It's Always Been Him Chapter 27, a twilight fanfic

A/N – Okay, this chapter is pure fluff with just a dash of drama. I felt that these two needed a break from all the major drama while they recovered. Don't worry, the drama returns very soon!

Here's Chapter 27 – Enjoy!

Chapter Twenty Seven

BPOV

Two weeks in hospital would be enough to drive anyone insane. Thankfully I was released before I could completely lose my mind due to boredom and the sterile smells. In total I stayed in hospital for a month while my body recovered. Edward was released four days after I woke up but the over protective ass refused to leave my side unless he really had to for the remainder of my stay. I couldn't really blame him. I, myself, was suffering from separation anxiety after the two days of my captivity away from him. I may have teased him for being overly dependent on me but in truth, I was just as dependent on him.

Of course, he saw right through me and didn't take my teasing too seriously. He simply shrugged and gave me a look that simply said 'And? Your point?'. I didn't have one so I didn't respond.

My doctor suggested I speak to a shrink to deal with everything that had happened but I politely thanked him and told him that I would think about it. I knew that at some point I may need to speak with a professional but right now, I just wanted to concentrate on getting better. Edward and I had discussed the topic and he had agreed to see someone with me once I had recovered and had managed to wrap my head around everything.

Dad visited me as often as he could before he had to return to LA for work. He had already stayed a week over his vacation time. He had informed us that Tanya was in jail awaiting trail and had entered a temporary insanity plea. Both Edward and I had snorted in disbelief. Temporary? There was nothing temporary about her insanity. It had been building for eight years until she finally snapped. Needless to say, the judge also ruled in Kate's favour in regards to the battle of their grandparent's will in the face of her impending incarceration.

Kate stopped in to inform me of the ruling the day it had been given. I felt guilty for leaving her in the lurch but she didn't hesitate to assure me that Luke and his team had done a good job in my absence. She thanked me for my hard work and promised to keep in touch. It was a true testament of my security in my relationship with Edward when I didn't even bat an eyelid when she hugged him extra tight and whispered that she was glad he was ok. I knew that she didn't view my Edward in that way and Edward certainly didn't have eyes for any other woman besides me; a fact which he proved over my remainder two weeks in hospital by not even noticing the batting eyelids and flirtious smiles from the nurses.

One nurse in particular seemed to have taken a huge liking to my Edward and used any and all opportunities to drop into my room whenever she was working. Nurse Carmen Styth went beyond the smiles and batted eyelids and actually had the audacity to ask him out right in front of me. The surprised and disgusted look on Edward's face made me laugh, despite the jealousy coursing through me.

Flashback

Edward and I were sitting in comfortable silence as we read some of the magazines that Alice had kindly dropped off for me when the door swung open and Nurse Styth strolled in. Ignoring me, she shot Edward a flirty smile, which he failed to notice as he kept his eyes on the page he was on; his hand entwined with mine on the bed. I smiled in victory to myself.

"Good afternoon, Edward." She purred as she stopped next to him.

Edward glanced up and back down to the page he was on; no amount of interest shown in his gorgeous features.

"Hello, Nurse Styth." He mumbled as his thumb caressed my knuckles.

I watched as her face fell slightly before she composed herself, plastering a smile back on as she shot me a scathing look. I snorted quietly to myself at her desperate attempts to catch my boyfriends' attention. I felt a wave of jealousy wash through me as she laid a hand on his shoulder. I stiffened and Edward felt it. He looked up from the magazine and shot me a 'What?' look. I shook my head and then flickered my eyes over to the nurse. Edward looked up and only then realised that she had her hand on his shoulder. He stiffened too and subtlety moved forward so that her hand fell off. I smirked at the crestfallen look on her face.

She cleared her throat and straightened up.

"Edward, you must be tired and hungry after spending so much time caring for your friend here. Why don't I treat you to a nice lunch at the café down the road? You can come back after getting come fresh air. I'm sure Ms Swan wouldn't mind if I stole you away for a couple of hours, right?" she simpered.

