Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters. I am making no money…

Special thanks to Jayeliwood for your support and ideas, but most of all for your help with commas. She is the best beta a writer could ask for. I must also thank ObsessingOverEdward and TheSpoiltOne for all their contribution. All three of you rock!

Chapter 30: A New Beginning

Edward Cullen

I stood in the living area of one the suites my parents had rented out for their event. I watched my father intently as he fixed the bow tie of his suit. Today was my parent's thirty-fifth wedding anniversary and they were celebrating by renewing their marriage vows. It was one of the most anticipated parties in the city and was being held in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.

I couldn't be happier for my parents and I knew it was all due to Bella. If someone would have asked me a year ago what I thought about marriage and love my answer would be vastly different than it was now.

The last year had been a huge eye opener for me. I had found Bella, the love of my life, and a child that I loved as if he were really my own. I couldn't imagine my life without either of them. I had realized that I didn't need a million different women. The only woman I would ever need was Bella. I wanted to build my own family with Bella and Matt.

"You seem very deep in thought, Edward," my father commented after he had finished with his bow tie. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm just nervous." I fingered the black velvet box I had in the pocket of my pants. I had been anxious all day.

"About?" He probed causing me to take a deep breath. I hadn't told anyone about what I had planned, but I knew I had to share it with someone. I was going to go crazy if I didn't.

"I'm going to ask Bella to marry me tonight during the reception." I took out the ring box. I had purchased the ring the weeks before, but I had been waiting to ask. I wanted everything to be as perfect as it could possibly be.

"I knew it was only a matter of time. I'm very happy for you, Edward. Bella is a wonderful woman." My father's acceptance of Bella and Matt made me feel a bit more confident, but I didn't think anything would really calm me.

"Wonderful doesn't even begin to describe her," I corrected as I handed him the ring.

"Then why do you look so uneasy? Are you nervous?" He inquired after he had examined the ring. My real nervousness came from the realization that I had to talk to Matt. I felt as if he had the right to give me his consent.

"I need to talk to Matt before I ask Bella. I want him to know what I plan to do." He handed me back the ring. I looked at it one more time before placing it in the box again. "I just don't know how to bring it up. I've been trying to have the conversation with him for the past week. But, I never know what to say or how to say it."

"What's stopping you?" In reality, I had no idea what was stopping me. "Are you scared he won't agree?"

"I don't think that's an issue," I answered before taking a seat on the couch. Matt and I had a good relationship and I knew he would accept me. But, in a way I was scared about taking the step in that direction. Could I be a real father figure for him?

"Edward, what's really on your mind?" Carlisle took the seat next to me. He always seemed to really know when I wasn't being completely truthful. "If you're having second thoughts about asking Bella then you really shouldn't. Marriage is not something to rush into"

"I know that, dad. But, I've never been surer about something. This is what I want. I want Bella to be my wife," I replied truthfully. "I just hope that I'm good enough for them. I don't want to mess things up."

"You're a good man, Edward. And, I know you will be a good husband and a good father. You don't have to worry about that." Our conversation was cut short as Emmett, Jasper, and Matt walked in. They had all gone to check on the guests downstairs since the ceremony was about to start in thirty minutes.

"Are you ready to take the plunge for a second time?" Emmett joked with a loud laugh as Matt climbed up next to me on the couch.

"Why do we have to wear these clothes?" Matt asked as he pulled on his tie with his good hand. He was still having trouble using his left hand since he was had to wear his green cast. "Mom doesn't even let me go play."

"We all have to wear it." I ruffled his hair giving him a smile. Tuxedos weren't exactly the most comfortable clothes to wear.

"But, they're stupid," he complained with a pout.

"Matt, I know they are stupid, but don't tell your mom," I said as I noticed that my father looked quite amused by the exchange.

"But, it's true," he stated causing me to laugh.

"Just don't say that word in front of your mom," I didn't want Bella to know I had allowed Matt to use the word "stupid." "Let's head downstairs then. We'll meet you all there," I said, hoping to use the time to have a talk with Matt.

"Don't bother going to the girl's suite. None of us are allowed in," Jasper warned with a sigh.

"Where have they disappeared to?" I suddenly realized that I hadn't seen Bella since we had arrived at the hotel in the morning.

"Alice has secluded them. We're not allowed to see them until just before the ceremony," Jasper explained causing me to laugh. Alice always enjoyed giving us a grand unveiling of her masterpieces.

"Alice is on complete overdrive," Emmett added as he sat down on one of the armchairs. "She didn't even allow Matt inside. I don't know how you deal with it, Jasper, I really don't."

"She's not so bad," Jasper defended causing us all to laugh.

"I'm going to take Matt downstairs." I gave my dad a smile before taking Matt's hand and heading out of the suite. I knew it was the right time to have a talk with my future son.

