A/N: Sorry the epi for this story took so long. I've had so much to write lately and I'm still not caught up with everything I need to do. But I finally got this done and it will be complete now. I won't be coming back to it. I hope everyone enjoys this last chapter and enjoyed the story as a whole. Thank you to everyone for the constant support and wonderful reviews. I enjoyed challenging myself as a writer with this story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the characters involved.
Epilogue
EPOV
Bella laid next to me on the bed, still sleeping. I lay on my side, looking over her. It had been a week since her birthday. She still had bruises all over her body from the accident. I blame myself for what happened. I should have been here paying attention, so I could have prevented her from taking off on Midnight. I was so frustrated with my own life problems, I didn't think about her. She should have been my only priority.
If there was a way I could go back, there were so many things I would have changed. I would have told Jake the truth instead of lying to him about how I felt about Bella. More importantly, I would have been completely honest with Bella from the beginning. I would have told her how much I loved her. She wouldn't have been out riding like she was, if I had been honest. She wouldn't have been hurt. All of it was my fault. I don't deserve her. Yet here she is, with me. Giving up everything she's ever known, to be with me.
After we left the party, we came back to Charlie's place and he accepted us back with open arms. I think Charlie was more than happy to have us back here. Bella's mom, on the other hand, was not happy about it at all. She tried to convince Bella, every day since the party that Bella didn't belong here and her place was in California with her and Phil. Bella refused to go back and tried to explain this is where she wanted to be. I had to listen to their phone conversations numerous times. In a way, I was happy she wanted to stay, but I didn't want her to fight with her mom either. I'd already hurt her in so many ways. I didn't want to do it anymore. And by keeping her from her mom, I felt like I was hurting her more.
She slowly opened her eyes and looked up at me. She smiled and shoved me playfully with her hand.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
I laughed. "Watching you," I admitted.
"Why?"
"Why not?" I countered.
"You can't lay there and stare at me while I sleep. It isn't polite."
"I feel like I need to watch over you. All these bruises on your body scare me. I need to make them all better." I leaned over her and began kissing each and every bruise she had. I slowly unbuttoned the shirt she was wearing, brushing my fingers across her stomach. She giggled, as I continued to kiss her chest and arms, all the way down her stomach and legs.
We hadn't had sex since her accident. I'd gone so long without it before she came into my life, and I barely noticed. Well, I noticed, but I got along just fine by myself. Now, since I'd had her, I wanted it all the time. I ached to be inside of her again.
"Edward," she moaned. "Please, make love to me." She arched her back into me. I wanted to, so bad. But she was still bruised from her accident. I'd end up hurting her even more.
"We can't," I whispered, between kisses to her body.
"Why?"
"You're still bruised. I'll hurt you."
She rolled her eyes and huffed. "Edward, they're only bruises. I'm not going to die from bruises." She grabbed the waistband of my boxers, pulling me down on top of her. I chuckled at her eagerness. How could I deny her what she wanted? She slipped my boxers off of me, wrapping her legs around me. I lifted her up, sliding the shirt off of her arms and kissing her neck. She moaned in pleasure, urging me on even more. I was just about to go for it, when her cell phone rang on the nightstand. We both groaned at the interruption.
"Don't answer it," I begged.
"I have to." She reached over for the phone, answering it. I wrapped my arms around her back, kissing across her shoulders, while she talked. I didn't pay much attention to who she was talking to. Sex was the only thing on my mind at the moment. I wanted her to hang up the phone so we could continue.
"We'll be down in a minute," she said, hanging up the phone. I leaned back, looking at her curiously.
"My mom's here," she informed. I slouched and sighed heavily.
"You have got to be kidding me. Now, of all times?" I whined. "What is she doing here?"
"I don't know, but my dad sounds a little on edge having her in his house. We need to go rescue him."
"Are you serious? We can't finish first?" I pleaded.
