Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. The original plot and storyline of Never Enough, however, belong to me. Please be nice and don't copy or translate without permission. Thank you.

Wow, so it's been a while, hasn't it? Believe it or not, I wrote the majority of this chapter while I was traveling during my vacation, and had every intention of posting it on time the weekend of July 30 as I promised in Chapter 24's author note. However, the Fates had much different plans for me. First, I ended up in the hospital within five hours of my return from vacation, and I had to have emergency surgery. Then, after four days in the hospital, I returned home to unexpectedly start packing up twenty years of my life, and just this week completed a move for me and my children. I will be starting back to work next week, and hopefully things will quiet down and a normal routine will start, and I can return to my regular updating schedule.

For those of you that PM'ed me, or sent me messages of support and encouragement, thank you so very much. Anyone reading this chapter should offer major thanks to my betas, Iadorepugs, and Cullen_Crazy01, because if it weren't for their support and suggestions, this chapter may never have happened. I love you both – thank you for being such tremendous friends and such important parts of my life.

So, Chapter 25 follows! Chapter 26 is already well under way, as is the second outtake in EPOV. Please read and meet me at the bottom!

Chapter 25

"I love coming here," I said, looking around Maria's as we were led to our table. It was busier than usual, but I supposed that was to be expected on Valentine's Day. Maria's was one of the few nice restaurants in Port Angeles, and it was nearly filled to capacity with couples celebrating the holiday.

"I love coming here with you," Edward said, pulling out the chair for me and pressing a kiss to my cheek before taking the seat on my right. He immediately reached for my hand, stroking my fingers with his thumb as we each studied the menu.

"I have to admit, I'm relieved that this is where you chose to have dinner. I was worried that I wouldn't be dressed appropriately."

Edward gestured to his own jeans and Henley. "I would have told you if I had planned something fancier. Besides, given your view of the holiday, I was afraid to do too much for our first Valentine's Day." It was crazy the way my heartbeat raced when he said first Valentine's Day, as though he was planning to be around for others.

Instead of one of the many waitstaff that were bustling around the busy restaurant, Charlotte herself came over to see us. "Hey Bella, Edward. Happy Valentine's Day."

"Same to you, Charlotte. Is that Peter I see behind the bar tonight?" Edward asked.

"Yes it is. Our regular weekend bartender's wedding anniversary is today, so Peter's covering for him. I figured since Peter was here, I might as well be, too. I wouldn't want to spend Valentine's Day without him."

I thought it was awfully sweet that Charlotte would come to work just because Peter was there. It reminded me of how Edward spent his day in the bookstore, even though I was sure that there were far more interesting things he could do with his Saturday than sit around and watch me work.

Charlotte rattled off the special, which both Edward and I ordered. Charlotte smiled and said she would send Peter over with some wine and to say hello.

Dinner was quite lovely. After visiting with Peter, Edward and I talked about a lot of things as we each drank a glass of wine and shared an appetizer that Charlotte brought over. Remembering how we had been interrupted both by the phone this morning and at work this afternoon, I tried on a couple of occasions to turn the conversation to whatever he had wanted to say. I found it odd, and a little worrisome, that Edward smoothly diverted the conversation each time, talking about Sarah and the dance, or projects at work. By the time our dinners arrived, he seemed preoccupied, and there was even one time during our dinner that I had to call his name to gain his full attention. It was such a contrast to the earlier lightness of the evening that I was actually kind of relieved when dinner was done and Charlotte brought over the check.

"Um, Char? There seems to be a problem with the bill," Edward said, holding up a blank piece of paper.

"Nope, it's just the way Peter and I wanted. Happy Valentine's Day you two," Charlotte said with a grin. "Don't even try to argue with me, Edward," she said when he opened his mouth to protest. "Just say, 'Thank you Peter and Charlotte, and Happy Valentine's Day'."

"Thank you Peter and Charlotte, and Happy Valentine's Day," Edward and I said in unison. Edward seemed more like himself when he grinned and winked at me.

After Charlotte left, Edward pulled out his wallet and laid some bills on the table. "I think a hundred percent tip should cover it." He pulled my seat out and offered me his hand. "Ready to go home, my pretty girl?"

"Yes, please," I replied gratefully, feeling the busy day and the odd tension that had sprung up between us starting to wear on me.

The car ride home was quiet. Edward hummed along with the songs on the radio, holding my hand and stroking my fingers as he had done at the restaurant. I was still wondering what had him so preoccupied even as we entered his home.

