BPOV
"I wish we could just stay like this forever." It would definitely be easier, I thought.
"So do I." I let myself melt into the side of his body as we sat in a comfortable silence.
"I want you to know something, Bella. This past month has been a dream come true. By some miracle, you came into my life and I can't let you go. I want there to be an 'us.' I want you to be my girlfriend."
His words caught me off guard and I let them sink in.
"Edward, I would love there to be an 'us.' I truly do." I hesitated and he took over.
"I realize that your going back to New York. And I am committed to the tour. But Bella, I'm willing to wait. I want to be with you. Once my tour is over, I can move up to New York. Whatever it takes." By now, I was on the verge of crying. He was willing to wait for me.
"I can't ask you to move for me, Edward. I want to be with you too but I can't take you away from your family. You need them more than you need me."
"You're wrong. I need you more. Bella, you are my future. Can you please give me a chance to prove that to you?" His eyes bore into mine. I could only nod my head in response.
"Edward, I have tried to picture my life without you, and I can't. I need you too. And I'm willing to wait for you also."
"So it's settled. After my tour, I'll come find you and then…" He trailed off.
"And then what?" I urged, trying to figure out how he would end that sentence.
"And then you'll allow me to date you?"
"There is nothing that I would like more than that." My voice was a whisper but he managed to hear me. "Well… maybe there is one thing."
"Tell me what it is and I'll do my best to give it to you. Anything for you, Love." His words were so sincere; it caused my heart to soar.
"Kiss me?" I asked shyly.
"Only if you promise not to leave tonight." He replied without hesitation.
"Never."
"Then you don't even have to ask." His lips crashed to mine as we poured all of our feelings towards each other into that one kiss. And all to soon, it ended.
"I think we should head back to the cabin. I'm sure my family would like an explanation."
"Knowing Alice, she already filled them in. All my stuff is in my car already and the cabin is all locked up. So if you don't mind, I'll stay over at your place tonight so we can spend more time together. Is that okay?" I was now standing above Edward as I held out my hand to help him off the ground.
"It's perfect. Let's go."
And with one last look at the cabin that I had considered my home, I left with Edward.
----
"Oh thank God you're still here, Bella! For a while there, I thought you were going to leave without saying goodbye!" Alice yelled as she flung her petite body into me.
"I'm not going to lie, Alice. I was just about to leave before I saw Edward." I said.
"As long as you're still here, that's all that matters." Esme said as she pushed Alice out of my arms and gave me a hug. "You're apart of this family and we understand the situation you are in. I'm just glad we had the opportunity to meet you."
"You guys are going to make me cry." A feeble laugh escaped my lips before my sniffling took over.
"Aw, come on now. We still have a good half a day before Bella has to leave. Let's make the most of it." Carlisle replied while turning to Edward. "I'm glad you were able to get everything fixed between the two of you."
"Me too. And now I'm never going to let her go." His crooked smile took over his features as he walked behind me and folded me into his side.
"Get a room, lovebirds." Emmett joked as he punched Edward on the shoulder.
"Does this mean you guys are dating?" Rosalie couldn't contain the excitement in her voice.
"Not officially. But we agreed to give what we have a shot after he finishes his tour." I replied. Alice and Rose squealed in delight and I could tell by the mischievous glint in Alice's eye that she was already planning a wedding.
"You guys are wise to wait. It would be unfortunate to see the bond that you two share go to waste." Esme observed as she leaned into Carlisle.
"It's about time you two realized your feelings. I had to practically hold Alice back from meddling into your love lives. She was driving me insane." Jasper chuckled as he grabbed his wife.
"I resent that. You are no longer allowed to touch me if I drive you 'insane.'" She quoted. She tried to wriggle her body free from Jasper's grasp but he showed no intention of letting go.
"You only drove me insane with lust. I just wished you would pay more attention to me rather than your matchmaking skills." Jasper was trying to win back Alice's love and from the look of adoration on Alice's face, her will was bending.
"Well, I guess we just have to fix this with a compromise. I promise to hold off on my matchmaking and focus solely on you to make sure you get all the love you need." She winked at him before leaning into a kiss.
"Ugh, what is with all the love today? Seriously people, everyone just go get a damn room!" Emmett complained.
"Emmett, you're just jealous your wife isn't showing you any love." Edward said as he nuzzled his head into my neck.
