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Songs for this chapter: Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not? - Thompson Square

All songs and photos can be found on my blogsite for this story linked in my profile.

I'm waiting to post the pics for this chapter, b/c I want y'all to read it before I give it all away with pics! )

Enjoy!

It was April, and the kids and I had been adjusting to our new life rather well. I had found an adorable, yet perfectly sized house a few only streets away from our old housing, so I was able to keep the kids in their same school and still be close enough to walk to Rosie's. I was pleasantly surprised that I was approved to finance it, and for the first time in my life, I was now a homeowner. It was fantastic! I took a part time job at a bookstore just a block from the kids school and Alice found a job at a vintage clothing boutique a few doors down from me. We were all doing really well…for the most part anyway. We were adjusting to our new life.

Edward and I were still managing to make time for each other, but it was few and far between. He was in the roughest and busiest part of his training and it exhausted him. On the weekends that Jacob had the kids, I was busy packing, working or moving. Alice and I had spent a great deal of our free time setting up the house, painting and decorating. Unfortunately that meant that Edward and I were lacking in our time alone. When he wasn't training, he was with us helping to pack and move.

The kids had taken to him really well, and he to them as he began spending what free time he did have with us. There were many moments when I saw glimpses of our future together when he was with them, and it made my heart swell. I could tell that they were falling in love with him. We still had yet to tell them about our relationship, but they had seen us hold hands and cuddle on the couch a few times, so I think they may have an idea, though they hadn't asked.

It was a Friday afternoon. The kids were packed and ready to spend the weekend at Jacob's, bounding around and full of excitement waiting for him to arrive. Alice was closing the store tonight, and I had the night off. Friday's were usually Edwards' hardest days, and so I assumed that I wouldn't be hearing from him until tomorrow morning, as it was usually the norm.

It had been less than five minutes since I waved goodbye to the kids as they pulled away in the truck, and I was just straightening up the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Thinking one of the kids had forgotten something; I rushed back to the front door expecting to find one of them. I swung open the door to find squatty older gentleman dressed in a tuxedo and holding a garment bag across his arms.

"Hello ma'am, are you Miss Swan?" he asked with a raspy voice.

With a hint of confusion, I answered, "Yes, I am. Um? How can I help you?"

"I have a card here for you, and I have been asked to bring you to meet your gentleman caller." He replied, peering over his wire framed glasses, winking and me.

"Um, I…I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about." I stammered, as I pulled the door a little closer, feeling slightly nervous.

"This is for you Miss." He said gently as he shifted the bag to one arm and handed me an envelope.

Hesitantly, I took the envelope from his wrinkled hand. I slid my finger under the flap and gently tore at the glued flap. I removed the card and a feeling of warmth and nerves fluttered across my skin as I read what was written inside:

My beautiful Bella,

I would be honored if you would join me for a special evening. I miss you more than words can say, and I plan to make every moment of our time apart up to you tonight.

Please don't turn me down.

Yours forever,

Edward

I was grinning ear-to-ear as I looked back up into the old mans eyes. He held the garment bag out for me to take from him and I did.

"I was instructed to ask you to wear this ma'am. When you're ready to go, please meet me back here and I will take you to the required destination."

With a gesture he turned to the side and I had been oblivious to the fact that there was a sleek black Mercedes SUV with dark tinted windows parked at the curb in front of my house. My jaw fell open and I was stunned. What had he done?

"Um, can you give me about forty-five minutes to get myself ready?" I asked sheepishly looking down at myself.

"Of course ma'am, take all the time you need. I will wait in the car and watch for you."

I closed the door and leaned back on it staring up at the ceiling. I was grinning so hard my cheeks began to ache. Taking the garment bag and the card I walked swiftly to my bedroom and hung the bag on the closet door. I was really nervous about what Edward had chosen for me to wear, as well as what he had in store. I slowly moved the zipper down revealing a stunning evening dress. It was deep Navy blue chiffon over silk, and as I pulled it from the bag, the bottom edge fell to the floor revealing its length. I gasped at its beauty. In the bottom of the bag I found a shoebox that held a pair of silver strap heels and a separate smaller bag of jewelry and undergarments. Inside a small box was a pair of glamorous pear drop dangle earrings and a pearlescent bangle with multicolored blue rhinestones. I smiled to myself; this ensemble had Alice written all over it.