The small wave of jealousy turned into a full tsunami as I watched her display. Edward slowly stood from the seat, keeping his hand in mine. His face was a mask of surprise and disgust. The disgust was so prominent on his face that I had to smile and hold in my laugh. Nurse Styth really had no idea what she was about to unleash. I knew Edward well enough to know that the calm exterior he was currently exuding belied the anger and disgust underneath. His eyes could never lie. Not to me.

"I'm sorry, I'm busy." He replied shortly.

Nurse Styth was not to be deterred.

"Oh, c'mon, I'm sure you can spare an hour for food. You can't starve yourself. No doubt, your friend will be glad for some alone time to do some…girly things. She may want to clean up for her boyfriend." She returned with an air of confidence.

Oh god, she really was blind, wasn't she? Had she not noticed how tightly Edward was clutching onto my hand? And was she so stupid not to realise that aside from Emmett and Jasper, no other man had visited me. Not to mention the fact that Edward only left at night to sleep and even then, he tended to stay with me more often than not?

I decided to play a little. I was steadily becoming angry at her blatant stupidity and would relish the opportunity to take her down a notch.

"She is right, Edward. I do need to clean up for my boyfriend." I chimed in cheerfully.

Edward looked down at me. He knew I was faking the cheer. He asked me silently what I was up to but I just shot him a conspirator smile. He smiled back in understanding.

"See! Lets leave her to it and go for a lunch date." Nurse Styth said gleefully.

Little did she know…

"And what if her boyfriend doesn't care what she looks like? What if he thinks that even in her pyjama's and bed hair she is still the most beautiful thing he has ever seen?" Edward asked, playing along.

"Every girl needs girl time, Edward. Especially if she had been lying in a hospital bed for days on end." Nurse Styth exclaimed.

"Well, her boyfriend really doesn't care. She is still beautiful in his eyes." Edward replied calmly as he brushed his thumb across the back of my hand.

"You can't know that, Edward." She tried to point out.

I snorted and Edward smiled in response. He was enjoying this. He was definitely going to enjoy informing Nurse Styth of the truth.

"Yes he can." I supplied, grinning.

Nurse Styth gave me a condescending look.

"Oh, sweetie, no he can't. Your boyfriend is the only one who can know that for sure." She said to me with a fake smile on her overly made up face.

"Hmm…It's a good thing that I'm her boyfriend then isn't it?" Edward retorted.

I watched with satisfaction as her face fell considerably.

"Y-you're her…b-but, I thought you guys were just friends?" she stammered.

"Well, you thought wrong. Bella is my girlfriend and best friend." Edward answered firmly.

Nurse Styth flushed a bright red in embarrassment.

"How nice. Have you been together long?" she asked hopefully.

Seriously, was she stupid?

"We've been together for sixteen years." Edward replied with a sly smile.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his convoluted answer. He had actually made it sound as if we had been a couple for that long. Needless to say Nurse Styth took that as her cue to leave with the remainder of her dignity.

End Flashback

I still laughed at thought of the look on her face as she left the room. It was truly priceless. I teased Edward for being so appealing to the opposite sex to which he retorted that he had the same problem with guys hitting on me. I merely shrugged in response to that. I really didn't want to go there, especially considering a guy was the reason we had been shot in the first place. That situation was still too fresh to joke about. maybe in years to come, but right now the wounds were too raw.

The day that I was released from hospital Edward took me back to his apartment citing the need to have me close to him. I didn't argue, despite the fact that whether he stayed with me at my place or I stayed with him at his, I hadn't been planning on being far from him anyway. Like I said, we were both suffering from the fear of being separated again.

All of our friends were waiting for us when we arrived at the apartment. Alice, Rose and Esme had cooked up a feast and Alice had gone overboard with the 'Welcome Home' decorations, but I didn't say anything. It felt good to be among those that I loved the most in the world.

