Me? Talented? –blush- Warning: you are sooo inflating my ego. And don't worry! There is no way I just end the story right there! Bella has yet to tell Edward to his face that she accepts the proposal. –smile- Unfortunately, I can't take the story much farther then that. –cries- I'm moving in two weeks, so the internet is getting cut in just two days! Ahh! So I'm really hoping I can either wrap this up before that. Or else, leave you on not so much of a cliffie and keep it going when I settle in my cousin's house. But that is not going to be till next week! What if I lose my train of thought? Grrr… -blink blink- Oh yeah, and these carries are not mine. Still. S. Meyer is unrelenting with the Cullens! But I don't hold it against her cuz I love 'em too! –smile-

Still EPOV (one guess who my fave carrie ish):

I made sure Charlie was undeniably knocked out before I made an appearance in Bella's room. The poor guy had been through a lot this morning. I figured it was only common courtesy to stay out of his daughter's bedroom just long enough for his piece of mind.

Obviously, she was waiting for me. For the hour it took Charlie to fall into a restless sleep, Bella read one of her tattered books as she waited for her father's snores to fill his room. She tired no to watch the clock too often, but failed quite horribly. I just smiled at her impatience.

But that hour had been much more difficult on me. Just staring into her still open window, following her every movement, but too far away for my comfort. Not to mention how desperately I wanted to make sure I had not understood her, to know she actually did want to become my wife. Bella had told Charlie so. But was it merely so I would fulfill my part of the bargain? Or did she tell him that as plans for the future? I knew my Bella was still young, even by human standards. Most girls her age were not focused on being married yet. Then again, Bella was not like most girls her age.

In the instant it took for Bella to smile at Charlie's exhaustion, I was sitting on the bed beside her. She shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she locked eyes with me. "Took him look enough."

I laughed quietly. "He was trying his hardest to stay awake. Charlie still isn't too keen on the idea of me being in your bedroom at night." She huddled into my embrace while I spoke. "Sadly, he remembered he has to be at work in less then 6 hours."

"Hmm." I knew her voice well enough to tell she was tired as well. But I wasn't ready for her to sleep just yet. "Bella, we need to talk." I gently reminded her.

"I know. I'm sure you'll want to discuss what Charlie and me talked about." Feigning innocence, I just stared. But she wasn't buying it. "I know you were listening in, Edward. Alice texted me in the car to tell me you were on your way." I made a mental note to get my sister back for this whole night; Alice was way over due for some payback.

I kissed her neck repentantly. "Fair enough. But I would guess it's a conversation best left for the morning." She nodded, sleep consuming her. I made my voice as entrancing as possible. "I love you."

"I know." Bella smirked before letting the waves of exhaustion take her over.

0- o O o -0

I spent the better part of the morning watching her sleep. Bella had the most peaceful look on her face. So angelic. Every time she smiled, I could swear I felt my long-dead heart beat fiercely in my chest. So awoke a new side of me. Or perhaps it was an old part, a remainder of my human soul.

Human. That word best described the wave of emotions that over came me when she whispered my name. Bella always claimed I charmed her, dazzled her, constantly. Did she not know she had the same affect on me? And to believe she doesn't even have those type of powers. Yet. Yet; for I had already consented to change her. Somehow I always knew this was inevitable. My prolonged absence made it quite clear that I shouldn't leave her. No, couldn't, leave her. Our pain mirrored each other's. By returning to her side, I had long ago made my choice.

I did want her to be human. But I knew that it wouldn't be for forever. I needed her in so many ways it frightened and excited me. We were free to love each other with our whole beings, but at the same time we were vulnerable. Oh so vulnerable. This type of trust was not to be taken lightly. Did Bella not realize she has opened herself up to the greatest pleasure but also the greatest agony? What if… what if I hurt her again? There are so many ways it could happen, vampire or not. I vowed to explain the risk she would be exposing herself to. What was love without sacrifice?

