we would make it.
"Is Edward coming here, then?" I guessed hopefully. "Then you guys are gonna take us to the airport?"
"No," Rose shrugged. "We were just gonna go pick him up, then go."
"Rose, we have to leave now. The flight leaves in an hour," I reminded her apprehensively.
"Hold on a sec," she said, grabbing the phone off the counter and getting off her stool as she walked out of the kitchen.
I glanced at Emmett and saw that he was watching me with a wide smile on his face. "What?" I asked him.
He shrugged. "Nothing."
Rosalie walked back in a minute later, smiling slightly. "Alright, let's go," she said, grabbing her purse.
I exhaled a sigh of relief and grabbed my own purse. "Are you coming, Em?" I asked him.
"Nah, Rose can handle it," he replied.
"O-kay," I said, confused. I walked over to him and he stood up, giving me a huge hug before he kissed Rosalie on the lips and bid us farewell.
I was a little confused as to why Emmett wasn't coming with us to the airport, but I was so worried about possibly missing our flight that I didn't give it much thought.
We pulled up to the lake house about twenty minutes later and Rosalie only confused me further when she turned to me and said goodbye.
"What? You're taking us to the airport," I reminded her.
"No I'm not," she smiled.
"What? Rose—"
"Just go inside, Bella," she said calmly.
"Rose, you're really starting to piss me off," I told her sternly.
"Just. Go. Inside," she stated, putting emphasis on each and every word.
"What about the flight?" I asked her, raising my voice slightly.
"Don't worry about your precious flight. Just go inside."
I huffed a heavy breath before unbuckling my seatbelt angrily and opening the car door. Before I could slam it shut behind me, Rosalie said my name. I turned around and looked at her, raising my eyebrows.
"Call when you guys get to New York, okay?" she said sweetly. "I love you, Bella. And I can't wait for you and Edward to move out here."
I stood there with my mouth hanging open in confusion and shock as Rosalie leaned over and closed the car door before turning around and making her way back down the long, gravel driveway.
"What the hell?" I breathed out to no one in particular.
I shook my head and walked to the porch, climbing up the steps and turning the knob to the front door, thankful that it was open. I stepped inside and noticed that it was extremely dark and quiet in the lake house. I could, however, hear faint classical music playing from where I realized was the dining room.
I switched on the light in the foyer and gasped at the sight before me. On the ground, leaving a trail that disappeared into the kitchen, were rose pedals. Lots and lots of rose pedals. I slowly and hesitantly followed the trail through the living room, into the kitchen, until I finally made it to the dining room.
On the table were two candles, two place settings, and delicious food spread out. Sitting at the table, looking breathtaking as always, was Edward.
I stood there completely dumfounded for a moment as I finally registered that it was Debussy playing from the stereo. Clair de Lune—my favorite.
"What is this, Edward?" I asked when I finally found my voice.
"Happy Anniversary, Bella," he responded quietly.
I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. "What…anniversary?" I asked cautiously.
"Three years, Bella," he answered simply.
My eyes widened and my mouth opened slightly as all of the air left my lungs in a shocked gasp. Realization hit me when I finally understood what Edward was doing.
"We didn't get to have our night four months ago," he continued softly when I didn't say anything. "So, I want to have it now. I want to do what I had planned for you. I want to give you what I couldn't give you that night." His voice broke slightly on the last part and I wanted nothing more in that moment then to go to him and hold him, but I remained where I was, still too shocked to move.
"What do you say, Bella?" he asked softly after a moment of silence. He looked extremely nervous as he sat there watching me. "Will you spend the night with me?"
And those seven words were my undoing. I nodded my head without a second thought—my mouth still unable to form words—and I walked over to him. He stood up and took both of my hands in his, leaning down and kissing my lips gently.
"Yes, Edward," I whispered against his lips. "I want to spend every night for the rest of my life with you."
He smiled against my mouth before placing one more chaste kiss on my lips and pulling away. "I made you dinner," he said, motioning to the food on the table.
"When did you do all of this?" I asked, astonished, as he pulled out a chair for me and I sat down. He grabbed the bottle of red wine on the table and poured me a glass.
"After you left. Thankfully Carlisle and Esme were here to help me. And Emmett and Rosalie offered to keep you busy while we set everything up."
"That's why Emmett and Rosalie were being so weird," I murmured, shaking my head and smiling at their stealth as it all finally made sense to me.
Edward chuckled and nodded, sitting down next to me. "I told Carlisle and Esme my idea last night—and Emmett and Rosalie—while you were in the bathroom brushing your teeth. I've been trying to think of something special to do for you, and this seemed like the perfect thing. I wanted to get that night back. For both of us," he said seriously, taking my hand in his.
Tears formed in my eyes as his sweet words sunk in. "Thank you, Edward," I whispered.
"Anything for you, love," he murmured, kissing the tears on my cheeks away gently.
"What about our flight?" I asked him.
"I changed it for tomorrow afternoon. I wanted to spend one last night here with you. I hope that's okay."
My smile grew. "It's more than okay."
We ate dinner quietly, holding hands and sharing caresses the entire time. I helped Edward clean up afterward and blew out the candles before bending down to pick up the rose pedals.
"Leave them for now," Edward said, leaning down and brushing my hands away. "Come upstairs with me."