"Sorry," she apologized. "I'll make it up to you later." She kissed me lightly on the cheek, before jumping off the bed and putting her clothes back on. I collapsed, face first into the pillow, pouting at my misfortune. Her mom always seemed to ruin everything.
"Are you coming with me?" She asked. I rolled over, looking up at her.
"Do I have to?" I questioned. "Your mom hates me. If I go in that house, she'll find some way to convince you I'm bad for you."
She crawled over top of me, straddling my stomach. "If you don't go down there with me, she may just be able to convince me to go back to California with her. Is that what you want?"
"I want you to be happy. Whatever you want is what I want," I argued.
"I want you. So come with me and show my mom what a perfect gentleman you really are." She crawled off of me and went to my drawer to pick out clothes for me to wear. I sat up, watching her as she moved around my room.
"Yeah, I'm such a gentleman when all I can think about is having sex with you. Do you know how hard it's going to be, walking into that house, with the thoughts of what I want to do to you, running through my mind?"
Her brow furrowed as she sat down on the bed, next to me. She handed me the clothes, looking down with a sullen look.
"What's wrong?" I asked, trying to make her eyes meet mine.
"Is that all it is to you?" She wondered. "Is it just sex?"
"What?"
"I need to know, Edward. Honestly, is that all it is?"
"Bella… No… Why do you… No," I stuttered through my thoughts trying to say this right. I wasn't good at expressing how I really felt. I'd only said it once. I knew it's what she wanted to hear, but it was so hard for me to say it.
"I've got to go see what my mom wants." She stood from the bed and headed for the door. I knew she was mad. Or maybe more hurt than mad.
"Bella," I called. She stopped at the door, but didn't turn around. "It's not just sex to me. It may have started out that way. But it's not the same anymore. I love you, okay?"
She turned around, smiling. She ran across the room, throwing herself into my arms. I fell backwards, with her wrapped in my arms. I chuckled, as her lips pressed against mine.
"I love you, too," she expressed. "It's nice to here once in a while, you know?"
"Bella," I began. "You are the only person I have ever said I love. It's hard for me to say it. You know I do. I just need time to get used to saying it, out loud."
"Okay," she accepted. She gave me a light kiss on the lips. I wanted to grab her head and make it last longer. I wanted to continue where we left off. But before I could, she pulled away, giving me a pleading look. "Will you please come down with me, now? I need you to support me in this decision."
"Are you sure you're making the right decision?" I asked. I knew telling her mom she was staying for me, was hard on her. I didn't want her to choose me over her mom. I honestly didn't think she needed to choose, but her mom was making her feel like it's what she had to do. Charlie was the only neutral person in all of this. He was the only person on our side.
"I'm making the right decision. I want to stay here. This is where I belong," she assured. I took a deep breath, grabbing my boxers off the edge of the bed. She climbed off of me, giving me a minute to throw some clothes on. I stood up, ready to follow her down. She looked up at me, smirking about something.
"What?" I asked, defensively. She shook her head, reaching up and running her fingers through my hair a few times.
"I guess that'll do," she complained. I rolled my eyes, reaching up for her hand. I linked our fingers together and led her towards the door.
We walked down the stairs and across the barn, over to the house. I was so nervous to face Bella's mother. I haven't spoken to her since Bella was in the hospital. I knew this was going to be her last ditch effort to get Bella to go back to California with her. She would try to bash me and make me look bad to Bella any way she could. I was prepared for it. The way Bella, tensed up, as we reached the door, made me think she was preparing for it too. I held her hand tightly, bringing it up to my lips. I kissed the back of her hand gently.
"It'll be okay," I assured. She took a deep breath, opening up the door. We walked in, hand in hand. Charlie smiled as soon as he saw us. I couldn't be sure if it was because we were together of if maybe it was a relief he didn't have to be with Bella's mom and step-dad alone anymore.
Renee stood from her seat and walked over, hugging Bella tightly. Bella wouldn't let go of my hand, even though I tried to let her, so she could hug her mom. Renee held Bella at arm's length, looking her over.