We were all sitting around in the lounge when the buzzer sounded from the lobby. Edward got up to see who it was. He returned not ten seconds later with an unreadable look on his face. He looked at me and I read a small amount of worry in his eyes.

"Edward? What's wrong, Tiger?" I asked, concerned.

"It's Renee, baby. She's on her way up." He replied quietly.

I was shocked. The last time I had seen Renee was on my engagement to Jacob. Dad had told me that she and Phil had come to the hospital when they had been informed about the shooting but they both left immediately after saying their goodbyes when they thought I was being taken off of the life support. Dad had called her to let her know that I had woken up, but she hadn't come back to see me. Instead, she had informed dad that she and Phil were headed to Hawaii for a vacation which had been bought and paid for. They couldn't get a refund so had decided to go ahead and take the holiday. I had felt hurt and betrayed by that. When had my mother become so cold hearted?

Did she not have any feelings for me? Did she not even care enough to grieve for me? No, not even 24 hours after they had assumed that I had died, she had jetted off on vacation. What mother does that shit? How could she even contemplate a vacation so soon after losing her child? Albeit, I hadn't died, but still, she didn't know that until Dad had called her.

"Kitten, do you want me to send her away? Just say the word and she's gone, baby." Edward said softly.

I looked up into his vibrant green eyes that were shining with love and concern for me. I smiled.

"No, its ok, honey. Let her come. I have a few choice words for her anyway." I answered.

Edward smiled tentatively at me and I shot him a reassuring one back. just then there was a knock on his door and he left to let her in.

"What the fuck does she think she's doing here?" Rose hissed from where she was seated on the love seat beside Emmett.

I shrugged, "Your guess is as good as mine, Rose." I replied.

"You gonna be ok, Baby Bell?" Emmett asked.

I smiled at him, "Yeah, Brother Bear. I have all of you here, don't I?"

He grinned back at me, "Always."

Edward walked back into the room and all conversation stopped as everyone eyed Renee cautiously. Renee for her part stood proudly in the doorway. She was impeccably dressed in a beige Chanel pant suit with a cream leather bag swinging from her arm, her hair was swept up into an elegant chignon and her sunglasses rested on top of her head, no matter that it was cloudy outside. She posed in the doorway with one hand on her hip and gazed around the room; taking in her audience until her eyes finally came to rest on me.

"Isabella! Oh, darling, it's so good to see you awake!" she squealed making Edward grimace beside her.

I slowly rose from my seat on the couch and faced her, deliberately keeping my face blank. Edward moved from her side and came to mine, wrapping one arm around my waist and dropping a kiss on my head. Renee watched the display with shrewd, narrowed eyes. I watched as several emotions played across her face before she settled her face into a blank mask too.

"Hello, Renee. What are you doing here?" I asked coolly.

"I came to see my daughter of course, silly!" she trilled in a fake happy voice.

I sighed, "Yes, but why now? Why not two weeks ago when Dad called and told you that I was awake?" I replied.

"I was away. Phil and I were in Hawaii. Non-refundable tickets." She shrugged.

I snorted, "Renee, I know for a fact that you left two days after I woke up, so stop with the excuses. Not to mention that you actually planned on still going on the holiday despite the fact that as far as you were aware, you only child had died!" I exclaimed incredulously.

Renee stared at me for a long while before she swept her eyes across the room and all of the assembled company. She swung her eyes back to me and gave me a wry smile.

"Isabella, can we discuss this in private. This is a conversation for family only." She said curtly.

I shook my head and I felt Edward's hand tighten on my waist, pulling me closer, "These people are my family, so anything you have to say can be said in front of them." I stated firmly.

"Isabella-" she started.

"It's Bella." I snarled.

She knew I hated to be called by my full given name.

"Isabella, I would rather discuss this with you without-," she paused and looked around at my family once again, "these people eavesdropping." She finished in a snooty voice.