I grabbed my cell phone and quickly typed out two messages. One to Alice,

Ur a sneaky, sneaky girl! It's all so beautiful! Thank u!

And one to Edward,

So clever, how could I say no! I can't wait to see u! Love u!

I took one last look at the dress and then hurried to the shower. As I was drying off, I heard the replies chiming from my phone, but let them wait for now as I smoothed lotion all over me. I quickly towel-dried my hair and ran some mouse through the long tresses. I didn't have much time, so I let it air dry a little while I applied a bit of make-up. Where was Alice when I needed her? Oh right, scheming with my boyfriend!

When I was satisfied with my face, I flipped my head over and began blow-drying my hair. It was just going to have to stay down and long tonight, since there wasn't much time to fuss over it. I curled the ends just slightly and made my way back to the bedroom to put on the dress. I stared at it again. I admit, it was a little intimidating, but I was much too excited to let my nerves get the best of me. My phone chimed again, and this time I grabbed it, as I was removing the undergarments from the bag. It was a matching deep navy blue lace thong…swell.

I'm so glad u said yes! I can't wait to see u my love. Just wait until u see what I have in store for us tonite. ;) – Edward

A smile crossed my face, and the resident butterflies took flight. I couldn't help the thought crossing my mind of us finally being able to be together. Like, really together. With the craziness that was our lives since New Year's Eve, the sexual frustration was eating me alive.

I slid into the dress and it fit me like a glove. Good job Alice! I fastened the heels onto my feet, put on the jewelry and took a spin in the mirror. The back of the dress was definitely a sight to be seen. It was not much more than a few straps crossing over my back, and a low wasted "V" in the small of my back. The edging was adorned in rhinestones as well. It really was a stunning dress. I grabbed a small clutch from my closet, tossed in some lip-gloss, powder and eyeliner, my cell phone and ID and headed to the front door.

As I opened the door, I noted the chill in the air and grabbed a silver wrap from the coat closet. The evening was turning to twilight as I stepped out and turned to lock up the house. At the bottom of the front porch steps was my driver. He offered his hand and guided me down the steps to the awaiting car. He opened the back passenger door and helped me climb inside. Lying across the seat was a single red and white variegated tulip with a small folded noted tied to it with a strand of raffia ribbon. I couldn't help but smile again, thinking Alice had to be behind this as well. Picking it up, I unfolded the note to more of Edward's handwriting:

A variegated tulip's meaning: Beautiful Eyes

I blushed. This was already becoming the most perfect night, and I hadn't even laid eyes on him yet.

The driver slowly pulled the car away from the curb and drove us toward the ocean. We drove along La Jolla Boulevard and I watched as the lights around us zipped by. Before long the driver stopped out front of the La Valencia Hotel and came around to open my door for me. I was nervous as I stepped out of the vehicle and I had yet to see Edward anywhere. He led me inside the stunning Spanish-style lobby to the bank of elevators. The bell chimed the arrival of the lift and the doors slid open. He bowed his head and gestured for me to step inside. He followed me in only long enough to select the floor and then wished me a beautiful evening. I smiled and thanked him.

As the elevator ascended my heart began to beat a rapid staccato. I took a few deep breaths as I tried to maintain a grasp on my nerves. The bell chimed, notifying me that it had reached the desired floor and as the doors parted, there he was. He was standing with his head bowed slightly, two more tulips clasped in his hand held up to his nose, one cream and one red. His other hand was in the pocket of his dark blue, almost black tuxedo. I silently gasped as he peered up at me through his lashes and tried to keep my balance as I noted just how beautiful he looked.

He extended the hand not holding the flowers towards me and I reached for it. As our hands connected, fire spread across my skin at the contact. God, I've missed him. He pulled me to him till we were just inches apart and then he spun me around causing the chiffon in my dress to flutter about.

"If I never believed in a God before tonight, I do now." He said softly, his words dripping with desire. "You are absolutely the most beautiful creature alive."

I blushed deeply and bit my lip as I smiled up at him. "That's funny. I was just thinking the same thing about you."

He pulled me a little closer and offered me the flowers. "These are for you, but somehow they don't seem quite as beautiful anymore. The red one means, true love and the cream one means, I will love you forever."

"Edward" I said blushing again, simply at a loss for words at his declaration. "Thank you." He reached his hand up and brushed the back of his fingers delicately across my cheek. I leaned my head into his touch. It felt like we hadn't had a moment like this in years and not just months. Then he raised my hand up to his mouth and kissed the tops of my knuckles.