"Look at how you're bruised," she observed. "I don't like this at all. I think we need to take you to a better doctor."
"Mom, I'm fine. It's only a few bruises. They'll go away eventually."
"Are these new bruises?" She asked, pointing out a patch of bruises along her forearm.
"No, Mom. They're the same bruises I had from the accident."
"The accident," she repeated. "Well, I'm not so sure it was an accident." She glanced in my direction briefly.
"What do you mean?" Bella asked, defensively.
"I'm just wondering what exactly happened out in those woods," she clarified.
"Renee," Charlie warned.
"I know what you're trying to do, Mom. It won't work."
Once again, Renee glanced in my direction.
"I see he came along with you. Does he ever leave your side? Or does he always need to be wherever you are, to control what you do and say?" She insinuated. Bella's grip in my hand tightened.
"Do you see him controlling what I'm doing?" Bella asked. "Has he even said a word, since we walked in this house? I asked him to come with me for support, because I knew you were going to do this. Mom, we've had this conversation a thousand times in the last week. I made my decision. I'm staying here with dad and Edward. This is where I belong. This is where I've always belonged. Why can't you accept this?"
"Bella, why can't you see him for who he really is?" She asked. "He's a bum. He's only after you for money. He knows who you are and where you come from. As soon as he has his hands on our money, he'll drop you."
Bella scoffed at her comment. "Mom, you're pathetic. Did you go after Phil for money? Because I remember we didn't have anything, when you met him. We were practically living out of a car. Then suddenly you were swooped up in the life of fame and fortune and you changed, making me change with you. It doesn't sound much different than what you're accusing Edward of."
"You know that's not true, Bella. I was never after Phil's money. I fell in love with him. It was as simple as that," she argued.
"Then why can't you be happy for me for finding love? I love Edward and he loves me. It's as simple as that."
She sighed, letting the conversation hang there. "I came with some good news. It seems J.J. Whitlock is working on a new movie. It's a western and after seeing you with that horse, he wants to have the two of you in his movie. I'm not sure I like the idea of you riding that thing after what he did to you, but he's offering you a lead role and Phil is going to be in it as well. It's supposed to be a huge hit next summer. People are already talking about it and it hasn't even been filmed yet." Renee spoke of the movie with so much enthusiasm; you would think she just landed the lead.
"I don't want to be an actress, Mom," Bella rejected.
"Bella, this is a huge deal. Do you know how many people dream of this type of shot and never get it? You can't give this up."
"Tell J.J. to give it to one of them. They could probably do a better job than I ever could."
"So, what are you planning to do for money?" Renee asked. "I've heard about Charlie's money problems. He's not going to be able to take care of you. And he's definitely not going to be able to provide for you the way he should, considering he works for Charlie."
"Now hold on here," Charlie cut in. "I might not be able to provide all the glamorous and expensive things you do, but I can and will take care of my daughter."
"She's our daughter," Renee added.
"Will both of you stop?" Bella shouted. "Have either of you considered what I want? I am eighteen now and I can make my own decisions. I don't belong to either of you, so stop acting like I'm something to fight over." They both sighed, crossing their arms against their chests. Bella took a deep breath, steadying herself to speak. "Mom, I've changed since being here. Material things don't mean as much to me as they used to. I don't need anything. I can survive off of my trust fund for now. I'm planning to go to college. I want to be able to say I worked for what I have."
"I'm not giving you your trust fund," Renee informed, rudely.
"What?" Bella shouted.
"You're being very irresponsible right now and I can't trust you with a large amount of money. If you stay here, you'll end up giving it to Charlie… or him." She looked in my direction with a disgusted look on her face.
"I don't want anything from you," Charlie shouted. "I'd rather die, than take a cent connected to you in anyway."
"Whatever mom," Bella said. "If you don't want to give me the trust fund, I don't care. I don't need it. All I need is right here," Bella assured.
"And how does your so-called boyfriend feel about that?" She insinuated, placing her hands on her hips.