"Renee, you can talk here or you can leave, those are your only options." Edward spoke up in a eerily calm voice.

Renee turned her surprised eyes on him, "And who are you to order me around? You are nothing more than a passing fad in my daughters' life. She belongs with Jacob." She sneered.

I heard Edward suck in a sharp breath and I felt anger rise up within me. I stepped out of his arms and took a step towards Renee. I narrowed my eyes and glared at her.

"Number one, this is his house you are standing in so he has every right to order you around if you choose to disrespect him. Number two, Edward is my past, present and hopefully future, so he is in no way a 'passing fad' as you so eloquently put it and Number three, I definitely am not a piece of property so I do not belong to anyone and if I were to belong to anyone it would be Edward and Edward alone, got me?" I growled in her face.

She backed up in the face of my anger before she spoke again.

"Isabella, stop this. You love Jacob, you have know him for so long and all this one has done is break your heart. Come with me now and stop acting like a spoiled child." Renee said calmly as she held out her hand towards me in order to grab my arm.

She didn't have a chance to touch me as I felt Edward move to step up beside me. I looked up at him and felt a thrill shoot through me. The look on his face was lethal. His eyes were a dark bottle green and his nostrils were flared. He truly did look like a tiger protecting its mate.

"Enough! Lay one finger on her and I will not hesitate to break it off. Get out of my apartment and don't ever come back." he growled.

He looked glorious in his fierce rage and he was all mine. I smiled proudly up at him.

"How dare you! Isabella! Did you hear that? He threatened to hurt me. Well, we'll just see what the police have to say about that!" Renee screeched.

I looked back at her at her threat. It was my turn to be fierce. This time, she was threatening my mate.

"Try it. Try it and he won't have to break your fingers because I will do it for him. Call the police and we'll just see how accommodating they are when I inform them that you came barging into Edward's home and threatened him." I hissed at her.

She blinked at me, her mouth hanging open in shock. I had never spoken to her in this way. All through school and college I had followed her lead. Eaten where she deemed worthy, dressed in the clothes that she stamped her approval on and I had even gone so far as to get engaged to a psychopath just because she pushed for it to happen. No more. After all that I had been through at Jacob's hands in the last few months, I refused to listen to her anymore.

"Isa-" she started.

"It's Bella! How many damn times does she have to tell you that, woman!" Rose screamed from behind us.

I had smile at her tenacity.

"Leave. Now." I snarled.

I was done. I didn't want to see her anymore. I turned and left the room, heading towards Edward's bedroom. I left Edward and the rest of them to ensure that the trash left the building.

The next week and a half was spent in a calm blissful state with Edward. Our friends and family came and went; simply checking up on us but for the most part it was just Edward and me. Edward had woken me up this morning with feather light kisses on my neck and shoulder sending me into a state of arousal in 0.4 seconds flat. Unfortunately we couldn't do anything as both his shoulder and my neck were still healing, but that didn't stop our wandering hands and teasing touches. He finally pulled away with a groan.

"Come on, Kitten, I'm taking you out for breakfast so get that sexy ass up and into the shower." He growled playfully at me.

I rose from the bed and looked back over my shoulder at him seductively, "Care to join me, Tiger?" I purred.

"Stop it, Bella, you know we can't so why tease me so?" he groaned.

I smiled, "The teasing is the foreplay, honey." I winked at him before I sashayed into the bathroom, leaving the door open a crack.

I heard a muffled 'Fuck' from him and giggled. Yeah, teasing was fun.

Two hours later, Edward and I were sat in a corner booth at a café two blocks down from his apartment. The waiter came up just as we sat down.

"Morning, Can I get you anything to drink?" he asked pleasantly.

"Two black coffees, please." Edward replied as he intertwined our fingers together on the table top.

"Sure thing. Are you ready to order food or would you like a few minutes?" The waiter answered.

"Can I get a Breakfast Special, please?" Edward turned to me, "Baby, do you know what you want?"