Instead of going straight to the bedroom to get ready for bed, Edward coaxed me into the living room. He sat down on the couch and patted the cushion beside him, a warm smile lighting his face. I sat down, tucking my feet beneath me and leaning into his shoulder as he put his arm around me.

We sat like that in silence for several minutes. Edward's thumb stroked my upper arm, and I twisted my fingers together for something to do. Trying to stop the nervous habit, I held out my hand, studying the flowers he had placed on my wrist a few hours earlier.

"So how exactly did these come to be?" I asked, gesturing to the flowers and peeking up at him through my lashes.

Edward tried to look innocent, and failed miserably. "Well Bella, when a mommy flower and a daddy flower really love each other…."

"Smartass," I mumbled. "I mean, how did you and Sarah arrange for this? Who's idea was it? And what about the camera? Did you know that she would be stopping by the store before the dance?" I asked him.

"Sarah actually called me on Thursday afternoon to ask if I would help her arrange stopping by before the dance. She said she really wanted you to see them in person, not just in pictures, and she wanted you to meet Daniel. She brought your camera to my office yesterday afternoon. And I asked her to please pick up the flowers when they stopped at the florist and bring them with her when they showed up at the bookstore today."

My heart simply melted when I realized all they had both done to make today special for me. I reached over and touched his hand, squeezing his fingers gratefully. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice a little rough with the happy tears I was trying to suppress. "It meant the world to me to see Sarah ready for her first big dance. And these flowers are absolutely beautiful."

Edward just smiled and gave my hand a gentle squeeze back. "So what kind of other secret conversations with my kids are you keeping from me?" I teased. "Are you and Will conspiring as well?" Edward's eyes widened with surprise and his smile faltered for a moment. "Wait, really? What are you and Will in cahoots about?" I asked.

Edward swallowed nosily and closed his eyes, raising his hand to run his fingers through his hair in that familiar gesture of nervousness. When he opened his eyes, and I saw in them a new light, one of determination. He leaned forward and took my other hand in his, his fingers playing with mine. "I had quite the serious conversation with Will the other night...well inquisition might be a better word."

I was baffled. "About what?"

Edward looked up from our hands to meet my gaze. "He asked me, man to man, whether or not I love you. He told me, 'Mom says that you care for her...but I think you can do better than that, don't you?'"

I groaned and pulled my hands from Edward's grasp to cover my face. "Will...I swear to God..." I muttered under my breath. "Edward, I'm so sorry," I breathed, thoroughly embarrassed. I could feel the heat from my blush against my fingers as I contemplated precisely how I was going to exact my revenge on my youngest child.

"No, he has a right to ask, and it's a valid question...so of course I had to answer it."

I waited for him to say more, but there was nothing now but silence. I peeked at Edward through my fingers. "Okayyyy?" I said, drawing out the word and putting heavy emphasis on the question in my voice. Despite my nerves, my heart was beating wildly, and I simply had to know what he had told Will.

My tone made Edward chuckle. "I told him 'I think she needs to hear it from me before I tell you, and I guarantee you Will, I'm planning on letting her know very soon.' Will seemed satisfied with my answer, and a few minutes later we were playing Halo III together."

I buried my face in my hands again, shaking my head. I was going to ground Will for the rest of the school year. No, for the rest of his school years. The boy was never going to see light of day again.

Edward reached for my hands and slowly removed them from my face, then curled his index finger beneath my chin to tilt my face up towards his. His eyes were filled with humor, nervousness, and another emotion that I had seen several times before but had never put a name to. I was sure that mine were filled with confusion and embarrassment.

His laugh was warm and husky as he pulled me into his arms, his eyes staying locked with mine. "Don't you see what I'm trying to say my beautiful girl? I love you."

I was pretty sure my heart stopped on the spot. I whispered, "Say that again."

Edward's voice was strong and steady, and his gaze never wavered from mine. "I love you Bella."

There was only one response to Edward's words, and it came out without any thought on my part. "I love you too."

Edward groaned, surging forward to capture my lips with his. "Say that again," he demanded, echoing my request to him.

"I love you, Edward," I said breathlessly, cupping his face with my hands, "I love you, I love you, I love you," I repeated, punctuating each declaration with a kiss.

On the final kiss, Edward's mouth opened beneath mine and his tongue traced my lips. I sighed in pleasure, tasting the wine from dinner and the intoxicating flavor of Edward.