I stood up and followed him wordlessly as he led us upstairs to our bedroom. I froze in the doorway as I took in what Edward had done. The room was dark, but was illuminated by the many candles scattered around.
"Edward," I gasped.
"Come here, Bella," he said quietly, sitting down on the edge of the bed.
I numbly walked over to him and he wordlessly reached forward and unbuttoned the black pants I was wearing and pulled them down my legs. I braced my hands on his shoulders as I stepped out of them. He then took his time taking off my shoes and socks before reaching for the hem of my blouse and lifting it up and over my head until I was standing before him in just my black lace bra and matching underwear.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered, placing a kiss to my stomach.
"Mmm," I moaned, reaching for the hem of his shirt.
He looked up at me, desire evident in his eyes, as he helped me pull his shirt off. I leaned down and pressed my lips firmly to his as I unbuckled his belt and he lifted his hips off the bed to help me slide them off. His shoes went next until he was finally wearing only his black boxer-briefs.
Edward moved back onto the bed and pulled me with him until his head rested against the pillows and I was straddling his lap. He reached behind me and unclasped my bra effortlessly, tossing it to the side before hooking his fingers into the inside of my panties and pulling them off as well.
He rolled over on top of me and I wrapped my legs around his waist, toeing at his boxers until he finally slid them off and tossed them on the ground to join the rest of our clothes.
Within seconds, Edward was inside me. We both moaned loudly at the sensation and knowledge that we were alone in the house. Just us.
He began moving slowly in and out of me, the friction making me breathe and moan for more. His lips trailed down my neck to my collarbone as he continued to pump in and out of me, keeping his pace erotically slow.
"Edward," I moaned.
"God, Bella," he gasped in response, his pace picking up slightly. I moaned loudly when the tip of his cock hit a very sensitive spot deep inside me.
Edward lifted his head to look at me, his thrusts slowing down until he was back to his slow pace. "You're the love of my life, you know," he murmured, looking into my eyes with an enormous amount of intensity.
I nodded, lifting my hand and brushing his sweaty hair out of his face before cupping his cheek gently. "I know," I whispered. "You're the love of my life, you know," I repeated back to him.
"I know," he whispered before leaning down and capturing my lips in a searing kiss as he picked up the pace again. His hand trailed down until his fingers found my clit and he began rubbing it fervently until I clenched around him and fell over the edge. Edward came soon after me, moaning into my neck as we both rode out our orgasms together.
He collapsed on top of me, both of us out of breath, before he pulled out of me and rolled over onto his back. I curled into his side immediately and he wrapped his arm around me, lifting the comforter out from under us before draping it over both of us.
Edward ran lazy fingers through my hair as I rested my head on his chest. "I can't believe everything that happened while we were here," I murmured, the events of the last four weeks finally catching up to me.
"I know," he said. "So much changed. We changed."
"For the better?" I teased.
I felt him nod before he placed a gentle kiss to the top of my head. "For the better."
"So, what's going to happen? When we get back to New York, I mean," I asked him.
He let out a heavy sigh. "Well, we should probably call Felix. Tell him the divorce is off," he said. I nodded and snuggled into his side deeper. "Then we need to start looking for a house here in Seattle and get the moving process situated. I still have to call John Jenks about that position at the firm, and we both have letters of resignation to turn in."
"So much to do," I sighed.
"But we have time," Edward reassured me gently.
I lifted my head off his chest and looked into his deep green eyes. How I had gone three months without seeing them, I would never know. But I did know that I never wanted to go without them again.
"I am so in love with you, Edward Cullen," I said, my voice shaky and full of emotion.
He placed his hand on the side of my face and stroked my cheek gently with his thumb. "Isabella Cullen," he started, "you're mine for forever. And I'm never letting you go again."
My whole being froze at the intensity of his words and we searched each other's eyes for what seemed like hours before I finally found my voice. "I'm not going anywhere," I whispered, shaking my head slightly.
"Neither am I," he stated simply.
A small smile appeared on my face once again and I leaned in and pressed my lips to his.
"You know what we should be doing right now?" he asked.
"What's that?" I murmured against his mouth.
"Getting started on making those babies everyone's been asking about."
I froze and pulled away to meet his gaze again, only to see that he was completely serious.
"Don't take the pill anymore," he said quietly.
"What?" I breathed, shocked.
He trailed his hand down to my stomach and caressed it lovingly. "Carry my child, Bella" he whispered.
I swallowed hard and looked down at my stomach, loving the way his large hand looked splayed across it. I looked back into his eyes as he continued watching me, a non-relenting look of determination on his face. I placed my hand over his own that was caressing my stomach as I kept my eyes locked with his. Slowly and with purpose, I leaned into him until my mouth was barely touching his.
"Edward," I whispered, my voice shaky from the tears that were slowly starting to fall down my face. "I've never heard anyone say something so beautiful."
He watched me silently for a moment before one side of his mouth twitched up into a small smile. "Is that a yes?" he murmured.
"Of course," I said, laughing quietly through my tears.
He smiled wider and rolled over on top of me, kissing me fiercely as twilight set in over the lake outside the window, signaling the end to another day and the start of another night with Edward—my life—in my arms.
Author's Note: The epilogue will be posted in about two weeks if not sooner. Thank you to each and every person who has read, reviewed, and supported me through out this story. You guys mean the world to me and I am so happy that I wrote this story and had the chance to share it with all of you. I look forward to hearing from you all. Thank you :)