"I'll have the same, please." I replied.

"Coming up!" the waiter said cheerfully before he strolled away to place our orders.

We chatted lightly while we waited for our food as Edward played with my fingers on my left hand. He kept brushing his thumb over my ring finger and I started to wonder at it. Was he thinking what I think he was thinking? Was he thinking about marriage with me? I would be lying if I said that it wasn't something I had considered. It was. I wanted to marry Edward. I wanted to be Mrs. Edward Cullen. I had no doubt in my mind that he was my forever but we had never had that conversation so I had not brought it up either. I wasn't sure if he thought it was too soon.

I was broken out of my musings as our waiter delivered our food and coffee. The Breakfast Special looked delicious. It wasn't overly huge in its portion but it had plenty of variety. Two sausages, two strips of bacon, a hash brown and a grilled tomato. My mouth watered at the sight of the food. I hadn't realised how hungry I was until the aroma's floated up to my nose. I dug in with gusto and Edward laughed at my enthusiasm.

"Hungry baby?" he teased.

"Mmm…this is good." I moaned as the first bite of sausage assaulted my taste buds.

"I know it wasn't anything I did for you to build up such an appetite so what's your excuse?" he growled playfully at me.

"Just hungry I guess." I said as I shrugged.

"Well, enjoy it then. I have a lot planned for today, baby." He replied.

I cocked an eyebrow at him, "Oh? Do tell." I asked.

He shook his head, "Nope. That you defeat the purpose of a surprise now wouldn't it?" he grinned at me over the rim of his coffee cup.

"Tiger, you know I hate surprises!" I whined.

He chuckled, "I know you do, baby, but this is something I want to do. I thought we could use some fun after so much drama." He said softly.

My face softened at this. I looked at him and gave him a loving smile. He smiled back, his love for me shining clearly in his eyes.

"Thank you, Tiger. I love you." I whispered.

"I love you too, Kitten. There is no need to thank me, I wanted to do this for you; for us." He replied quietly.

I continued to smile at him. He really was a perfect boyfriend.

EPOV

I was nervous.

I knew on some level that her answer would be what I was looking for, but that didn't stop the nervous butterflies from invading my stomach. Some would say that I was moving too fast but I didn't really care. I knew how I felt and I knew what I wanted; I was simply going after it.

If the last few weeks and months had taught me anything it was that nothing happened without you going for it. I had nearly lost my Kitten and I refused to be faced with that possibility again. Eight years ago I had lost her and myself in the process. Three weeks ago I had nearly lost her again for good and I never wanted to experience that amount pain ever again. Twice in my life was way more than what anyone should ever have to experience that level of sadness and pain. It had to get better from here on out, right?

I had planned the day out perfectly. First stop was breakfast and then I was taking her the park where there was an outdoor string quartet playing in a charity performance. After that I had organised a little surprise for her at Bella Italia. It only seemed fitting that the place that had come about because of her would be the place where I asked her the most important question of my life. I had managed to speak with Charlie before he left to go back to LA. That conversation was nerve wracking to say the least.

Flashback

"Charlie, Can I have a word, please?" I asked nervously as I ran a hand through my hair.

"Sure son, do you want to step outside so that we don't disturb Bella?" he replied as he nodded to the closed door of Bella's hospital room.

I nodded in reply and followed him out of the room and into the hallway. We stood in the bustling hallway in silence as I tried to gather my thoughts and words. Eventually Charlie sighed.

"Out with it Edward, what's eating at you?" he said gently.

"Well…this really isn't where I thought I would be doing this but I have no other option right now and I know that you expect a little better but I promise to be the best that I can. I mean, I know that things are tense right now and that we haven't been together for long but when you know, you know. Do you know what I mean? I mean…what I mean is…what I'm saying is…" I rambled for a bit before Charlie cut me off with a hand on my good shoulder and a chuckle.