"Shall we start our evening?" he winked as he guided me towards the Maitre'd, who then led us to a table seated alone near the window. The view of La Jolla cove was simply stunning and I stopped a moment to take it in. I felt Edward at my back as he gripped my hips and ran his thumbs up and down the edge of the "V" in the dress. Again, every inch of my skin was on fire with his touch as I leaned into him and closed my eyes. He took a deep breath as he placed his lips under the curve of my ear and kissed me softly. For a moment, I had almost forgotten that we were in a public place. I blinked rapidly to the sound of the Maitre'd offering me my chair, and caught Edward snickering as he sat down directly across from me. Childishly, I stuck out my tongue at him, only causing him to chuckle loudly.

Our waiter arrived and Edward ordered a bottle of wine and each of us the "Tasting Menu", which was a five-course meal of the finer offerings of the restaurant. We dined on amuse bouche, grilled radicchio, seared scallops, pork tenderloin, and wagyu, as well as all the trimmings for each and a berry trifle for dessert. It was fantastic, as was the wine and the view. However, all of it paled in comparison to spending it with Edward.

As we finished our desserts and sipped our wines, I was watching Edward as he stared out the window at the now darkened cove. Our fingers were threaded together across the center of the table and he was rubbing his thumb along the side of mine, seemingly lost in thought. He was so beautiful.

"I love you." I said quietly as I leaned forward on the table. He turned and smiled at me as our eyes met. "This was a beautiful evening, Edward. Thank you so much for everything."

"Bella…" he paused and his eyes held a devious look, "our night is only beginning." He winked and smiled that crooked smile. "You just don't even know it yet."

My mouth dropped open at the hint that he was giving, and I felt a chill climb up my spine. He motioned for our waiter and as he paid the bill I excused myself to the ladies room. I ran my hands under the cold water and tried to chill the excitement in my stomach. I couldn't help but think that we were finally going to be together again, in every way humanly possible, after all these years. I applied more lip-gloss, dabbed on a little powder and made my way back out to the dining room. I was met by the Maiter'd who asked me to follow him out to the terrace. It was completely vacant except for Edward standing at the far end from us. He motioned for me to walk towards Edward and then turned and walked back into the dining area. Suddenly, a soft light lit up the terrace as strands of twinkling white lights flickered on.

Edward was leaning on the railing of the terrace and I had to focus on putting one foot in front of the other as I walked to him. I could feel the wine and my nerves both going to my head. He watched me walk to him, and slid his hand around my back as I neared. There was something brewing in his eyes, but I couldn't place it. I just stared up at him, dying to finally kiss him when he turned and looked down to the ocean. I followed his gaze and rested my head on his chest as he wrapped me up in his arms.

"I love you, Isabella Swan." He said softly, placing a kiss on the top of my head.

"I love you, Edward Cullen." I replied, pulling myself tighter into his embrace.

"I'm really glad you said that, you know."

I was confused. Did he really not understand? Puzzled, I pulled my head up to look into his eyes, and about that same time he pulled back from me. He grasped our hands between us as we stood facing each other.

"No, seriously Bella. I love you, like I have never know love in all of my life."

I nodded, knowing exactly what he meant, and searching his eyes for any trace of doubt. I was left finding only truth.

"I sleep, and I dream of you. I wake, and every thought has you in it. All I am now is this man who loves you. I want to spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel exactly how you make me feel." The pained look of scared and love on his face pulled at my heart.

Before I could process what was happening, Edward reached into his coat pocket and simultaneously knelt down before me. I gasped and felt the tears prick my eyes as my hands flew to cover my mouth as he popped open a small box revealing a ring. What? Really? Is this really happening?

"I promise to love you every moment of forever. Isabella Marie Swan…will you marry me?" His voice quivered, and the look in his eyes, so full of love, made me fall to my knees right there in front of him.

"Oh, Edward. I…we… are you sure?" I asked, my hands grasping his face and tears flowing down mine.

"Bella, I have never been more sure of anything in my entire life." He said as he grasped my left hand and kissed my palm. "I want to be with you, forever."

My eyes flickered back and forth between his, and in that very moment, I knew.

"Yes" I whispered. "Yes, Edward, I will marry you."

He crushed his lips to mine, finally, and I kissed him back with every ounce of love and devotion that I had for him, for us. I wrapped my arms around his neck and weaved my hands into his hair as he held the base of my neck and pulled me closer to him.

