A/N: First things first, let me apologize for the length of time it has taken for me to finally update this story. I think it has been around, or over 2 years. That is lame. SORRY! Second, I would like to dedicate this chapter to LADARTHA because they kept sending me messages about finishing this story, and when I was finally able to sit down and write, it was because LADARTHA reminded me that I had yet to finish this story. So, without further ado, part 1 of the end...

Chapter 16:

As I told Edward my deepest and darkest secrets, that hardly anyone knew (not even my own dad knew the extent of what had actually happened) I could feel a weight being lifted off of my shoulders.

With each word I spoke I could see his mood growing darker and darker, it was almost like he had an aura of darkness around him that kept growing…and growing…

As I finished my story I could feel the tears start to flow freely.

I thought I could keep myself composed, thought I had put most of this horrible part of my past behind me, but I guess I will always be haunted.

Edward wrapped his arms around me, holding me close to him.

I felt his tears wet my shoulder, and I could feel him trying to compose himself, probably being the typical guy, who can't cry because he might be considered a pussy, blah blah blah, but it was comforting to know that he fully understood why I am the way I am.

He told me that he would rip Braxton's throat out, which (as sick as it sounds) made a warmth spread over me, but I had since forgiven Braxton for what had happened to me and I didn't want anything to do with him ever again.

Edward offered me a ride home and as I waved to him from my front door the smile on my face was one of the more genuine ones I had given in a while.

The next day Valarie Morrison showed up.

I didn't know she existed until I found Edward with her hovering around him.

When she introduced herself she seemed quite comfortable with him, and as she walked away, I felt betrayed.

Just last night I had spilled my heart and soul out to Edward, and here he was, just…just flirting with the new girl?

I turned to him as she strutted away asking, "Really Edward?" my face heating up as my trust wall was starting to crack.

He instantly started pleading with me, and when I saw his eyes I knew he was telling me the truth. I felt so relieved, and almost guilty for believing that Edward would really do anything of the sort to me.

As we walked into the cafeteria for lunch I felt every pair of eyes turn to Edward and me, and I caught Rosalie's eyes first. She looked livid.

When we arrived at our usual table, Edward asked everyone what was going on. Jay asked "When did you do the new girl?" I felt Edward's hand tighten.

I took this as he was tightening his hand because he was suddenly nervous that his secret had been revealed. How could I have trusted him?

"What?" he asked, his hand growing tighter and tighter.

I pulled my hand away as Kelly said, "Lauren told me that Valarie told her that over the weekend you and her…you know…"

"I did not" Edward said.

"That is not what Valarie said," Rosalie said, glancing from me to Edward. Rose's eyes said, "I'm sorry" and I could feel the horrified look appear on my face.

I could not believe it.

Edward took my hand, again pleading to me, saying that he had never seen Valarie until this morning. I started to believe him.

Right up to the point where Valarie walked in and planted a big on one Edwards lips like she had done it many times before.

I could feel my heart ripping itself to shreds, but it stopped the instant Edward pushed Valarie away and yelled at her.

I had never seen Edward yell like that before. And then he walked away.

At this point I felt even guiltier for believing this crap again.

It was being spoon fed to me and I was eating it right up.

I made up my mind right there that I would trust Edward with everything I had, and that he would never do anything to hurt me.

He stormed out of the cafeteria and I ran after him, knowing that at this point my touch would be the only thing (other than time) to calm him down.

I yelled his name, his body responding to my voice instantly.

I cupped his face in my hands, "I am so sorry, that must have been horrible…"

"Bella, do you believe me?" he asked, covering my hands with his. They felt so warm, tender, and perfect over mine.

I nodded, feeling my heart repair itself, feeling hope overflow from my being.

"Do you trust me?" he asked, stepping closer to me.

I nodded, words becoming impossible to formulate.

He leaned down, pausing, before he brushed his lips across mine.

This could not have been any more perfect.

It was like a scene out of a movie, my whole body shuddered with acceptance, and as he started to pull away I grabbed his shirt, pulling him back to me.

As his hands ventured down, and pulled me closer, I realized I would much rather do this somewhere else.

I pulled away, gasping, my cheeks burning, "not here," I forced out.

As we started walking towards his car I realized I had left my bag in the cafeteria.

I ran back towards the school and I heard "Bella! Look out!"

Everything went black.

