Thanks to my amazing beta, A Cullen Wannabe, for not only getting this back super fast and doing an awesome job, but listening to me complain about trying to get this right in every email since the last post...this kept finding a way in, either a promise that she'd get it soon or a cry that it still wasn't done. But in the end I'm so proud of the result and I hope you like it. Check the bottom for pics. As always:
I'm keeping the golf info here just in case you want to reference it again. When players are referenced during the golf rounds, they are traditionally referred to by their last name only, with the exceptions of amateurs, like Bella, who are referred to as Mr. or in this case, Miss. So you don't get confused, here's the full list of the important characters:
Miss Swan – Isabella
McCarthy – Emmett
O'Hare – Liam
A. Volturi - Aro
King - Royce
I know most of them are easy, but there are a few that I made up names for so I wanted to give you the cheat sheet. Any random last names not above are players who are fabricated simply to fill out the threesomes as we follow them and will have no real affect on the outcome of the rounds. You won't be following their play so much as acknowledging their presence. And finally, scoring goes as followed:
Eagle – 2 under par
Birdie – 1 under par
Par – The score set for the hole
Bogey – One over par
Double Bogey – Two over par (and so forth…)
Isabella was the first to stir the next morning, rolling backwards into something solid and then feeling a strong, warm arm constrict around her waist. Foggy from sleep, she pulled away and nearly fell off the bed when she finally saw the man behind her as his arm slid down to catch her just above the knee and kept her from tumbling to the floor.
"It's okay, darling, it's just me." Edward's voice broke the silence and calmed her nerves as she blinked the sleep out of her eyes.
"Good morning, Edward. I'm sorry; you just startled me for a moment."
Isabella blushed and looked down as Edward brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. "My love, what is it?"
"It's only…I've never shared my bed with a man before."
Edward climbed over Bella and gave her a little space as he tried to comfort his love. "Sweetheart, we didn't do anything inappropriate. I laid on top of the covers so you wouldn't feel uncomfortable. I would never put you in a position that would compromise your honor."
"I know that. I'm just worried about my parents' reaction, especially my mother."
"You don't think they'll approve of me?" Edward's heart began to race at the thought of Isabella's family trying to break them apart.
"My father will come around once he realizes how happy you make me and my mom will do the same eventually, once she sees you're a good man. Their main issue will be with the speed at which it has moved. I just wish that I wasn't going to be telling them alone."
"Darling, if I could go with you, I would. But I have to save up the money. $25 is a lot of money, but as soon as I've got enough for the ticket, I will be on the first train out to Washington to meet your family and win them over. When you get home, call me if your father wishes to speak to me before I can travel to be with you."
"I still cannot believe this has happened. A few days ago I was alone in the world, and now, I have you by my side. I can't wait to move here and start our life together."
Edward pulled Bella into his arms and smiled. "I'm so glad that you are so excited about this, but let's get you through today, and then we can discuss what will happen tomorrow. I think it would be best if we started getting ready for the morning. Do you mind if I use your shower?"
Bella giggled and then shook her head. "No, not at all, but let me use it first, that way I can fix my hair while you are getting ready."
Edward smiled at Isabella and then let her walk into the bathroom with her clothes to prepare for the day. Edward dug through the bag Alice had packed and found his tan pants and button down shirt. Laying out the shirt so that he could change into it once he was ready, he grabbed his undergarments and looked around the small cottage. So much had happened here for them, between that first morning and the events of last night that still made Edward irate to think of. Isabella may not let him render charges against Royce, but he would be punished if his sister kept her promise.
Soon, Edward was entering the bathroom with his toiletries and clothing, and was assaulted by the strawberry essence that had haunted his dreams since he caught scent of it on his coat. Making quick work of his shower, he shaved and dressed, reemerging into the main room of the cottage to see two plates of eggs and bacon sitting on the table as Isabella stood with her back to him, ironing his shirt. He cleared his throat and she turned, a smile playing on her lips. "You didn't have to do that, it wasn't that wrinkled."
"I wanted to. I want the world to see you the way I do when we step out there together. Now sit down and we can enjoy some breakfast."
Edward did as she asked and they ate their meal in a contented silence before Isabella began fluttering around the room, fixing her hair and collecting her things. "Isabella, I wanted to speak to you about tonight."
Before he could continue his thoughts, Bella cut him off. "I hope you don't mind, but I asked Alice to pick out one of your best suits and lay it out for you. I assumed it would be easier to get ready at your house and then travel from there to the party."