She glanced over at me expectantly. I realized I hadn't said a word since stepping into the house. I was supposed to be here to support her and I really wasn't doing anything but standing here and listening.
Bella turned in my direction, waiting for me to respond in some way.
"I'm not looking for anything from Bella," I replied, my voice cracking. "I'll take care of her. We don't need anything."
"And you both are always welcome to stay here with me," Charlie added. "Money problems or not, I'll always be here for both of you."
"See mom, everything is fine. You can go back to California and spend my trust fund on yourself, if you feel like it. I really don't care. I'm staying here and nothing you say or do will make me change my mind."
"I can't believe you're throwing your life away for him. You're choosing some random street kid over a promising future and your own mother? The one person who has been there for you and taken care of you, your entire life," she cried.
"Mrs. Dwyer," I addressed, unexpectedly. I had no intention of speaking up, but it sort of just came out. "I love your daughter. She's one of the strongest people I've ever met. She's determined, and challenging. She doesn't ever let me off the hook for anything. She's beautiful. She's all I've ever wanted. I don't want to hurt her or make her choose between the two of us. She may be trying to act strong right now, like it doesn't bother her how you're treating her, but it does. It hurts her a lot. You can hate me all you want. I expect it. But I'm not going to stand here and let you make Bella feel guilty for choosing her own path in life. I don't want or expect anything from her. I'm grateful she loves me in return. That's all I want from her. Bella should be free to choose what she wants and if she chooses to have me by her side, I plan to, for as long as she wants me. But I can't let her hurt anymore, because you have some preconceived opinion of me."
The air in the room became very cold. Everyone stared at me in complete disbelief. I was a little surprised myself. I'd pretty much just declared my love to Bella in front of her entire family. It was hard enough getting the words out for Bella's sake, yet here I was saying it out loud for all to hear.
I felt Bella lean into my side and wrap her arms around my waist. I put my arm around her shoulders protectively and smiled down at her. She was on the verge of tears, when she looked up at me.
"I think you got your answer, Renee," Charlie added. "Bella will be fine here. If she ever chooses to go back to California, no one will stand in her way."
She huffed, grabbing her purse and coat off the table. "Phil, let's go." He stood from his spot and followed her out of the house.
Bella and I followed them out and watched them get into their car.
As we watched them pull away, I glanced over at Bella, who was trying so hard not to cry. I pulled her into my arms, willing her to cry. She didn't waste any time letting out sobs. I knew it was hard for her to see her mom leave. I held her close to me, swaying us back and forth, shushing her and kissing the top of her head. I didn't want her to cry anymore. I hated seeing her hurt. All I wanted to do was find some way to take all her pain away.
"Is everything okay?" Charlie asked, walking out on to the porch, where we stood.
"We'll be fine," I assured, even though I didn't know if we would. Bella didn't seem to be letting up on the crying.
"Well, uh… I'm going to get to work on mending some fences," Charlie announced, nervously. "Take the rest of the day off, if you need to." He patted me on the back as he headed down the steps. I've never known him to be able to handle emotionally tense moments well. All of the morning events, were probably a little too much for him. His way of solving it, is to get away as fast as possible. I used to be the same way. However, now I had a job to do. If I was going to be honest in my love for Bella, I had to take care of her.
I scooped her up in my arms and carried her into the house, sitting down on the couch, with her securely in my arms.
"Bella, if you're this upset, maybe you should go. I don't want you hurting, because of me," I suggested.
She sat up, looking deep into my eyes. "Do you want me to go?" She asked.
"No," I admitted, tightening my grip around her. "But I don't want you sad either. She's your mom, Bella. I don't want you fighting with your mom, because of me."
"I don't want to leave you."
I pushed a strand of hair off her cheek, tucking it behind her ear. "Who would it be harder to leave, me or your mom?"
"Neither would be easy. I don't want to choose between the two of you."
"Then don't. I'm not making you choose. Go back to California and work things out with your mom. Take as long as you need to figure things out. I'll still be here, if you decide to come back."