When I woke up, I was laying in a hospital bed, my dad sleeping in a chair, my mom standing at the window, gazing at who knows what.

I tried to speak, but my voice wouldn't work. But I had made just enough noise that it alerted my mom that I was awake.

She turned around, tears flowing down her cheeks, "Hi honey," she whispered, grabbing a large jug thing of water for me to take a drink from.

"Hi mommy," I rasped.

"Honey, we were so worried about you!" My mom placed her hand on my cheek, it felt wonderfully cool.

"Hey Bells." My dad said, sitting up in his chair, stretching his arms out.

"Dad," I smiled, feeling my cracked lips stretch.

"Bells, you are one tough cookie, ya know that?" He said grinning grimly.

I laughed, but felt a searing pain in my chest. I winced in response.

Charlie explained to me all of my injuries, just as Dr. Cullen – Edward's dad – walked in.

He smiled, "Bella. I am so pleased to see you are awake."

I smiled back, and said, "I would love to see Edward, could someone find him for me?"

Dr. Cullen said, "I know just where he is," and he left instantly to go retrieve the one person I really wanted to see.

"We'll let you two have a word, but you need to rest," mom said as she pulled dad out of the room.

I waited for less than a minute, and Edward was outside of my door.

He walked in, raking a hand through his gorgeous hair, "Hey," I whispered.

"Hey," he whispered back.

He pulled Charlie's chair over to my bed and sat next to me.

"How are you feeling?"

I tried to laugh, but it came out more like a cough.

"Sore," I smiled.

He smiled back at me, studying my face.

I must look like hell. Awesome.

"What?" I asked, just as it felt like he was staring into my soul.

"You. I am so amazed by you…" he trailed off, like he meant to say something else but couldn't.

I waited, thinking he might finish his thought. When he didn't I whispered, "Edward, I was so scared…"

He tenderly moved a stray piece of hair from my face, "Oh Bella, I was so scared I was going to lose you. I don't know what I would have done…"

I squeezed his hand, "I was going to get my backpack, and suddenly I heard you screaming. It all went black," I closed my eyes, replaying the moment in my head, "next thing I know, I am here in this room, surrounded by everyone – almost – everyone I love…" say it now or say it never, "everyone except for you…"

I was shocked with myself for coming right out with it, but it was true. I loved Edward. I love Edward.

He said nothing.

I shouldn't have said it. It was too soon.

Crap.

"I…I'm sorry…I guess I shouldn't have expected you to say it back…it's okay. I can wait. I am sorry. Oh I am so stupid! So stupi-"

His lips covered mine.

Oh thank god.

I could feel his soft velvety lips sliding over my scabbed rough ones. I was slightly disgusted with myself but I didn't care that much.

He pulled away, looking deep into my eyes. Into my soul, "Bella…Bella, I love you."

My heart soared.

"I love you. I love you. I love you."

I smiled, biting my lower lip, "I was hoping…" I whispered.

"I didn't say it because I thought that it was too soon…and after everything that happened to you, I didn't want to push you away…"

I put my finger over his lips and shushed him, "Edward, how in the world did I find someone like you?"

"I should be asking you the same thing…" he said smiling, my heart melting.

When I was discharged from the hospital dad took me home, and recouped for a couple of days. I was told I would have to go to rehab for a couple of weeks until I was back to 100%.

On my last day Edward dropped me off at the rehab center, leaving me with my favorite nurse Nancy.

The 2 hours of work felt the best it had since I started. My muscles and bones were no longer screaming with pain, and I didn't even work up a sweat.

Edward picked me up and drove me to my house, where I saw Rose's car in the driveway.

"Is that Rose's car?" I asked, unclipping my seatbelt.

"Yeah, I think it is," Edward replied as he opened my door.

"What is she doing here?" I asked.

Edward smiled, "I don't know. Guess we'll just have to see."

When I opened the front door, Rose was standing there with a "we've got shit to do" face on.

"Hey Rose," I said suspiciously.

"Bella, you look great," she looped her arm through mine, "Thanks Edward, see you in a bit."

"What?" I asked, looking behind me at Edward as Rose was dragging me through the house. "Edward?" He smiled and shook his head, and shut the door.

"Rosalie. What are you doing?"

"Bella, you finished rehab today! You are a free woman. We are going to have dinner at Edwards tonight, and I thought it would be fun to get dressed up."

I rolled my eyes, "Why? I hate getting dressed up!"