"Sweetheart, I won't be allowed at the party."
Isabella squared her shoulders and smiled. "If they want me there, then they will not deny me my guest, especially if he is my fiancé."
At the mention of the word, Edward smiled, but behind it he started plotting. He knew that their discussion last night of the future was as good as a betrothal in Isabella's eyes, but he had a need to do it properly, and with a ring. That of course would require a conversation with his mother that he hoped would go better than Bella anticipated the talk with her parents going. He knew his mother would regard his feelings in the matter and had shown a liking to Isabella at dinner, but asking her for his grandmother's ring would most likely take a bit of convincing.
A small hand on his shoulder woke him from his thoughts and informed him that it was time to fasten his shirt buttons and head to the clubhouse.
When Isabella and Edward arrived, Laurent was waiting to turn her clubs over to him with a sly smile. "Good morning, Miss Swan, Edward. It is good to see you both this morning."
"It is good to see you as well, Laurent. Is the Tournament President in yet this morning?"
"Yes, he's with the Club President in his office, do you need to speak to them before the round?"
"I do, I shouldn't be long. Edward can see to anything that needs to be handled immediately. I have complete faith in him."
Laurent smiled and nodded, opening the door for her and then turning to Edward. "It seems forgiveness is another virtue that can be added to her list. I saw her making you sweat it out a little more, but you are as good for her as she is for you, I guess."
Edward laughed and then walked towards the caddie yard. "I am a lucky man."
While the men were speaking of her virtue, Isabella went straight to the President's office and asked to be shown in. When she was, both men stood and smiled warmly at her. "Miss Swan, it is so good to see you. Is there anything we can do?"
"Yes, sir, there is. I wanted to make sure there was no issue tonight when I arrive to the closing ball with my date."
"Why would there be a problem? Has one of our players caught your eye?" The Tournament President, Mr. Varner, smiled at the idea of the possible headlines that could come from a love connection.
"No sir, the man I intend to bring is Edward Cullen. He and I have become involved, and I wish to celebrate with him and my friends tonight, no matter how I finish this afternoon."
"Your caddie? That is out of the question!" Mr. Green exclaimed as Bella stood.
"This club has crusaded to make this weekend exceedingly difficult for me, and it would be a real shame if some of those details were made known. I think Mr. Hunt would be interested in my segregation from the other competitors with the inferior on-site lodging, or the discrimination at the grille, among other things."
"That's blackmail." Mr. Green stated, quite offended.
"Blackmail is an ugly word. I prefer to think of it as the fact that I've finally learned how to play your games. Now will we have any problems this evening?" Both men shook their heads and she smiled. "Good and I'd appreciate it if the relationship was kept under wraps. It would be unfortunate for all involved if my parents found out about their future son-in-law from the news before I arrived home to tell them myself."
Isabella walked out of the office and went back to the locker room to get ready. While the first 19 twosomes made their way to the first tee, Isabella played around with her 9 iron at the range, perfecting her use of it as a wedge with Edward watching on. As the time neared for her to approach the tee box, Edward escorted her there with Laurent nearby.
His curiosity finally getting the best of him, Edward posed the question that had nagged at him since Isabella left to speak the Mr. Varner and Mr. Green. "Sweetheart, what did you need to speak to the presidents about this morning?"
"I just made sure that they wouldn't give us a problem tonight."
"Isabella?" He reproached her and she sighed.
"I simply told them that there were certain events that occurred over this weekend that would give the club and the Tour a bad name."
His eyes bulged and he caught her arm. "You what?"
"Edward, I had to. They've been playing dirty since I got here; I simply borrowed from their playbook. Royce was never mentioned, only the more public humiliations they let go. I didn't want to upset you, but they're not going to let me join this club and you're better than them. All they do is put us down, and I won't let them do it to you anymore than you've let them do it to me."
Bella's eyes watered and Edward pulled her to him. "I'm not angry at you. You're right, we are better than them. This isn't the only golf course in town, I just always wanted to belong here because it's the best. But I'd rather play a lesser course with you than be at Augusta National and have to play alone. Please darling, try to relax, it will do you no good to upset yourself when you're about to play. We have a long morning ahead of us and I will be there every minute."
Bella breathed in Edward's scent as it rolled off his form and then pulled away, straightening her blouse and making sure it was properly tucked into her pants before they walked over the ridge and approached the clubhouse on the way to the first tee.
