"So are you going to join the family and become a vampire or what? Emmett shouted.

Chapter Sixteen: A Legal Cullen

Bella's POV

I didn't have to think long about his question. The answer should have been obvious.

"Yes. I'm ready for it all." I whispered. My voice was quiet but full of confidence.

Before I could look up at them, I felt my lungs being crushed. A pair of large, strong arms held me very tightly. Emmett had bolted from around the table and was now hugging me fiercely.

"Can't breathe. Too tight." I managed to gasp. Emmett kept his hold on me until I felt myself being yanked out of his arms. Edward held me gently to his chest so that I could breathe.

"Damn it, Emmett. She still needs to breathe, you idiot." Edward hissed.

"I'm fine, Edward. He just got a little carried away. Let me go, it's ok." I said as I stared into his eyes.

"Nope. I'm keeping you right here." He pressed me closer to his chest. "Besides, I'm sure that you are still tired. It has been a long day."

That annoyed me for some reason. "Damn it, Edward. Let go. I just decided I was ready to be a Cullen and you are suffocating me. I want to go hug my future family. Don't make me decide to become a Cullen by a different route." I threatened.

Alice squealed behind me. "Oh, this is a happy day now. Bella has decided to join the family. That was one of the best visions I've had!"

I looked up into Edward's face and knew that he had seen the vision Alice had. I knew it was our immediate future because he had a wide grin on his face.

"I'm confused. I thought you already had joined the family. We aren't your 'future' family. You already are a Cullen." Emmett said, staring at me. I noticed that we were all on our feet now.

" Let me explain. You all consider me part of the family but it isn't official. I want to be a legal Cullen." I told them.

It was Esme who questioned my statement. " I'm afraid that I'm not following you, dear. A legal Cullen? You want Carlisle and I to adopt you?"

"No Esme, not adoption. My birth parents are still alive and able to take care of me and I'm too old to be adopted." I looked at each of their lovely faces. None of them, except Edward and Alice, had any idea what I was talking about. " Edward, help me out."

Edward removed his arms from around me and moved to kneel in front of me. He had a huge smile on his face and I smiled back. He took my hands in his and kissed them.

" My beautiful, sweet Bella. You have made me very happy today. I love you so much. Even though I know the answer to the question I am about to ask, I have to hear you say it. Bella, my love, will you marry me?" Edward asked so perfectly.

"Yes" was all I managed to say before Edward's lips were on mine. He picked me up and spun me around in his arms. I could hear the family calling out congratulations but it was all muddled in my head. When Edward finally set me down, my head was swimming.

And then I collapsed.

A/N: sorry for the cliffhanger guys. It builds the suspense. I'll add the next chapter as soon as I can and then you will find out why Bella collapsed. This should be good. If you have suggestions, I'm all ears so let me know. Love you guys; please don't hate me for the cliff.

emeralda violeta