"Bella, hush. You are going to look beautiful. Now sit down and let's get started."

I had no choice but to sit down.

Rose brushed out my hair and started working her magic on my makeup.

When she was finished with my face and hair I looked at myself in the mirror. Gosh, I looked good.

Rose disappeared and when she returned one hand was holding a hanger with a black dress on it, and the other hand was holding a pair of black stilettos.

"You want me to wear those?" I asked half disgusted and half in awe.

"Yes. Now either go change in the bathroom or stand up and I will dress you myself!" Rose said jokingly, handing me the hanger and shoes.

I sighed dramatically as I left my bedroom and went into the bathroom.

When I was done dressing, I looked at myself.

Wow.

I admired myself for a few short seconds before I regained my hate of dresses and heels.

"Rosalie," I said opening the door, "let's get this over with."

When Rose saw me leave the bathroom she grinned with pride and said, "Atta girl!"

Rosalie was wearing a turquoise, strapless dress that was just a few inches above her knees. Her black heels made her legs look amazing.

"Wow Rose, you look great."

"Not as great as you missy, now let's go!"

We got into her car and started driving to Edwards.

When we arrived it looked like no one was home.

I got out of the car and almost fell because the heels were quite difficult to walk in. Especially since my last day of rehab was today…

Rose ran to me, holding a bandana in her hand.

"No." I said eyeing the black fabric.

"You have no choice," Rose said as she wrapped the bandana over my eyes.

I sighed.

Rose started leading me towards the Cullen house.

"Do I really have to wear this? It's just dinner."

"Bella, we're almost there. You can wear it for one more minute."

"Rose, how did I ever let you talk me into wearing this? I hate dresses. And why am I wearing heels? I hate heels even more!"

"Bella, will you just shut up? We are almost there."

I pursed my lips, wondering what was going on.

I heard the front door open, and Rosalie said, "Okay Bella. Now you can take your blindfold off."

"Finally," I said, struggling with untying it. Joking I started to say, "now there are going to be a bunch of people screaming –"

"SURPRISE!" erupted from the Cullen house.

I jumped and screamed. "Oh my god! I was just kidding about that last part!"

The first person I saw was Edward, who was grinning from ear to ear, laughing with the rest of the guests.

I went to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. "What is this for?"

"For healing perfectly, for finishing rehab, and for a welcome back to the real world." He said, kissing my forhead.

"Edward, you didn't have to do this," I said, nuzzling into his chest.

"But I wanted to." He smiled.

We mingled with the guests for a couple hours, we danced, but when I started getting tired, and my feet started aching Edward took me up to his bedroom for a break.

"You look great," I said to him as we walked up the stairs. I had never seen him all dressed up, but holy smokes, he looked fantastic.

"Thanks, I didn't want to do the dress up part of the party, but Rose insisted." He smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"Of course she would." I smiled, glancing back at the party we were sneakily leaving.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look right now?"

"Oh shut up."

"I am one hundred percent serious. You look gorgeous. You are the most beautiful woman on this planet."

I blushed. "Thank you Edward."

"Rose hasn't let me into my room all day. I had to get ready at Emmett's house. She said she was doing some work on it. I wonder what she has ruined." Edward smiled, gesturing to his door.

I laughed, "Why don't we take a look?"

"Okay…" Edward took a breath and opened his door, "holy…"

"Oh...my…god…" I said stepping into his room.

"Rose ruined everything!" Edward joked.

I hit his chest, "Edward, shush! This is amazing," I walked to his bed and touched the beautiful white satin comforter, covered in rose petals.

Edward sprawled out on his bed, sighing, "Rose is an f-ing genius."

I crawled onto the bed next to him, and snuggled into the nook of his arm.

"Thank you," I whispered, tracing circles on his chest.

"For what?" He asked, playing with my hair

"For this," I gestured around his room, "for being with me through every day of me being hospitalized, for loving me."

"Bella," he propped himself up on his elbow and stared at me, "you have changed my life. I don't know where I would be now if it wasn't for you. I love you."

He leaned down and captured my lips with his own in a sweet gentle kiss that despite its calmness left us both breathless and flushed in the face.

He rolled on top of me, pinning me below him. If I were a cat, I would have purred.

He exposed my neck, and marked it with hot kisses. I had no control over myself. I moaned softly and gasped, falling into pure bliss.

He rolled over and brought me on top of him.