The later tee times seemed to help everyone out as the sound from the first hole was indicating that no one had committed an error yet this morning. Isabella stepped up to the tee and watched as Royce King made his approach. She tensed at the sight of him, Edward's hands finding her waist as he closed the distance between them. "He can't hurt you, I won't let him. Just focus on your game, I'll take care of the rest."
Isabella nodded and stepped to the side so that Royce could take his first shot. After he cleared the tee, Miss Swan took her shot, starting off her final round with a score of par.
The gallery was larger than it had been for the previous rounds as many people waited to see the final pair play and then moved to follow them around the course, hoping to see history happen.
Hearing the murmur of the crowd let the players know that McCarthy had managed to birdie the second hole while the group before them was putting for par at the moment.
Royce stepped up to the tee and stopped short for a moment before turning away from the gallery and taking his shot. The ball flew left into the trees as King threw his club at Lonnie, his caddie, and trudged off in the direction of his shot. Bella addressed her ball and took her shot, fairing much better than her opponent. Isabella completed the hole with another par as King struggled to right himself and walked away with a bogey that left them tied for the lead at +5 overall.
McCarthy's climb up the leaderboard continued on the par 5 4th hole where he used his long drive to shave a stroke off the par, putting a little pressure on the final pair, who rose to the occasion. While King sunk a long putt to earn his birdie, Miss Swan used her now signature 9-iron shot to get within putting distance and sunk her birdie putt as well.
As the clink of her ball finding the cup was heard on 4, the groan of the gallery at the 5th green informed the field that McCarthy committed an error pushing him back to 3rd place. That was short lived as King reached the green in 2 shots, but after a great 3rd shot from Miss Swan helping her save her chance at par and another odd reaction to the gallery, he managed to three putt the hole to earn his second birdie of the day and allowing Isabella's par to sit her in the top spot alone as they neared the sixth tee.
With the field breathing down her neck, Miss Swan maintained her cool and earned a par on the 6th as did the rest of the players in contention, keeping the two-way tie for 2nd and 4th intact.
King recovered from his earlier issues and made the 7th green in two shots, safely two putting to a birdie score of four. Isabella once again relied on her 9-iron to get her third shot onto the green and sunk her putt for a birdie as well, refusing to give up her lead.
The par three 8th went by without incident and as they approached the final hole of the front nine.
King's second shot on 9 landed in the green side bunker and his third shot exploded out of the bunker and flew over the green completely, landing in the rough. While Miss Swan sunk her putt for par, King chipped his forth shot within 6 feet and then saved his bogey with a successful putt.
Coming up to the tenth hole Miss Swan had a two stroke lead over King and McCarthy who were tied for second, and a three stroke lead over O'Hare and A. Volturi where they were tied for 4th with a score of+6.
Her male counterparts easily hit the ball beyond the 225 yards of rough and onto the fairway, while Miss Swan barely carried the ball the distance. Knowing she could either push her luck and go for the green or hang back and then hit a solid shot and use her superior putting to save par, she turned to Edward for his opinion.
"Edward, what do I do? Should I try for the green or hang back? I don't know which is right and there's so much riding on it."
Edward took her club and replaced it in the bag before taking her hand under the guise of wiping off her glove and whispered to her. "You have to stay calm. They're waiting for you to make a mistake because it is their only chance of winning this. Lay back and then hit the green on your third, you'll be fine, love."
She smiled and took her 9-iron, using it on her next two shots before sinking her putt for a par, much to the disappointment of her competition. The eleventh was another parred hole by the final three groups, but it was the 12th that tightened the field for some while it sent one competitor out of contention.
A. Volturi hit the bunker off the tee and it took him another three shots to make the green. In an attempt to save bogey he hit a hard putt, but it rolled past the hole and he tapped in his six shot for a double bogey and an overall score of +8. Meanwhile, Miss Swan's second shot fell short of the green and a conservative chip shot onto the green led to her two putting the hole for a bogey.
The 13th served to help Isabella to keep her lead as McCarthy, O'Hare and King all found the left rough to the side of the green, with King also missing an easy 5 foot putt to earn him a bogey and leave McCarthy as the one chasing Bella for the trophy.
Yet it was the next hole that restored her two shot lead as McCarthy's ball rolled off the green and then he hit his second shot beyond the green, then two putted for a bogey 4, while the rest of the field managed to par, including Miss Swan who hit the middle of the green and easily sank her putt, something none of the three men within striking distance did.