Edward wrapped his arms tightly around me as he kissed me with enthusiasm. I was nearly out of breath when he released my lips to press his along my jaw. His tongue traced the outline of my ear before taking the lobe between his lips.

"Tell me again," I begged, tilting my head so that his lips could blaze a path along my neck.

"I love you, Bella. You are my life now," he vowed.

My heart filled with such joy at his words that I was momentarily unable to speak, overcome with emotion. I reluctantly disengaged myself from his embrace and stood, holding my hands out to him. "Come with me," I invited, nodding toward the hallway to his bedroom.

"Gladly," Edward answered, his eyes warm with desire and shining with the love I was now able to identify in his gaze.

When we reached the bedroom, Edward slid his arms around my waist, his lips searching for mine. I kissed him softly and then pulled away, placing my finger over his lips. "Make yourself comfortable. I'm going to go change." I slowly backed away from him, fighting the urge to throw myself back into his arms. I wanted nothing more than to please him. Of course, I was confident that doing that would be amazingly pleasurable for the both of us

I slipped away into the bathroom, almost trembling with excitement. I pulled out the sheer lingerie that I had purchased on my day off this week and packed special for Valentine's Day. The deep plum baby doll set had thin spaghetti straps that led to a lace demi bra that only half-covered my breasts. From the bustline, diaphanous plum fabric gathered and draped, swaying provocatively as I moved. The matching bottoms were the same lace as the bra, cut high on my hips and almost non-existent in the back. I was glad I had splurged for a trip to the salon as well, my legs silky and bare and the bikini waxing, while painful at the time, creating a smooth and erotic feeling beneath the lace and sheer fabric.

I took my hair out of its ponytail and shook it out, trying to give it some volume. I knew that Edward loved my hair when it was loose, that he loved to bury his fingers in it. I knew that I certainly loved it when he did. I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. A woman in love looked back at me, cheeks flushed with excitement, eyes sparkling with desire, and a smile so wide it made my cheeks ache. I quickly brushed my teeth and took a deep, steadying breath before opening the door.

During my short time in the bathroom, Edward had transformed the bedroom. There were several lit candles that warmed the air with the scent of vanilla and cast a mellow glow. He had placed a bottle of wine and two glasses on the night stand. And Edward was sitting on the edge of the bed, his shirt off and his jeans unbuttoned as he untied his sneakers and removed his socks.

He looked up to see me standing in the doorway, and I had to stifle a giggle when his mouth actually dropped open in shock. Feeling playful, I jutted out my hip just the slightest bit, the filmy material of my negligee swaying. "Happy Valentine's Day," I said in a throaty whisper.

"I thought you didn't celebrate Valentine's Day?" Edward asked, his voice a little high, and he cleared his throat.

"But you do, and I wanted to give you a little something," I said, raising my hand to my shoulder and fingering the thin strap of my nightgown. I enjoyed the way his eyes followed my every movement. "Don't you like your gift, Edward?" I asked, pouting coquettishly.

His eyes were hungry was he took in every inch of me. "Fuck, I love it," he said quietly, so that it was almost to himself. I felt a throbbing deep between my legs at his uncensored comment, and when he looked up and his locked with mine, I felt a thrill of excitement at the lust I saw there.

Edward rose from the bed, but I held my hand up to stop him and he stopped mid-rise. "No, no, no," I said, shaking my head in an exaggerated motion, making my hair sweep across my shoulders and brush the tops of my breasts. "Have a seat, Edward." I crossed the room and pressed my hand to his muscular chest, giving him a gentle shove.

Edward sat on the edge of the bed, looking up at me. I stood about a head above him, putting him nearly at eye-level with my barely covered breasts, the peaks hard and aching for his fingers, his mouth, and his tongue.

I lifted my hands to his face, stroking gently over his cheekbones. I threaded my fingers in his hair and tugged until his face was tilted up to mine. I studied him, our eyes meeting, his filled with the love, longing and desire that I knew would be reflected in mine.

Our kiss was slow and gentle, lips whispering, tongues stroking, and teeth nibbling. His hands were on my hips, merely resting there as he allowed me to direct our lovemaking. Just the warmth of his fingers through the thin fabric fueled my desire.

I combed my fingers through Edward's hair, tugging gently on the ends as I deepened the kiss. His fingers tightened on my hips, and I had to fight the urge to climb onto his lap and straddle him. "Lay back, baby," I whispered, releasing him from my grasp so that he could recline on his elbows.