"You'll find someone else," she accused, looking down at the floor. "Rachel will come back into the picture or some other girl. You said it yourself. You don't do the long distance thing."
I tilted her head back up to look at me. "The long distance thing would never work for anyone except you. I will wait as long as I have to for you."
"If I went, and did this movie with Midnight, I could save my dad's ranch," she theorized. The tightness I felt in my chest after hearing her words was unbearable. I never imagined if she decided to go it would hurt so much. She still hadn't even said for sure whether she was going. How could I possibly let her go?
"You could," I agreed. I tried so hard to push my own pain away and be supportive of her decision.
"You promise me if I go you'll wait for me?" She asked.
I laughed, lightly pressing my lips to hers. "I love you. It'll never stop or change in any way. Whether you're here or somewhere else, I'll always love you." It was strange how the more I said it, the easier it was. Or maybe it was easier, because of the possibility of losing her.
"What if you come with me?" She suggested. "You were planning to leave anyway, remember. Come with me."
"Bella, your dad needs the help. I know he acts like he doesn't, but he does. And with Jake back in school, he needs someone here to help him."
She sighed. "Are you sure I should do this?"
"Bella, I want you to do what you feel is right for you. I'll support you in whatever you decide to do."
"I want to be able to help my dad. I want to know he won't ever lose this place. I love it here and can't imagine him not being here. If I did this movie, I would have my own money, which I earned. My dad would let me help him, if it came directly from me. If I go back, it's not for my mom's sake. It's for my dad."
"I think you made your decision then," I said.
"I need to talk to my dad." She stood from my lap and headed out the door.
My head fell back against the couch and I let out a long sigh. This was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I knew if she went back to California, she wouldn't return. She'd fall back into her old life, with her friends and her mom dictating everything she did. We'd try to make it work for a while, but eventually things would end. She'd be gone like every other person I've ever cared about. Only problem was, she's the only person I've ever let myself love.
Later in the day, she came to find me. She had a regretful, sad expression on her face. I knew what she was going to say, before she even said it. She continually told me she would come back. She would only be gone for a few months and when she got back everything would be perfect. I did everything in my power to be supportive and not show how upset I really was.
The next morning, after a restless night of sleep, Bella packed up her bags, while I loaded up Midnight. She had called the director who wanted to hire her for the movie, and her mom, to let them know she was coming home. Charlie had every intention of driving her back to California with Midnight, but at the last minute, he handed me the keys to his truck and asked if I would do it. He used the excuse he didn't want to go on another long drive down to California and definitely didn't want to face Renee again. Although, I think he was just trying to give me and Bella a few more days together.
Charlie, for some reason was far more encouraging of Bella and I being together, than I ever thought he would be. I always assumed he'd be mad about it, considering where I came from and probably fire me for even speaking to her. On the contrary, he was the one pushing us together.
I called Charlie, the night of Bella's party. I wanted to know how she was. I wanted to know if she was happy. I just wanted to know anything about her. He told me she looked miserable. He said she didn't seem to be having a good time. He told me how she had slept up in my own room the night I left. He's the one who convinced me to come to the party. I really had no idea what I was going to do when I got there. All I knew was Bella deserved to know the truth, before I left. As soon as I saw her though, I chickened out. But once she called after me and looked into my eyes, I knew. She felt the same way about me as I did her. Everything else didn't matter anymore. All that existed was us.
I took my time driving her back down to California. Part of me kept expecting her to say she wanted me to turn around and go back. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking.
After three hours of driving, we made it to her house in Hollywood. Her mom came rushing out of the house with open arms. There was a lady who followed her out to gather Bella's bags.
Bella looked happy to be back with her mom. She was crying, but they were tears of joy, not sadness. Renee guided Bella through the house, leaving me out by the truck with Midnight. I really didn't know where I was supposed to take him. There was no place here, for him to stay.