The previous groups carded pars on 15 with the exception of A. Volturi, who fell another stroke down the leaderboard with his bogey. Isabella knew that she had to hit the ball beyond the hole or risk the ball rolling away and forcing her to double bogey the hole. King had no problem with his par as she hit her third shot from 18 feet and then tapped in a 3 foot putt for bogey and a one shot lead with three left to play.
McCarthy blew his second birdie opportunity in a row on 16 as Isabella managed a nice 9-iron shot and an easy putt for the last par on the hole.
O'Hare missed a putt on 17, knocking him back to +7 and taking a little of the pressure off of Bella. King hit his first shot within 20 feet of the hole on the par three while Miss Swan's shot landed 45' from the hole. Taking her second shot, she made it almost all the way to the hole and then tapped in the two foot putt for par. King missed his birdie attempt and earned a par, leaving one hole between Isabella Swan and history.
The walk to 18 revealed that the entire 378 yards of the hole was ringed six people deep as everyone, including a few of the competitors who hadn't made the cut and two who had stepped off in the last few minutes waited to see what the outcome would be.
O'Hare, having played with Miss Swan wanted to see how she would do after the 18th was able to rob him of any chance with a bogey leaving him 3 behind the lead, while McCarthy, who was surrounded by Logan and both of their better halves waited to see if his par would be enough to force a playoff if Isabella was to misstep here.
King's first shot was hit well, causing Isabella to play a little strategy, holding back slightly leading her to take her second shot first as she was further from the hole. Her second shot landed 30 feet from the hole, with King knocking his to 20 feet, once again allowing her first crack at the third shot. Her third shot rolled 4 feet past the hole and Royce King addressed his ball only to fall short on a shot he never should have. Many in the gallery were hoping Miss Swan would choke and allow their hometown hero to pull out, but as he tapped in his ball for par, it seemed those dreams weren't meant to be.
The crowd was roaring as she patiently waited for the crowd to get the excitement out of their system, feeling the excitement of her fiancé from where he stood just behind her.
The silence that had finally descended over the final hole as Miss Swan stepped up to her ball for the shot that would earn her the trophy was obliterated the moment the clink of the ball finding its home was heard. With raised arms, Isabella spun around and laughed, tears streaming down her cheeks yet still showing the restraint that golf was known for as Edward hugged her tightly. "You did it, darling, I knew you could."
Edward released her as Royce approached and stared at her before he extended his hand. Isabella was sure it was only for the cameras but still met it and shook his hand before the crowd flooded the green and began reaching out for her. She shook as many hands as possible before Alice attacked her, squeezing her. "Wow Isabella, that was amazing!"
Bella laughed again and then turned to the man she presumed to be Jasper from his proximity to Alice and his police uniform. "Miss Swan, it's a pleasure to meet you. And may I say that was a fine round."
"Thank you, and please, call me Isabella." Jasper smiled at her and the approached her left side as Alice stepped in front of her. With Edward to her right, the three of them surrounded her as they walked through the crowd that grew even larger as they approached where the other fans waited by the clubhouse. Once they were inside, Isabella and Alice ducked into the locker room and Jasper left to bring the car around.
In the locker room, Isabella cleaned up and then looked around, making sure she had all of her possessions as the knock came on the door. Alice opened it and smiled as Rosalie McCarthy and Kate Logan walked in for the last of their locker room pep talks.
After congratulations and plans for the time before the party were discussed, the girls exited together and met Emmett and Garrett where they were waiting to congratulate Bella as well. Once they were ready, Edward and Alice walked with Isabella out front.
The girls got in while Edward put Bella's clubs and bags into the trunk and then slid in the back seat next to Bella. When they arrived to the Cullen house, Alice whisked Isabella upstairs to get ready. Edward was surprised when Rosalie stopped by shortly after they had arrived, touting a garment bag and a devilish smile.
Rosalie didn't stay long, and Edward finally saw his opportunity to talk to his mother. Walking into the den, he found both his parents and smiled at the thought of him and Bella being like that in 20 years. "Mom, Dad, I'd like to speak to you for a moment if you don't mind."
"Of course, son, what is it?" Edward couldn't shake his nerves as he began to answer his father.