Suddenly, there was a loud commotion, and as we broke apart, I was shocked as I turned to see Rose, Emmett, Alice, Jasper, and my kids…with Jacob? Walking towards us all smiles and clapping. Was I being Punk'ed?

"What in the world…?" I half whispered as I turned back to Edward. He stood and helped me to my feet.

"I told you the night was just beginning. I'm full of surprises Bella." He had a shy smile on his face and he pressed his lips to mine once again. I felt him slowly slide his hand down my arm and lock his fingers into my left hand. He broke the kiss and slid an incredible diamond ring onto my finger. I had been so lost in the moment; I hadn't even taken notice of the ring until now. Wow. It was an oval shaped single diamond that had to be at least 3 karats. It was set in platinum and rose gold with a split shank design as the band split towards the diamond. There were countess smaller diamonds accenting the larger one and the sides. It was simply breathtaking and my hand was trembling as we examined it on my finger. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing as I looked once again into his eyes. I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck as he pulled me close again.

Almost immediately, a squealing Alice and Rose were pulling me from his arms and practically ripping my hand off at the wrist. The kids were gathering around as well hugging Edward and me. Jasper and Emmett threw in a few shoulder punches and razzed Edward for his romantic ways.

"Always the ladies man, huh Eddie boy?" Emmett teased as he wrapped his arm around Edward's neck and mocked punched him in the gut.

I took notice of Jacob hanging back a little and felt a pang of guilt. In all actuality, the divorce was still a fresh wound for him, and I still couldn't believe that he was standing there. I walked slowly over to him, not really sure what I was going to say, but not wanting him to feel excluded either.

"Congratulations Bella. You may not believe this, but I am really very happy for you." He said confidently.

"Thanks Jake, and thank you for bringing the kids here, so they could be a part of this too."

"No problem, but this was all Edward's idea. We actually met for coffee one day last week…and would you believe it? He asked me for permission! I have to tell you, I was pretty shocked."

I was speechless. He asked Jacob?

"Then the kids and I met him for ice cream after I picked them up from your house today, and he asked their permission too. Of course, they were totally excited about it. They think very highly of him Bella."

All I could do was nod and smile as I glanced back towards Edward with tears in my eyes once again.

"I guess…I, I really don't know what to say. Thank you? It means a lot to me that you gave him your blessing Jake."

"Bella, all I want is for you to be happy. And if a man goes through so much trouble as to make sure that your children and your ex-husband are ok with the idea of you getting remarried…well…I can't really complain much now can I?"

"Come have a drink with us?" I asked, motioning towards the rest of the group.

Alice handed us both a glass, half-full of pink champagne and I walked back to Edward's side and folded myself into him as he pulled me close around my waist.

"A toast to the happy couple. Congratulations Edward and Bella! May your life and your love last forever." Rose spoke as she raised her glass into the air. The kids had plastic flutes full of a sparkling purple drink and raised them as well.

"Here, here!" Emmett boomed as we all clinked our glasses together.

Edward turned to me and placed his forehead on mine. "Forever." He whispered and I could taste the champagne on his breath as he slid the hair off my neck and placed a trail of warm kisses up my neck. Lord help me!

Edward slid the key card into the lock on the hotel door and held the door open allowing me to enter the room first. It was bathed in a soft glow of candlelight. A large white four-poster bed commanded the center of the room, and to the left was an expansive sliding glass door with a view of the cove. I entered slowly and took in more of the surroundings. There were cream, red and variegated tulips all around, and the smell of them combined with the light scent of the candles was intoxicating.

I felt Edward move up behind me and clasp his arms around my waist. I sucked in a shallow breath as he slowly began to trail his lips softly over my shoulder and up the side of my neck. He moved his hands to brush my hair over the opposite shoulder and began softly kissing a trail down my back. My skin exploded in chills and fire as he made his way down to "V" of the dress. Excruciatingly slowly, he slid first one strap and then the next off my shoulders and the dress fell to the floor, leaving me in nothing but the matching thong and heels. I turned to face him, and he let out a ragged breath.

"You're beautiful." He whispered as he ran his hands from my hips up to the sides of my breasts.

I couldn't control my want for him a second longer.

Chapter End Notes:

Hope you enjoyed this one...I scratched it like 3 times before I was "happy" with it! :) Let me know!