I felt my dress being unzipped, and I got goosebumps on my exposed skin.

His warm hands traced designs on my back, and next thing I know, my hands are venturing to his waist line. I un-tucked his shirt, slowly unbuttoned each button.

I ran my hands over his perfect chest, I kissed the center of it, my fingers digging into his shoulders.

When I went back to his mouth he finished unclasping my dress.

As his hands ventured to my bra, I felt a sudden pang of panic surge through my body.

"Edward," I was breathing heavily, "I can't do this now. I promised myself I wouldn't have sex until marriage."

"Okay Bella," he said, kissing me softly, "we'll wait."

"Really? I thought you would…"

He put his finger to my lips, "I do, but I love you, and I can wait."

I fell on top of him, snuggling into hid arms, "Thank you, Edward. Thank you for respecting that."

"I would do anything for you. I can wait."

Graduation day came, and with graduation was the "after party" at Edward's house.

I arrived early, which was unusual.

Edward and I talked a bit before Rose and Emmett arrived, and then I was able to meet Alice, Edward's sister.

The first few hours of the party seemed to fly by. People came and went, but once nighttime was upon us people from our class started arriving.

The backyard of the Cullen's house was transformed into a dance floor and a DJ arrived.

I danced with Rose and some other girls from school but my feet needed a break. I grabbed a light jacket and sat on the porch watching the DJ entice the members of the dance floor into a jumping chaotic mob.

"Hey," Edward said, sitting next to me.

"Hey," I said, shifting to rest my head on his shoulder.

"So what did you think of Alice?" he asked, his arm hanging over my shoulder.

"I love her. She seems like so much fun. I bet we would have been best friends if I had known her sooner."

Edward laughed.

"What?" I asked, sitting up.

"It's just funny, because that is the exact same thing she said."

"No way?"

"Way." Edward sat silent for a few moments before he said, "Hey Bella?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you want to take a walk with me?"

"Sure," he took my hand in his and started towards the forest.

"Alice and I made this trail years ago, when we were kids and would spend hours in here every day."

"It's beautiful, even in the dark," I said, pretending I wasn't a little bit nervous.

"And this is the pla –" Edward stopped suddenly.

As we came into a clearing I saw that the trees were draped with lights, "Uh…Edward?"

Edward suddenly dropped down onto one knee and took my hand.

My empty hand shot to my mouth.

No way.

"Edward..." I whispered.

"Isabella Marie Swan..." he smiled, pulling a black velvet box from his pants pocket, "will you marry me?"

"Edward…" I shook my head, "I don't know what to say!"

"Yes would be the best answer," he laughed nervously.

"Of course!" I said, falling to my knees and throwing my arms around his neck, "What about my dad? And mom? And your parents? And college?"

He covered my lips with his own, a rush of emotion spilling from both of us.

"Bella," he cooed, "we are still going to have all of that, and we are both going to the same college," he smiled, brushing away a strand of hair from my face. "You have nothing to worry about. I will take care of you," he kissed me again, softly this time.

"Do you want to put it on?" he asked, pulling the princess cut, three stone, platinum diamond ring from the velvet.

I nodded, brushing my hair behind my ears.

He took my left hand in his and slid the band onto my ring finger.

I stuck my hand out, and admired the ring around it. I smiled and wiggled my fingers.

Edward looked at his watch, "Are you ready to get back?"

"Yeah, let's go," I said, standing up and wrapping my arm around his waist. Edward draped his arm over my shoulder and kissed my forehead.

"I love you," he said into my hair.

"I love you too," I said, snuggling into his chest as we walked back to the house.

"Bella! Edward! Where have you been?" Charlie yelled from the porch, "We've been looking for you everywhere!"

"Edward was just showing me where he and Alice would play when they were kids," I said, pointing to the forest behind us.

"Oh, okay well lets – " Charlie stopped suddenly, his eyes growing wide, "What is on your finger?"

"Um," I started, my mind racing with panic.

"I asked Bella to marry me," Edward blurted out.

"Bella," Charlie said, his voice calm, his eyes exploding, "is this true?"

"Yes. Dad, Edward and I are going to get married."

"Like hell you will." Charlie said calmly.

A/N: Originally I was thinking I would like to finish this story up with one chapter (this one) but then I remembered the wedding...so I think I have to write another chapter to conclude this whole story with the wedding. Hopefully you all stick around :)

xoxo ~ greatterriblebeauty