"Isabella and I spoke for a while last night about what we were going to do about the large distance between us. Neither of us can bear the idea of being without the other, and the thought of watching her get on that train tomorrow, even if it is for a short time, is killing me. I know this is soon, but Isabella and I want to get married and I was hoping you'd give me your blessing as well as Gram's ring so I can propose properly."
Edward took a deep breath as he looked at his parents, waiting for any type of response. It took a moment, but his mother held out her hand as his father straightened his leg so he could fish something out of his pocket and hand it to her. "I had your father get this out of the safe deposit box this afternoon on his way home for lunch. I had a feeling you'd be asking for it."
Esme held out the box and Edward took it in his shaking hand as he opened it to look at the ring he would be proposing to his love with. The setting was simple, four small square-cut diamonds with the fifth and largest stone nestled in the middle of them. He hoped that Isabella would like it, not knowing her taste in jewelry as she hadn't worn any this weekend. Deciding not to dwell on her reaction to the ring, Edward instead went upstairs to shower and get ready.
All the while, Bella sat in a chair in Alice's room staring at the dress hanging by her closet and the small bag sitting under it. Rosalie and Kate were both exceptionally kind to her during a weekend of sideways glances and whispered comments, and the dress they were lending her was proof of that. Though Isabella had convinced them to take it back when they met at the train station the following morning to head home, the bag that was a gift from the girls for winning in a man's sport made her slightly uneasy at the moment. "Don't worry, he'll be on the ground the minute he sees you." Alice's words of comfort allowed Bella's mind to relax as she thought ahead to the party and seeing some of these people for the last time.
As the petite girl she would someday love as a sister floated around her, pinning and spraying and setting curls, she looked to the mirror and was quite impressed by the way her hair looked. "Alice, I love what you did to my hair. You could do this for a living."
Alice blushed and began to work on her makeup. "Thanks, I've been thinking about working out of my house once Jasper and I get married."
The girls continued to bond as Alice worked her magic and finally helped Bella into her dress. Slipping her shoes on, Bella convinced Alice that she didn't need to be announced as she came down the stairs and instead began down the stairs alone.
Edward had gone downstairs when he had finished getting ready. Having managed to coif his hair into a manageable style, he struggled to keep his hands out of it as the ring burned a hole in his pocket. Pacing back and forth, it was the rustling of tulle that caused him to turn as Isabella walked down the stairs. His breath caught as she walked towards him in a cream dress with a black flower lace overlay and a sweetheart-shaped neckline with an inch wide gap between her bosoms filled with more black tulle and fanning up across the top of her chest.
Edward tried to avert his eyes from her chest, but the design of the dress made it hard as he shook his head and walked over to his Isabella. "You look divine, sweetheart. Are you ready to go?"
Isabella nodded as Carlisle and Esme joined the couple and Alice as she came downstairs. "Isabella, it was so wonderful having you visit this weekend, and I'm sure we'll be seeing you again in the near future." Bella smiled at Carlisle as he wrapped his arm around Esme who smiled warmly at Bella.
Alice threw her arms carefully around Bella and hugged her tightly. "I'm going to miss you, don't be a stranger."
Isabella laughed as Edward took her hand. "We better get going; I'll see you at work in the morning, father."
"Wait!" Alice ran over to the stairs and grabbed a small clutch and the bag from Kate and Rosalie.
Bella took the items from Alice and placed the bag in the backseat of the car as Edward closed the door on her side and ran around to climb in next to her. Once he was inside, Edward turned to Isabella and leaned over the console to steal a kiss. "I have to be the luckiest man alive to have you on my arm."
Edward drove to the Country Club and parked his car in the lot before leading Isabella away from the main entrance and towards the driving range. After a little positioning, Edward stepped away from Isabella as she stood on the grass overlooking the range. "Edward, what are we doing out here?"
"This is where we first met. When I rounded the corner of the building that afternoon, I never imagined my future would be standing in front of me, but now that's all I see when I look at you. When I was drafted, I endeavored to be the best soldier I could as I worked at the MASH, and now, as I look at you, I'm filled with the same drive. I want to be the best man and the best husband you could ever need. I know we've already spoken about this, but I had to do this properly. Isabella Swan, will you marry me?"
Edward pulled the ring box out of his pocket and opened it as he dropped to one knee. Isabella gasped and nodded uncontrollably as she blinked away the tears. Taking her left hand, he slipped on the ring and kissed her hand before taking her in his arms and kissing her in earnest. "I love you, Edward, and it would make me so happy to be your bride."
