A/N: Yes, I'm terrible and it's been much too long since the last update. Let's just pretend that I was on a trip away for the week like Bella. Thanks once again for all of the reviews. This time around I already have part of the next chapter written so I will send it out to everyone that sends in a review!

The trip home goes by faster than I anticipate. Most of my friends are home for the holiday so it's nice spending time with them and catching up on everyone's adventures. As much fun as it is to reminisce about times back in high school, I also realize how much I have changed since that time too. Although I wasn't particularly shy in high school, I was quiet and more reserved. I probably spent as much time with my head in the books as I did with friends. Growing up in a small town, you know the people around you from practically birth so friendships are formed based upon that closeness. Now though I've branched out enough on my own, taking a chance at moving to another country without any support system and have built a new sense of family for myself.

I text with both Edward and Alice while I'm away and they fill me in on the holidays back on the island. Not only do I miss my friends and of course Edward, but I also find myself missing the cottage and the scenery. Although it may be snow covered now, there's something about the rural side of the island, stretching out to the open ocean that calms me. I show everyone who can bare it the pictures I've taken from my new home. Charlie even asked for a few to be printed out so he can have them around the house. He says that it gives him more peace of mind to have images of my new place in his home, that he can picture me there better now. I think it also helps that he's gotten to listen in on a few conversations with Edward, although he always pretends to be invested in whatever is on the television instead. Charlie also got to join in on a facetime chat with Alice when she insisted that she be introduced to him.

Angela promises that come the nicer weather in spring or summer that she will be up for a visit, with or without Ben. Apparently Ben is not a fan of flying so the thought of a flight across the country isn't on his list of things to do for fun. I spend one night at her new apartment while I'm home and it's like we're back in middle school having a sleepover and giggling about boys. Only this time the boys are men and the conversations are geared towards future plans rather than fairytale ideas.

Luckily the day that I'm scheduled to fly back there aren't any storms in the flight path so I should be all set for the return trip. I'm looking forward to celebrating New Year's Eve with Edward and our friends. Edward is picking me up from the airport by himself and as the plane hits the runway, I can barely keep myself in my seat.

~AS~

Without luggage to worry about, I head straight for the greetings area, where Edward had told me he'd be waiting. I hold myself back from running as I scan the area. Since it's not a popular destination spot there aren't crowds of people standing around as there might be at bigger airports.

Turning around the corner I spot Edward right away, leaning against a wall. A smile graces his face as our eyes meet and he pushes himself off the wall to meet me. My heart races until I throw my arms around his neck and feel his arms wrapped around my waist.

"Welcome back," he greets before dipping down for a gentle kiss.

Once we separate he takes my backpack off my shoulder, throwing it over his own, interlacing our fingers together. I fill him in on the uneventful flight as we share flirting glances back and forth on our walk to his truck. The bitter wind hits me as soon as we step outside and I bury myself further into Edward's side.

He helps me into the truck before running around to his own side and jumping in. After starting the engine to warm up the truck, he turns to me and we share another welcomed kiss, only this one is longer and deeper now that we're in more privacy.

"I missed you," he hums. "I know it was only a week you were gone, but it felt so much longer."

"For me too," I reply. "It was great to visit with everyone back home but I'm glad to be back."

My stomach growls a moment later, causing us both to laugh. Edward suggests grabbing something from Boomburger on our way out of town and I agree. He holds my hand the entire drive to the restaurant, taking my order while allowing me to stay in the warm truck while he runs in to grab our food.

As he's inside I wonder whether he plans to spend the night at the cottage again or if we're heading to his house. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve when I know that everyone will be staying at his place so I'm hoping to get more alone time tonight. And hopefully now that there's no departure on the horizon, we'll be able to move forward in our relationship at last.

When Edward returns to the truck I take the bags from his hand and place them on the floor. As he drives further from the city I notice he's taking the roads toward my cottage.

"Heading right to the cottage?" I ask.

"I figured you'd want to get back there after being away, is that okay?"

"That depends."

"Depends on what?"

"Will I be staying there by myself tonight?"

"Is that an invitation pretty girl? It wouldn't be much of a welcome back if I just dropped you off at the door would it?" Edward teases.

I try to send an evil eye his way but can't help but laugh.

"I was going to stay if that's okay with you," he sounds more serious now.

"Yes, I'd love you to stay."

"Besides, we started something last time I'd like to finish now that there are no more trips away planned," he smirks with a squeeze to my hand.

We can't get to the cottage soon enough.