But she would accept it, this I was positive of. Too long had I counted her as a child, doubting her affection for I because I believed her incapable of my own level of devotion? How vain. She was so much more then just another teenage girl. I knew that. Still, I was filled with disbelief. Was it to save myself from the pain of rejection, which I had expected so abruptly?

I shook my head to free my thoughts. It didn't matter anymore; I was in so deep. Everything about her drew me in. And I loved that feeling. Almost helplessness. How strange. Vampires had so few weaknesses. But that's what she was: my weakness. And my greatest strength.

I looked up from my love's face when I heard the snoring in Charlie's room halt. He was nearly as klutzy as Bella, tripping as he stumbled out of bed. I chuckled quietly while I stood up, inching towards the window. Ahh. Crap. That hurt. He wasn't in the best of moods to start with and was now nursing a few bruised toes. Best go check on Bella. God, I hope she wouldn't sneak him in again…

But his worries were groundless when he stuck his head in a boyfriend-less bedroom. Well, not completely groundless. I was gone, yes, but only for the moment. Chief Swan seemed to be thinking along those lines too. Phew. I should give her a bit more credit. He shuffled out of her room, but kept the door open a crack. So much for trust. Still, his thoughts wavered. I'll be gone most of the day. Who's to say he won't come back. His parents didn't even seem fazed.

He hurridly got dressed, cursing his lack of sleep. Should I leave a note, telling Bella she is grounded? Charlie paused as, his hand on the door. Nah. I guess that would be like going back on my word. I'll have to get used to seeing Edward around her again. God, what will Renee say? His thoughts floated back to is ex wife as he jumped in the Cruiser and pulled out.

With the chief gone, I safely returned to Bella's bed, holding her close again. Bella will be ecstatic to learn her confinement has been lifted, I realized as her warmth pulsed through her body. At least that was good news. But I didn't think I should press her father further and keep my distance. At least for a bit.

Near 11 she finally started to stir. Bella was always rather confused in the morning. I found it very cute as she tired to regain some of her thoughts. "Nice to see you awake, sleepyhead." Bella lifted her face towards me, gasping.

She blinked the sleep from her eyes, finding the clock. "Wow, I must have been tired. Charlie gone?" I nodded as she stretched. "Are you hungry yet?"

Her smile was blinding. "Starved." I reached an arm under her legs as I lifted her from the bed. "Then let us full you up." Bella's arms snaked around my neck, bringing her face closer to mine.

Once in the kitchen, I sat her on the counter. By now this had become routine. I shifted in her pantry, finding a box of cereal. Bella assured me it was tastier then it smelled. I took her word of that, pouring her a bowl full. After adding milk and a spoon, I brought it to her. She took a few mouthfuls before starting a conversation. "So what did Carlisle and Esme say? I imagine they took it better then Charlie."

I rolled my eyes. "I would think so. Charlie nearly had a heart attack." A smile stole across my face. "No, they were much more concerned about how this would affect you. Esme in particular scolded me for getting you in trouble with your father." How breathtaking her laugh was! Bella's laughter never ceased to leave me in awe. "I never did apologize for that."

But she shook her head. "Oh please. You know very well things worked out. But I do hope your family was forgive me for Charlie." She winced. "I couldn't believe half the things he said to Carlisle! Granted, he feels horrible about it now."

She hopped off the counter to rinse her now empty bowl in the sink. I promptly grabbed her around the waist. Bella's reaction to my embrace was predicable. Her face flushed and her heartbeat accelerated tenfold. We made our way to the couch as I held her firmly in my clutches. Once she was pinned under me, I kissed her soft collarbone. The heated flesh was heaven to my lips. "Edward." Her voice was soft and teasing. "I thought we had to have a talk."

But I refused to stop. "Talk away, my love." Bella's pace picked up. "You can't expect me to be able to form a single thought while you distract me with those lips of yours." She kissed the top of my forehead and tried to wiggle out of my hold, giggling all the while.

I debating holding off. After all, I really did want to talk. She didn't understand how cruel it was of her to give me a taste then pull away. It was maddening. I sat up picking her up with me. Her legs crossed on the cushion beside me. "Now. Let's talk."