They kissed again and then Edward led Isabella towards the Clubhouse for the party. Walking in there was a general clamor as some people commented on the couple while others turned to discuss Isabella herself. Many of the men were still uppity about her win, and the fact that she walked in with her caddie made the women in the room buzz. Jessica and Lauren, the two girls from the bathroom, were clutching to Royce and hanging on his every word as he eyed the couple harshly. Edward caught his stare and narrowed his eyes at the 'gentleman' who turned and moved onto a different part of the room.
Not long after they arrived, Mr. Jenks approached the couple. "Miss Swan, they're going to be making the speech any moment and then it will be your job to open the dancing with Mr. Cullen."
Isabella smiled and took Edward's hand. "We'll be ready when they announce us."
Just at that moment, Mr. Varner walked over to the band and took the microphone. "Thank you all for coming tonight. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Beech Knoll Country Club for hosting one of the most historic US Open's, and congratulate Miss Swan, who will be taking this trophy back with her to Washington for the year before it is returned to us. The play we saw this weekend was some of the best the tournament has ever witnessed and we are proud that the first female golfer to compete was able to overcome the odds and pull out a stunning victory."
Edward growled low behind Isabella as he whispered into her ear. "There was nothing stunning about your victory, you were in command the entire weekend and played some great golf. Your gender has nothing to do with it."
Bella ran her hands over his forearms where they were laced around her waist. "Calm down, darling, he's trying. Besides, I think your view of me is a little biased."
Edward chuckled as Mr. Varner welcomed her to open the dancing. Taking one of the hands he had resting on her stomach, Isabella led Edward onto the floor where he pulled her close and began leading the dance. To say she was surprised at his ability was an understatement, but with a mother like Esme and a sister as perky as Alice, many afternoons had been spent with Edward standing in for dance lessons.
They twirled and floated as other couples took to the floor and the focus was finally off of Isabella, something she was grateful for. Over the course of the evening, the couple danced and ate the finger food provided as they chatted with the Logan's and the McCarthy's, who were both over the moon at Isabella's newest accessory. The Volturi brothers both came over to congratulate Bella, with only Aro sounding sincere as Siobhan and Liam O'Hare also offered much more heartfelt praise.
When much of the night's festivities were finished, Isabella went to Kate to double check when they would meet her at the train station as they would be riding with her through Chicago before heading off to another tournament. With the meeting arranged, Isabella found Mr. Jenks to firm up the shipment of the official trophy delivered to her home course in Port Angeles while her personal replica was to be sent to the Cullen's house under the strictest of confidence.
With the business handled, Isabella met Edward outside where he had the car waiting for them. He drove to the hotel parking lot for the last time and then walked arm in arm with his fiancée as they came to the woods. Leading her to the door, she opened the clutch and retrieved the key, unlocking the door and turning to lock it behind them. As soon as the key was replaced in her purse Edward's hands were on her waist and his lips were on her shoulder. She spun around and his lips found hers, a fierceness that had never been there before was now shared as he pressed her into the door.
When they broke apart for air a few minutes later, Edward rested his forehead against hers. "I've wanted to do that since the moment you sunk the final putt, but we haven't been alone until this moment. God, I'm so proud of you. You played beautifully and then you made me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be mine…you continue to leave me in awe of you." Just then a yawn escaped Bella's lips as she tried to hide it, but Edward simply laughed. "It's alright, sweetheart, go change for bed and I'll do the same out here, it has been a long day."
Isabella blushed and grabbed her present from the girls and her robe. Edward found his bag from the previous night. He pulled out his pajamas and dressed quickly so as not to embarrass his bride to be. Feeling the chill in the room, he went to the small fireplace and stoked a fire to keep them warm.
Edward was finishing his handiwork when he felt Isabella's hand on his bare shoulder. He turned to look at her and then stood up when he took in her appearance. Isabella was standing behind him in a thin sky blue nightgown. The gauzy material had a little detailing on the waist and bodice with the skirt flowing down to her knee.
The stirring he felt was making it hard for him to find his words at first, but when Isabella ran her hands up his chest and then down his arms, he was able to find his voice. "Isabella, what are you doing?"
"Edward, please, I can't bear the thought of being away from you for weeks and weeks. We haven't had enough time together. Please, I want to be with you before I have to leave you."