I sat out by the truck for about a half hour, before a tall man with dark hair walked out, handing me a map to where I was supposed to take Midnight.
I guess that's that. I thought to myself. I hopped into the truck, looking over the directions to the boarding place for Midnight. Just as I was about to pull out, my door came flying open and Bella dragged me out by my collar. I laughed at the sudden, take charge, attitude. She slammed me against the side of the truck and pressed her lips against mine. Her arms wrapped around my neck, holding me to her. I pulled her closer, reveling in this last kiss I would have with her. Deep down, I knew this would be the last kiss I would ever have with her. I didn't want it to end.
As the kiss broke, I continued to give her small, tender pecks against her lips. I refused to open my eyes. I wanted to remember her back on the ranch. I didn't want the last picture I had of her in my mind, of today. I rested my forehead against hers, refusing to let go.
"Were you planning to leave without saying goodbye?" She asked.
"I waited for you. But you didn't come and I didn't think I'd be welcome in the house."
"You are welcome anywhere I am," she insisted.
"I need to get Midnight to his new home, anyway. The butler guy gave me the directions to the boarding ranch. He needs a good place to get out and stretch his legs. He's been cooped up in that trailer for three days now."
Her grip around my neck tightened. "I don't want you to go," she whispered.
"I can't stay here, Bella. You and I both know that."
She sighed, ducking her head. Her arms slowly slid off from around me and she took a step back. Her eyes remained on the ground. I swallowed hard. I hated this so much. I leaned forward, taking her face in my hands. I kissed her gently on the forehead, holding her to me one last time.
"I will always love you, Bella. No matter what," I promised. I pulled away and slowly climbed back into the truck. I pulled out, as she watched me drive away.
I dropped off Midnight at the boarding ranch the director had set up for him. The people there seemed really nice and like they knew what they were doing. It wasn't cheep to board a horse on their ranch, either. This was a place the rich and famous boarded their horses. It was one of the classiest places I'd ever seen. I thought about how much Bella would like this place, for Midnight. She always wanted the very best for him.
The drive home was lonely and tiring. I drove straight through. I wanted to be back where I felt comfortable. I wanted to be back where I could distract myself with work, while she was gone.
The following months, were hard to get through. Bella called, just about every night. She would tell me all about filming and how Midnight was doing. She said she's been talking to her mom a lot, trying to get her to understand where she was coming from. She would always end the conversation by telling me she loved me. It killed me every time. I knew she did, but did she love me enough to give her old life up? I really didn't know if she did. She always sounded so happy being home with her mom and her old friends. She seemed to enjoy filming, too. She had Midnight as well. The longer she was gone, the more it sank in, she wasn't coming back.
It had been over four months, since she left. I knew filming was going to be finished soon. Yet, she still hadn't mentioned anything about coming back. As much as I wanted to ask her if she still planned to, I didn't want her to be put in a position where she had to do something, just to make me happy. I wanted her to come back because it's truly what she wanted. If she had a change of heart, then I could accept it. It would be hard, but I've lost people before. It was nothing new to me. I'd deal with it the same way I always had. She would definitely be the hardest to lose, but her happiness was more important to me, than my own.
I woke up to a fresh dusting of snow on the ground, one late January day. It was always a pain when it snowed. More work to do, with cranky, cooped up horses. I got up and put on a thick flannel shirt, with a wool beanie and a pair of gloves. I walked down to the barn, and grabbed a shovel to start shoveling the snow off the path.
Charlie joined me out in the cold to help with the shoveling. We checked on the horses, giving each of them some oats and fresh water.
"So, how are you doing, Edward?" Charlie asked, while we both rested a minute against the work bench in the barn.
I shrugged. "I guess I'm alright. Why do you ask?"
"I'm only curious. You've seemed a little distant lately. I'm a little concerned."
"I've just been thinking about Bella. Have you talked to her lately?" I wondered.
"It's been a few days. Haven't you talked to her?"
"I have. I was just curious if she's said anything to you about coming back."
