Edward and I took things slowly. We talked on the phone alot because Seattle was four hours away and I would not allow him to come see me every day. One weekend a month I would go up to Seattle to see him and one weekend a month he would drive down to see me in Forks.

It was awkward at first because we really did have to get to know one another. Just because you have insane feelings for someone doesn't necessarily mean they're supposed to be in your life. I wanted to be cautious.

I wouldn't let him kiss me. We'd hold hands and my vision of snuggling him on the couch definitely came through but no kisses. I warned him that kissing is what got us into this position in the first place.

Jake warmed up to Edward after he finally figured out that Edward didn't need his ass kicked. My parents absolutely loved him and my Mom kept hinting around about wedding bells. That freaked me out too much so I ignored her.

Edward was a very kind and considerate person. He wanted to become an advocate for children's rights and was studying to pass the bar exam in Seattle. He encouraged me in my teaching and even made suggestions as to what I might enjoy doing in the future.

His parents and sister were totally unaware that we were dating. I just didn't want to have to explain should it not work out. Edward understood because he knew how awkward that one Christmas had been. He didn't want me to have to go through that again.

"You thought I was hot when you first met me?" Edward asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice. I was trying to tell him what I thought the first time we met.

"I thought you were too good for me. I never thought you would want me that's why I didn't think you would actually follow through on your threat to kiss me." I hated to admit this part.

"Well, I didn't even notice you until I kissed you so it's a good thing I did go through with my threat." "I was so absorbed with my situation with Rose, I had my head up my ass. I'm lucky that none of the guys from back home asked you out. You know they still ask Alice about you sometimes?"

"No they don't." I shoved him playfully, secretly happy to be so admired.

"Yes, they do. I wish I would have paid more attention to you from the start. To think that I let almost two years go by before I asked you out. You could have been swept off your feet by so many guys." He stopped to run his fingers lovingly through my hair before asking, "Do you know, Bella Swan, the moment I knew I was in love with you?"

I stared at him, waiting with anticipation to hear him tell me, "I fell in love with you that night in Seattle. You were standing there with the spotlight on you, wearing that sexy blue dress, smiling so shy. It was like God was saying, 'Hey stupid. Here's the most beautiful girl in the world. You think you might want to get over here and take her off the market?"

I laughed out loud, loving the fact that he was just as smitten with me as I was with him . I wondered why I ever thought he wouldn't want me. I almost talked myself out of being with the man of my dreams.

Edward remained serious. "Bella, marry me?" I stared at him, trying to see if he was teasing. "I'm serious. Will you marry me? Let's go home together next month. I'll tell Mom and Dad I'm bringing my fiancee but I won't tell them who.

Marry me?" I didn't answer him and he looked a little defeated. Instead, I scooted closer to him on the couch and placed a sweet kiss on his lips. He looked at me with wide eyes but didn't say a word. I leaned forward again and kissed him a little more firmly.

A slow, crooked smile lit up his face and when he realized what I was saying with my kiss, he kissed me more passionately than I'd ever been kissed in my life. I was so happy I had this to look forward to every day of the rest of my life.

"So, Edward's getting married?" I tried to play dumb but I'm not a very good actress.

"Yes, and we haven't even met her yet. Can you believe that?" Alice was peeved.

"I'm sure she's a nice girl. I'll check her out on the way to your house and let you know what I think." I could not believe how this was all going down. I had been invited by Alice to spend Christmas with her and her parents this year. Alice had asked Edward to pick me up at the airport and bring me to his parents house since we were both travelling at the same time so technically I was supposed to meet his fiancee at the airport.

"Yeah, well, I hope she's not a beast. At least you'll get to meet my Jasper this year. I've missed you Bella. Why'd you have to move back to Washington? If you'd have stayed here, I could have introduced you to some of Jasper's friends...maybe Edward wouldn't be the only one getting hitched. I'm just sayin'." Oh, Alice, ever the match maker.

Edward had a plan as to how we'd tell everyone and he said not to worry, his Dad could always be counted on.

When we walked in the house it was all hugs and hellos until they noticed that Edward and I were alone.

"Edward, weren't you supposed to bring your fiancee?" Esme asked innocently, trying to be kind.

"Yes, she's here." He said, looking over his shoulder toward the door.

"Well, son, you didn't leave her standing outside did you? Go and bring her in." Carlisle sounded both appalled and disappointed in Edward.

"First, Dad, I have some unsettled business with Bella." A wicked grin swept across his face and he grabbed me, spinning me across the room until we were standing in an odd corner of the living room under an extremely large bouquet of mistletoe.

"May I." He asked as everyone looked on completely dumbfounded.

"Please." I said and then Edward was kissing me, bending me backwards and sweeping me off my feet. I heard Alice and Esme shriek and Edward released me, holding me with one arm.

"Mom, Dad, Alice, I'd like you to meet my fiancee', Bella Swan." Turning to me, he added, "soon to be Mrs. Edward Cullen."

Needless to say, it was one of the most memorable Christmas' of my life.