Her tears tore at Edward's heart, but he didn't want his weakness to injure her. He pulled her to his chest and stroked her back soothingly. "Darling, we will be together soon, but I can't take your-"
"But I want you to! I want the memory of us with me when I go home tomorrow. I want to close my eyes and feel your arms around me because I've experienced it. Please."
Edward kissed her but then pulled back, looking into her eyes. "How can I say no to you when you ask me like that?"
"Don't. You have my heart and my future, now I want to give you the only thing I have left to give."
With those words his resolve crumbled as his lips found hers and he scooped her into his arms and carried her towards the bed. "If you change your mind or you feel uncomfortable, please tell me."
"I will." Isabella whispered as she started kissing along his jaw. Sliding his arms up her waist, he ghosted his fingers across her breast, causing her to shiver as her nipples pebbled under his fingertips. Their kisses became more insistent as her hands found the hem of his shirt and began to pull it up. Edward helped her get it off and then found her lips again as they tumbled backwards, their arms wrapped around the other as they followed the actions of their bodies.
Edward could feel Isabella's hands trying to lift up her nightgown, but he halted her actions. Standing up, he pulled down his pants and then slowly lifted the fabric, relishing in the feel of her skin and the sight of her body. As the garment fell to the floor, he took in her nearly naked form and a shiver of anticipation came over him as he kissed down the column of her neck and found his way to the valley between her breasts. "Ever since you came down the stairs in that dress tonight, I dreamed of this sliver of skin…you are magnificent my love." His lips found her nipple as she gasped and bucked into him, causing a gasp of his own at the flash of heat he felt from her most private of parts. Edward lavished attention on his Isabella as her hands roamed his shoulders, back and hair, caressing him wherever she could reach.
As he could no longer put it off, Edward pulled up and kissed Isabella briefly before he held her eyes with his own. "Are you ready, sweetheart?"
A coy smile and nod was all the encouragement he needed as he stepped out of his undergarments and was met by his betrothed's wide eyes. He smiled at her reaction to his manhood as he helped her out of her own undergarments and then joined her back on the bed. Pulling the covers back, he settled between her partially parted legs and pushed her hair behind her ear. Lowering himself above her, he kissed her tenderly as he lined himself up with her womanhood and paused as he looked at Bella. She reached up and stroked his cheek as he slowly pushed into her.
He moved slowly, allowing her to adjust to his size until he met the evidence of her innocence. Taking a steadying breath, he kissed her as he continued; her gasp and whimper breaking the kiss as Edward held onto Isabella until she was ready for him to move forward. When she recovered, he pushed on until he was completely encased in his love. At that point he needed a moment to adjust to the sensations he felt before moving forward.
They moved slowly, rising to meet each other as they found a unique rhythm and found themselves awash in feelings they never dreamed of. As they got closer to their peaks, the pace increased as the small cabin was filled with the sounds of their pleasure. Isabella's explosion caught them both off guard as it sent Edward into a similar ecstasy, filling her with his essence and leaving them both breathless as he rested his weight on her for a moment to regain his strength.
When the time came for them to redress and go to sleep, Isabella refused to let Edward stray far from her, falling asleep on his chest with one of her legs wrapped around his.
The next morning, they woke up to the blissful afterglow of the nights events. That, however, was short lived as they had a lot to do before heading out to the train station. When Isabella went to stand she hissed and Edward sat up, concerned as she tried to shake him off. "I'm a little sore, that's all."
Getting up to shower, Edward packed his few belongings and took out his last clean outfit so he could dress after his shower. When Isabella reemerged in her robe, her wet hair falling around her, Edward smiled and kissed her as he headed into the bathroom with his clothes.
Taking a quick shower, he saw Isabella placing the final pin in her bun, her face perfectly done in her minimal makeup and a frilly blouse and long pleated skirt gracing her petite frame. Edward still found himself in awe of her as he walked over and brushed the back of his fingers across the back of her neck. "I love when you wear your hair in a bun; it exposes that gorgeous neck of yours."
Isabella laughed as she went to the pantry, but Edward stopped her. "Allow me; you have to get all your things together."
She tipped up to kiss him before taking out her suitcase and placing all her possessions in, double checking under the bed and all the drawers before moving onto the bathroom. When she was confident that she had everything, she sat it by the door with her carryon, which held her purse, on top of it.