"I'll have you know I get plenty of love. We just like to show it in the late hours of the night." He wiggled his eyebrows but Rose put him in his place by glaring at him. "Love you, Rosie." He added.
"I'm sure you do. But that last comment just cost you. No love for you tonight."
Emmett was about to whine but Esme stepped in. "Come on, children. Stop bickering. Now, who wants to help make dinner?"
---
It was now nine in the morning, and it was time to say goodbye. I was going to the airport by myself because I knew that if any of the Cullens came, I wouldn't be able to hold myself together.
"We're going to miss you, Bella. You call us everyday and keep us updated." Esme said as she wiped away the tears in her eyes.
"Only if you promise to do the same." I whispered as I gave her a hug. "I consider you guys my second family and I can't thank you enough for all that your family has provided." Stepping back, I moved onto Carlisle who held a few tears in his eyes as well.
"I think we should be thanking you. After all, you brought my family closer together." Carlisle replied.
Next was Emmett.
"I'm gonna miss you, big brother." I sniffled.
"I'll miss you too, Bells. You take care of yourself in that big city. I don't want you getting yourself killed by accidentally tripping over a piece of dust and falling in front of a taxi." He chuckled halfheartedly.
"You have a way with words, Emmett." I laughed as I hugged him and Jasper at the same time.
"I'm positive this won't be the last time we'll be seeing you." Jasper said defiantly.
"I'll tell you a secret Jasper: you can't get rid of me." I beamed as he shook his head while trying to suppress a laugh.
"My turn!" Alice said as she grasped my shoulders and pulled me to her in a bone crushing hug. "Now, I want you calling me as soon as you arrive and if you ever have questions on fashion, I'm just a phone call away. You're my sister and I'm going to miss you so much!" Tears ran down her cheeks as she pulled me away from her body.
"Alice, your makeup is going to get ruined."
"Water proof mascara. Women should always be prepared." She replied. Wiping my eyes for the millionth time, I knew I had to wrap things up.
"Rose, I'm counting on you to keep the boys in check."
"Only if you promise to talk to me too when you call Alice."
"Of course. Now give me a hug." I demanded as I half-laughed, half-cried.
Now, there was only one person left.
"Edward, I'm going to miss you like crazy." Was all I could manage.
"Bella, I have no idea how I'm going to be able to live without you near me. Don't forget, I'll come for you once my tour is done. And I'll be emailing you everyday."
"I'll be waiting." He pulled me into a hug and I breathed in his smell. I didn't know when I'd see him again.
Pulling away, I looked at my second family.
"This isn't a final goodbye, Bella. We'll be seeing you soon." Alice said as she held my car door open.
"Bye everyone." I shouted and entered the car. A chorus of 'goodbye's' came from the family in return.
I pulled out of the driveway and made my way back to New York.
EPOV
Bella had left an hour ago. And since that hour, I had not once moved from the couch.
"Edward, Bella wanted us to open this after she left. But I think you should look at it first." Rose said as she handed over what looked like a photo album.
I took it and placed it on my lap.
"I'll leave you alone to look at it. I'll be down by the lake if you want me."
"Thanks, Rose." I said as I played with the edge of the cover. The photo album was a brown color with gold flecks. The title was written in gold glitter and spelled out Once Upon A Time.
I sucked in a breath and flipped it open. I was met with a picture of Bella and me dancing underneath the moonlight down near the lake. My heart clenched at the memory. On the opposite side of the picture, there was a letter written by Bella.
Dear Cullen family,
This past month has been a fairytale.
You guys took me in with open arms and I can't even begin to describe how lucky I was to meet you.
You gave me one thing I never truly had: a family.
And because of that, I am forever grateful.
I'll never forget this vacation-
You guys mean the world to me.
I wish you each the best and I can only hope we meet again.
Lots of love,
Bella Swan
I knew one thing was for sure: living without Bella for the next few months was going to be hell.
---
A/N: What did you guys think? Edward didn't tell Bella he loved her, but that doesn't mean he doesn't. He's a very shy person.
I think I deserve reviews since you guys didn't have to wait too long for this. Please?
Next mini story: Dance With Me. The story behind the first picture of the scrapbook.
If you want a previous mini story that you missed, go back and review that chapter and I'll send you one.
Previous mini stories…
Chapter 11: Say You Love Me
Chapter 12: A Day At the Island (Part One)
Thanks for the reviews and alerts!
Love,
Kristi