"Well, she said filming is about to wrap up. These last few weeks have been the busiest, since they're trying to get it all done by the deadline."
"But she hasn't said anything about coming back at all?" I further pressed.
"No," he admitted. "Haven't you asked her when she plans to come back?"
"I can't. I want her to choose if she wants to. I don't want to pressure her into coming back, if it's not what she wants."
"I see," Charlie said. "I'm sure she'll come back, Edward. She loves you, right?" I nodded my head, in an unconvincing way.
Charlie walked away from the work bench, grabbing a shovel, to busy himself.
"Oh, did you hear the news?" He asked, changing the subject. He seemed almost excited to tell me whatever the news was. I figured it was someone in the community having a baby or maybe someone getting married. He was always excited to tell me about the latest gossip of the town.
"What's that, Charlie?" I humored.
"You know the piece of land down the road?" He began. My heart skipped a beat, when he mentioned it. "I guess it finally sold. It looks like we're going to have some new neighbors. I just hope whoever bought it doesn't plan to turn it into some sort of housing development and builds a few hundred houses, back to back. I'm okay with one new neighbor, but not a hundred."
I had no words. My land, the land I'd been dreaming of for years was gone. I'd given up everything for Bella, with nothing in return. She was gone. My land was gone. It was only a matter of time before Charlie's land was gone, too. The money I gave him, was only going to last a short time. Eventually, he'd be back to being in debt.
"Well, if you talk to Bella, tell her I said hi and ask her to give me a call sometime. I have some things I need to discuss with her," Charlie demanded. "I'm heading over to check in on a few neighbors. When these snow storms come in, it seems like there is always someone who is in need."
"I'll see you later, Charlie."
He walked out to his truck, and headed out, down the road.
I ran my hands through my hair, with a frustrated sigh. It felt like everything around me was crashing down. My whole world was falling apart. It always happened. As soon as I let anyone into my heart, it would backfire.
I reached for my phone, in my pocket and dialed Bella's number. She didn't answer and I didn't feel like leaving a message. I just wanted to hear her voice. I needed something to bring me back some happiness, even if it was in vein.
There were only a few inches of snow on the ground, so I decided to take Chester out for a ride. Going for a ride, would make me feel better and blow off some steam.
I saddled up Chester and slowly headed out towards the trees. I had no intention of going to the land I wanted. It seemed like Chester had a mind of his own and somehow led me out there, though. Maybe subconsciously I led him, but either way, I came upon the property somehow.
I slowly rode up to the broken down barn and got off Chester. I tied the reins against a post and walked towards the barn. It was hard to look across the field and see all my dreams and plans gone. It was stupid for me to even think it was possible. I'll always be a nothing. I'll never get my chance in life to do something amazing.
I walked through the entrance, looking around the barn. It was falling apart and barely standing. It looked much like how I felt inside. The difference, though, was I could have fixed this place up. I could have made this place great, again.
"It's about time you got here," I heard the most beautiful voice in the entire world speak behind me. I turned around so quickly. I was sure my ears and eyes were playing tricks on me.
"Bella?" I asked in shock. It couldn't be her. She couldn't seriously be standing in front of me.
She walked towards me, with a huge grin on her face. I wanted to reach out and bring her into my arms so badly. I wanted to feel her warm skin against mine and breathe her scent in. I wanted to know she was real and not just a figment of my imagination. However, something inside of me, stayed frozen. I couldn't move, let alone breathe. She stopped a few feet away, keeping herself reserved from me. "It looks like my dad did his job, by getting you out here."
I shook my head, staring at her curiously. "What are you talking about?"
"Did he tell you this place was sold?" She asked.
"Yeah," I answered. "I guess I wanted to come out here one last time to see it."
She smiled a sly little smile. "Do you regret what you did for my dad?" She wondered.
"No," I admitted, honestly. "I could never regret helping him out. After everything he's done for me, I couldn't imagine not doing something to help him. I wish there was more I could do for him."