She took the hamper with the towels and brought it over to the bed, where she stripped the sheets and sat them in there before joining Edward for breakfast. "I hope you don't mind, but I told Mr. Jenks to have my replica trophy delivered to your house. It seemed silly to have it shipped to Washington just to move it back here when I…Edward, where are we going to live when I come back?"
Edward smirked; this was something he had already thought about. "Jasper just made a down payment on a little place for Alice and him, but with the wedding in August, he'll be moving out soon to live in their new home before Alice moves in after the wedding. So the apartment over the store will be free, and I could stay with my folks for propriety's sake until we set a date, but that's entirely up to you."
"Don't even joke about that, I'm not moving clear across the country to see you from my window every day."
They both laughed and then Edward looked at his watch and shook his head. "We should get to the station soon; we want everything taken care of so I can see you off."
Isabella looked down and took a deep breath. "Edward, please don't take this the wrong way, but I don't want you to wait at the station. It's raining and I don't want the last time I see you to be sopping wet and cold."
Edward didn't like the idea of losing the little time he had left with her, but he would do what she asked. "If it will make it easier."
"Nothing will make this easier. I don't want to leave you. I hate that I'll miss your birthday and that it'll be weeks before I get to hear you say my name or see you smile, but I have to. I don't want to say good-bye to you." Edward took Isabella in his arms and hugged her to him.
"This isn't good-bye. I will be there as soon as I'm able. Be strong, my Isabella, the time will be short."
Gathering her belongings, they headed to the car and drove to the station. Edward got her ticket and checked her bag as Rosalie checked the dress Isabella had returned. Once that was handled, Edward kissed Isabella and then hugged her for a moment before wiping away the lone tear. "The next time you see me will be the beginning of forever, I'm not going to be separated from you again. I love you, Miss Swan."
"I love you too, Edward Cullen, with everything I have."
Isabella stepped back and Emmett stood behind her. "We'll take good care of your girl as long as she's in our company."
"Thank you." Edward shook both men's hands before taking Isabella's and kissing her ring.
It took everything within him not to break down before he reached the car, but he didn't hold it in a second longer. He drove home in anguish that he had to walk away from her and pulled into the driveway with the intention of sleeping the day away. Upon walking in the door, Alice ran at him. "Mom, he's home!"
Edward shook his head as he tried to walk past her. "Alice, I'm not in the mood this morning, can this wait?"
"No it can't, you have a train to catch." Edward spun around at his mother's voice and saw the envelope in her hand. "Happy Birthday, Edward."
He ran to her and saw the ticket for Washington and an additional fifteen dollars in the envelope. "Mom, this is a week's pay at the store, I can't take this."
"You can and you will. Edward, you love her and I won't see you mope around while you wait for the money and the coverage at the store, now go upstairs and grab your mad money so you won't run out while you're there and send us a telegram when you're ready to come home and we'll send you the money for the ticket."
"How were you two able to do this?"
"I talked to Daddy and he said if we could get you there, he would bring you home, now grab some cash and take your duffle over there and catch that train!" Edward caught sight of his army duffle and hugged both his sister and his mother before he went upstairs and took the $7.25 he had in his sock drawer and then put both that and the money from his family into his wallet and with the ticket in one hand and his bag in the other, Esme and Alice drove him to the station.
He checked his bag in with the young man by the train, making sure it was near Isabella's as they were some of the few taking the train for the duration of the trip. The cars had already begun seating so with one final hug from his family; he ran onto the train and began searching for the group of people he knew would be surrounding his love. At the sight of Emmett, he slowed down and heard his boisterous laugh. "Girls, you better sit by us, because I believe Isabella may be getting a better offer."
Isabella turned and gasped as the girls made way for him to sit beside her. "Edward, what are you doing here?"
"What did I say about the next time you saw me, looks like forever is coming a little early, but I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present."
"Alice?" Isabella beamed.
"And my parents. Now you won't have to talk to your parents alone, it will be one more thing we face together."
As they kissed, the train rocked into motion as the journey to Washington began.
The final scores!
Name R1 R2 R3 R4 Total
Miss Swan 74(+3) 70(-1) 74(+3) 71(E) 289(+5)
King 72(+1) 70(-1) 75(+4) 73(+2) 290(+6)
McCarthy 71(E) 73(+2) 75(+4) 71(E) 290(+6)
O'Hare 74(+3) 72(+1) 74(+3) 73(+2) 292(+8)
A. Volturi 74(+3) 71(E) 74(+3) 74(+3) 293(+9)