"Just spit it out, son before you have an aneurysm." He was laughing at me.

I took a deep breath before releasing it slowly.

"I would like to ask Bella to marry me and I would like your permission to do so." I blurted out.

There was a long silence before Charlie spoke. I was beginning to think that he would simply refuse me stating that my past was too fucked up for him to trust his only daughter into my hands. I gulped when he finally breathed out slowly.

"Edward, my daughter is an independent soul, much like me. I won't presume to guess at her choices or question her decisions, but…I know that in this case both her choice and her decision is the same as mine." He paused and locked eyes with me, "I know that she will say yes. You are a good man, Edward. You've been to hell and back for my daughter and there is no one better for her out there, of that I am sure. You have my blessing, son." He finished.

I finally breathed easier.

End Flashback

The concert at the park was sublime and the day was a perfect sunny day without a hint of rain, which was odd in itself due to the time of the year. Fall in New York was an unpredictable time. One moment it could be sunny and the next it could rain cats and dogs but it was no less a beautiful time.

I led Bella out of the park and to where I had parked my car. Her hand was firmly encased in mine and the ever present pulse was there; assuring me of her presence. I opened the car door for her and helped her into the car. She smiled up at me and my chest swelled with love for her. I leaned down into the car and kissed her softly. I pulled back slightly and smiled at her.

"I love you baby." I whispered.

"I love you." she replied softly.

I closed the door and rushed around to the driver side and slid in. I shot her a quick grin and started the car to head off to the next destination; the final destination.

"Where to next, honey?" Bella asked as she leaned her back onto the headrest and rolled to face me.

"Last surprise." I replied and smiled crookedly at her.

"Last? Is that it for the day then?" she asked.

"Yep. I thought we could just head home after that and…relax." I offered, trying not to give anything away.

"Hmm…What aren't you telling me, Edward? You've acting weird for days now." She demanded.

I fidgeted in my seat as I tried to formulate a reply that wouldn't get me trouble or give away the reason for my odd behaviour either.

"I don't know what you mean, baby. I just wanted to give you this one day of fun to get your mind off of things." I replied with as much confidence as I could muster.

"That's sweet of you Tiger and I love you for it. It has been a really nice day." Bella cooed.

I pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant and put the car into park. I got out and opened her door for as well. She stepped out and looked around in surprise.

"Bella Italia?" she asked as she looked up at me with the most adorable confused expression.

"Bella Italia." I confirmed.

I released her hand and wrapped my arm around her waist, drawing her closer to me. I leaned down and lightly kissed her lips. She wrapped her arm around my neck and leaned up on her tiptoes to press her lips to mine more firmly. I returned the kiss, getting lost in the sensation of her lips and the taste of her. I felt my pants tighten and I pulled back, breathless. I didn't want to be hard for what I had planned inside. Afterward…well, that was a whole different scenario.

I unwrapped one arm, keeping the other around her waist and started to lead her to the front entrance. I opened the door and allowed her to step in before me. She paused just inside the threshold and looked around. I had had Laurent close the place down for the night and given everyone but him and one of my waiters the night off. To the left of us where the bar area was, I had asked Laurent line the bar with tea lights and white rose petals. Our booth, where we had had our first kiss, had long trailing lights hanging over it. The table had two church candles lit and set in a silver candle holder. Spread around the holder were more white rose petals and on either side of the holder were two stemmed vases holding a single long stemmed rose in each. The table was set for two.

I lead Bella over to the booth and slid in beside her. She gazed around with a look of awe before she finally met my eyes.

"Edward?" she whispered.

I smiled and slid back out of the booth. I walked over to the bar and picked up the control for the sound system. Jon Bon Jovi's 'All About Loving You' floated through the surround sound speakers and I strolled back to my Kitten's side. I watched her as she listened to the lyrics and tears filled her beautiful brown eyes.