She sucked in a large breath, smiling even bigger, before she ran towards me. Her body collided into mine. I wrapped my arms around her tightly. She still fit perfectly against me. I looked down at her smiling face, returning the smile. I leaned down, consuming her lips with mine, for a passionate kiss. It was as if she had never left. Everything in the world felt right again. Her presence alone held up those crumbling walls coming down around me.
"Did you wait for me?" She asked, looking up at me seriously.
"Always, Bella," I replied, truthfully. "Are you really back?"
"I'm back," she agreed, with a smile. "I'm not leaving anymore, at least not for so long. I'm done with the whole movie thing. I'm not cut out for it. I did the one movie, but I'm retiring from show business now." We both laughed at her comment.
"Are you sure?" I questioned. "Your mom isn't going to show up and try to convince you to go back again, is she?"
She shook her head, vigorously. "I talked to my mom a lot, when I was back there. I explained everything about you and about this place. She's accepting my decision. I can't say she's thrilled about it, but as long as I come visit her on occasion, she's willing to let me go."
"And is this really what you want? You're okay with leaving your home and everything you have back in California to live here on a ranch with your dad and I?" I asked.
She tightened her arms around my neck. "You are my home. Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I know now, this is where I belong. I've experienced both sides of who I could be and I made my choice. I'm here to stay for now on. No more acting. No more people interfering. It's just you and me, now."
I smiled, picking her up off the ground and hugging her to me tightly.
"Now, would you like to hear some good news?" She asked. I placed her back on her feet, holding her out at arm's length. "My whole goal for filming the movie was to make some money. My mom also let up on my trust fund, thanks to Phil convincing her she didn't have a say in it. Now I can save my dad's ranch and give you back what he borrowed. He's not thrilled about me helping him out, but I insisted. He's done so much for me in the last few months, it's the least I could do for him. I'm also planning to go to college. I've already looked into next year's fall term, and I'm planning to go register here soon."
"What are you planning to go to college for?" I asked. I was actually very excited for her. I could tell going to college was something she was looking forward to.
"I'm planning to be a veterinarian. It's going to take a long time, but I can do it," she insisted.
"I don't have any doubt you'll be able to do it, Bella," I assured. Knowing how stubborn and determined she was when she wanted something bad enough, there was no way she wouldn't be able to accomplish her goal. "What made you decide on becoming a veterinarian?"
She bit her bottom lip, playfully. It was like she was trying really hard to hold something back.
"Well, I figure once you get this place up and running as an animal shelter, you're going to have some pretty hefty vet bills. It might be nice if you had someone on your side willing to do the work for free. Don't you think?"
"What are you talking about?" I asked, confused by what she was saying.
"I bought it, Edward. I bought this place for you and me. I want us to work together to build your dream. I want to be a part of your future."
I stared at her with disbelief. "You're serious?" I asked, barely able to get the words out.
She smiled. "I am. All you have to do is agree."
I kissed her fully on the lips, giving her all the love I'd been holding back. "Land or not, you will always be a part of my past, my present, and my future. All I need is you. I love you so much, Bella."
"I love you, too."
We kissed once again, holding each other and not willing to let go for anything. I never planned to let her go again. She belonged right here with me, for always.
Eventually we did have to go back, though. I was sure her dad was anxious to see her again, too. We walked out of the old barn, over to where the horses were. I looked around the land, already thinking of all the things we could do and build here. I couldn't wait until we could actually begin working on what I envisioned this place being. I caught her smiling as she watched me looking around. I was sure she knew exactly what I was thinking.
I helped her up on Midnight, before mounting Chester. We rode back towards the woods, through the snow, hand in hand. I raised her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles gently. She was everything I'd ever wanted, but never deserved. Yet somehow she wanted me, regardless. We had both changed in so many ways over the last few months, but I think it was all for the best. It's strange how much I hated her when she first came here, but now I love her more than anything. I couldn't imagine my life without her.
She made everything in the world perfect again.
The End