"Let's get these off of you," I suggested, sliding my hands down his torso to the waistband of his jeans. I grasped the thick denim between my fingers and tugged downward.

Edward lifted his hips off the bed and allowed me to drag his jeans down his thighs and to his knees. I bent to pull them the rest of the way off and when I straightened I was met with a beautiful sight. Edward resting on his bed and watching me, his erection proudly jutting against the thin fabric of his boxer briefs. I felt my stomach clench in anticipation as I studied him in the warm glow of the candlelight.

I smoothed my hands up Edward's thighs and he groaned, his hips undulating. I grasped the bottom of his boxers and pulled, and his body immediately rose, silently encouraging me to remove them as well.

I studied Edward as he lay sprawled on the bed, fully nude and aroused. His gaze on me was warm and full of longing. I ran my fingertips over his thighs, slowing approaching his groin and then boldly capturing his straining erection in my hand.

Edward's head fell back and his eyes closed as his hips jerked toward me. He was thick, hard and warm where my fingers wrapped around him, and I watched the expressions on his face as I worked my hand up and down his shaft. When a glistening drop of pre-cum escaped, I simply couldn't resist the temptation any longer. I quickly knelt between his splayed legs and brought my mouth to him.

Edward groaned loudly the moment he felt my lips take the tip of his erection into my mouth, my tongue already swirling, tasting and teasing. I bobbed my head up and down, working the base with my fingers in tandem with my mouth. I used his moans, gasps and movements as my guide, and felt a rush of wetness between my legs when he placed a hand in my hair, gently tugging and guiding my actions on his shaft. Every sound he made, every groan and pant, made my arousal climb, until my hips were shifting in rhythm, seeking friction to slake my desire. I increased the suction, hollowing my cheeks as my tongue circled and explored his length.

"Jesus, Bella!" he cried out as I looked up to find him watching me. The sight of the dark fire in Edward's eyes caused me to moan around his length, and his eyes rolled back into his head at the sensation, his hips jerking involuntarily toward me again. His length slid even further into my mouth, almost touching the back of my throat.

I slid my hand down to capture his balls, squeezing gently as I relaxed to take as much of him as possible into my mouth. As I traced my fingertips along the seam of his scrotum, Edward shuddered and tugged at my hair, trying to pull me away. I reluctantly eased back, sucking and licking as his length slowly slid from my mouth. I pressed kisses to the plump head, now red hot to the touch, before allowing him to guide me away.

"I was rather enjoying that," I pouted.

Edward was breathing heavily, his cheeks flushed. "Jesus, so was I. A little too much." He held his hand out to me. "Come to bed with me, love," he invited.

I nodded wordlessly, rising from the floor to stand between his knees. I watched as Edward maneuvered his body up the bed until he was half sitting against the headboard. "God, so amazing," he said, his voice low and throaty as his eyes followed the lines of my negligee.

"What, this little thing?" I teased, twisting so that the filmy fabric swirled around me.

"No, you're so amazing in that little thing," he corrected. He patted the bed beside him, his eyes hot as my gown parted when I climbed up onto the bed to sit on my knees by his side.

Edward reached out and stroked his fingertip up my arm, sliding across my shoulder and collarbone before tracing the vee of the lace to where my breasts threatened to spill from the bodice. He leaned forward suddenly, capturing one of my lace-covered nipples between his lips and sucking forcefully. I let out a startled moan, the contrast of his soft lips and the rough lace chafing the peak in the most arousing manner. He shifted his attention to the other breast, and I groaned loudly when he gently bit the distended nipple.

Edward's fingers caressed me through the wispy fabric, the texture bringing new awareness of his touch. I was trembling by the time he reached the lace of my underwear, gently but insistently tugging.

"I love this outfit too much to tear these off of you, no matter how much I want to," Edward growled against my neck, pulling again at the elastic around my hips. I felt a forbidden thrill of desire at the thought of him ripping the garment from me, and whimpered softly. I lifted myself so that he could slide the lace down my legs, and watched in breathless anticipation as he pulled a condom from the night stand and donned it. In one fluid movement, he pulled me to straddle his lap, and in the next moment he was buried within me.