Looking at the pages of my life
Faded memories of me and you
Mistakes you know I've made a few
I took some shots and fell from time to time
Baby, you were there to pull me through
We've been around the block a time or two
I'm gonna lay it on the line
Ask me how we've come this far
The answer's written in my eyes

Every time I look at you, baby, I see something new
That takes me higher than before and makes me want you more
I don't wanna sleep tonight, dreamin's just a waste of time
When I look at what my life's been comin' to
I'm all about lovin' you

I've lived, I've loved, I've lost, I've paid some dues, baby
We've been to hell and back again
Through it all you're always my best friend
For all the words I didn't say and all the things I didn't do
Tonight I'm gonna find a way

You can take this world away
You're everything I am
Just read the lines upon my face
I'm all about lovin' you

All about lovin' you

The lyrics were very fitting. We had been to hell and back and we were still here and she was and always would be my best friend.

I signalled to Laurent and he walked out with Gareth trailing behind him with a large platter of mini pizzas, single servings of lasagne and garlic ciabatta bread. Bella and I stared at each other as Laurent and Gareth set down all of the dishes and quietly left us to it. We ate in silence but without looking away from one another. I watched her mouth as it wrapped sensually around her fork and I felt my pants stirring again as the air crackled around us with electricity. She really was too sexy for her own damn good.

We had barely finished eating when Laurent and Gareth returned to collect our empty dishes. They replaced the main with the dessert. I had ordered one of her favourite. Death By Chocolate cake. We devoured that, again in complete silence. The pulse around us did not let up and watching her eat the cake and licking her spoon clean did not help my situation down below. I had half a mind to just say 'Fuck it' and take her into the bathrooms and just…fuck her. But I held firm. I had a plan and I had a question I wanted to ask her.

Laurent had changed the CD and it now played her lullaby. The one that I had written for her years ago. Bella's eyes filled with tears again as she recognised the strains of the piano. I had recorded my playing her lullaby two days ago by using one of my college friend's recording studio. I had kept it a surprise from her just for tonight.

"Is that…" she started before trailing off.

I nodded, "Yeah, it's your lullaby, baby." I confirmed.

"Thank you. I love it." She whispered softly.

Now was the time. As I gazed at her ethereal beauty, I realised that there would be no better time than now. I slowly slid out of the booth and rounded the table to kneel beside her. She twisted her body so that she faced me. I took her left hand in my own and rubbed my thumb over her bare finger, something I had taken to doing in the last few days. She looked down at me and I saw love shining brightly in her eyes. Love, for me. I smiled and nervously ran a hand through me hair.

"Tiger? What is it, honey?" she asked, concerned.

I took a deep breath and began. I hadn't prepared a speech so I was winging it. Here goes nothing. The worst she can do is shoot me down, right?

"Bella, you are my best friend, my lover, my life. I almost lost you three weeks ago and I never want to feel that way again. I love you, Kitten. I will love you until the end of time. Will you marry me, baby? Be my wife? Be mine always?" I said in an emotional whisper.

Bella sat staring at me, her mouth hanging open and tears streaming down her face. She stared for so long that I began to wonder if I was wrong and it was too soon for this step. She snapped her mouth closed and before I could even think about backtracking she smiled widely. She lifted her right hand and cupped my cheek.

"Yes."

A/N – Aww…so he did it. He asked her and she said yes! Pfft, like there was any hope her saying no in the first place anyway!

Okay a couple of things:

Thank you too all of those who responded to my A/N of choices. The choice has been made and I know where I'm taking this. Keep reading to find out. Watch out for the little twist – who can guess what it will be?

There are only about four chapters left on this story, including the epi. I'm kinda sad about that. I first started writing this story back in May last year and this was my very first attempt at a fanfic (despite having finished Saving Grace first, which I started second!) so this story is very close to my heart and has given me many sleepless nights as I tried to steer it into the direction I originally envisioned for it!

As always, my friends, R&R! Thanks to all those that have reviewed so far and those who have added this story into their favourites! You guys rock!