This time, I was the one to let loose with a few swear words. Edward raised his hips and pressed down on mine at the same time, sliding even deeper with little effort. As his body filled mine, the fingers of one hand found my clit while his lips fastened on one of my nipples through the lace, his fingers and tongue working together to fuel the fire spreading through my body. The portion of my mind that was still capable of rational thought was impressed with his ability to multi-task. I arched my back, sliding my fingers into his hair and holding him close as his mouth worked my other nipple, making me pant and groan. I rolled my hips against his, and we both moaned as he thrust.

Edward's lips traced up the column of my neck, pressing against my ear. "I love you, Bella," he whispered as we moved together.

I felt tears fill my eyes at the words as he repeated them over and over again. My marriage to Jacob had left me feeling as though I was never enough for any man to love. If Jacob, who had known me for half of my life, couldn't love me enough to want to stay with me, how could anyone else? But with each stroke of his body within mine, with each whispered declaration of love, Edward replaced the doubt with the certainty of his feelings. All of the fears and insecurities that I had harbored since my failed marriage fell away with his words and gentle lovemaking.

As my heart swelled with emotion, I felt the tears in my eyes spill over. Edward inhaled sharply and pulled back when a few hit his shoulder. "Bella? What's wrong, love?"

"Nothing, I just love you so much" I sobbed, embarrassed as the tears continued to flow down my cheeks. I moved my body over his, trying to encourage him to continue. "Please, Edward, make love with me."

His hands cupped my face, fingertips tracing the lines of my tears. Moving his hands behind the back of my neck he pulled me down to him gently, causing our lips meeting in a tender kiss. We lay that way for an immeasurable amount of time, kissing softly, whispering declarations of love, until the demands of our bodies took over.

I let loose a long groan as Edward slid his hands down my sides, slipping beneath the fabric of my nightgown to caress my skin. He lifted the hem, tugging toward my head. "I want to feel your skin on mine," he whispered, his lips pressed to the sensitive skin beneath my ear, his words and touch making me shiver. I lifted my hand to the front clasp of the bodice and snapped it open, then lifted my arms so he could divest me of the sheer fabric. I sighed in pleasure as his fingers explored my freed breasts, tugging and tweaking my nipples before lavishing them with warm, open-mouthed kisses.

My fingers combed through Edward's hair, then traced the planes of his face. He looked up at me, his lips red and swollen from our kisses, his eyes heated with desire. He raised his hips sharply and I gasped and then moaned as he worked himself in and out of my body. I pressed my hands against his chest and lifted myself so that I was straddling him, and started to move against him, my hips flexing to drive him deeper. His eyes followed my every move, and he moaned softly when I threaded my fingers through my hair and arched my back. Enjoying his reaction, I slid my hands down my neck and across my collarbones, then down to cup my breasts and tease and pinch my nipples with my fingers. Edward's eyes traced the same path, and he swore under his breath when I gasped at my own touch.

He gripped my hips tightly as we moved faster, his fingers biting into my flesh as I slid one hand down my stomach to the thatch of hair where our bodies were joined. I tapped my index finger against my engorged clit and groaned loudly, feeling my body spasm in response. I lifted and then lowered myself on him quickly, hearing the slap of our naked flesh and feeling him pulse inside me.

My body quaked around Edward's, and I felt my orgasm begin to build. His fingers replaced mine on my clit, rubbing as our tempo increased. Edward moaned my name as I swiveled my hips, and I groaned in response at the feel of him deep within me. When he took my clit between his thumb and forefinger and pinched it gently, I felt my orgasm rock through my body. I was unable to hold myself upright as the sensations flooded me, and I draped myself across his torso and buried my face in his neck. Edward grunted as he raised his hips completely off the bed, buried deep within me as his climax spilled forth.

We lay that way for a few minutes, catching our breath and exchanging sleepy kisses and caresses. I sighed in disappointment when Edward shifted me to the side, and smiled happily when he pulled me tight against his body moments later.

"I love you," he whispered. I felt my heart hitch a beat in my chest just as it had the first time he had said those words.

"So I wasn't dreaming it then?"

Edward chuckled and pulled me tighter into him under the covers. "No, I definitely, positively, love you."

I smiled sleepily and tried to tuck myself even closer into him. "Good, because I love you too."

Awwww, they love each other! All right, with a show of hands, who saw that coming? *counting hands* Yeah, it was pretty obvious! But I'd love to hear your thoughts on how Edward spilled the beans :) As always, if there was anything in this chapter that made you smile, laugh, sigh, or even groan in frustration, I would love to hear from you. And you know if I hear from you, that you'll hear from me in response!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read!