"Can we play outside?" Matt asked once we had reached the lobby of the hotel.

"Sorry, Matt. Your mom is going to be mad at both of us if you get dirty. Plus I want to talk to you about something important." I led him to a small courtyard just off the lobby.

"Am I in trouble?" He questioned fearfully once we had taken a seat on a park bench.

"Why would you be, buddy?" I inquired giving him an assuring smile. "I just wanted to ask you something."

"What?" He probed looking up at me as he swung his legs back and forth.

"You know I love your mom very much," I began, studying him carefully as he nodded. "And, you also know I love you very much."

"Edward, are you leaving like dad?" He questioned in a sad tone. "I don't want you to go away like he did."

"Why would I go?" I don't plan on going anywhere, Matt, I want to be part of your family," I explained, my heart nearly breaking as I heard his words. Had Mike had a similar conversation with him before he had moved out?

"What do you mean?" I could see the confusion in Matt's eyes.

"Matt, I want to marry your mom. And, I want to be your step dad," I clarified causing his eyes to grow wide in surprise.

"Does that mean I have to wear this again?" He questioned with a deep sigh, making my smile.

"I still have to ask her, but you probably will have to in the future," I answered, holding back a laugh. Matt was more worried about having to wear the tux again then about the actual marriage proposal.

"Do you have a ring?" I took the ring out of my pocket to show him. I was extremely relieved that he had taken it well. I loved Matt and I really wanted him to accept me.

I only had a few things left to do to pull off the perfect proposal. I had to make sure that Alice would be able to stay with Matt for the night. And, I had to be sure that the hotel had received the flower delivery from Margaret's shop and had set everything up the way I wanted. I just prayed and hoped that Bella would accept my proposal.

Bella Swan

The vow renewals had been incredibly romantic and I couldn't help but yearn for a love like that of Esme and Carlisle. They were clearly made for each other and it was completely obvious that their love had only grown throughout the years. They were partners, best friends, lovers, and everything else in between.

I watched them sway to the soft music of the band and nearly jumped in surprise as Edwards hands snaked around my waist and his lips brushed my neck. "You seem to be off in dreamland, my love," he commented softly causing me to sigh.

"Your parents look to be completely in love." I continued to watch Esme and Carlisle dance as I allowed myself to melt into his warm embrace. "It's almost mesmerizing to watch."

"I think our love rivals theirs." Edward took my hand before leading me into the dance floor.

"You really think so?" I questioned as my arms wrapped around his neck and his hands settled on my waist.

"I know so," he answered, giving me a breathtaking smile. "I love you in more ways than I can possibly explain to you. And, I plan on taking the rest of forever to show you how much I truly love you."

"I love you too," I whispered, pulling myself closer to him as I allowed him to lead us to the soft tempo of the music. His words rang deep within my heart, making me feel secure. I had never felt emotions so deep for a man and I knew this was where I belonged. We belonged together. I never wanted any other man but him.

"Why don't we skip the rest of the reception?" He suggested after we had danced to a few more songs.

"Wouldn't that be rude?" I couldn't help but give him a sexy smile. I wanted nothing more than to leave with him, but I didn't want to be impolite. A lot of Edward's business associates were in attendance and I didn't think it was right to just disappear for the rest of the evening.

"I think they would forgive us." Edward gestured to his parents just before kissing my lips softly.

"I'll need to find Matt," I said as I looked around for my son. I had last seen him playing with Emmett.

"Don't worry about him, love. Alice and Jasper are going to watch him for the night," he revealed, catching me by surprise. What had Edward planned?

"Edward," I said cautiously as he led me towards the exit of the grand ballroom. "What's happening?"

"Just relax." We continued out of the ballroom and into one of the elevators in the lobby.

"Where are we going?" The curiosity was slowing eating me from the inside. I definitely knew that Edward was up to something, yet I couldn't figure out what it was.

"Do you trust me?" He questioned once we had reached the top most floor of the hotel.

"You know I do," I answered nervously making him smile.

"Close your eyes," he requested, making me even more curious. I hated not knowing what was going on and surprises weren't that great either.

"Edward," I replied cautiously.

"Please, my love." He cupped my cheeks as he stared into my eyes. "Do this for me." He was impossible to resist.

I slowly closed my eyes, biting my lip nervously as I felt him guide me down the hall before stopping briefly to open the hotel room door. "No peaking," he warned sensing my temptation to open my eyes. I was literally dying to know what he was planning.

I allowed him to take me inside the room as I felt my entire body shake with anticipation. "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" Edward slowly let go of my hand. The warm scent of vanilla immediately flooded my senses.

"About a dozen times," I joked as I smiled slightly. I knew I owed it all to Alice. She had designed my light green strapless dress that hugged all my curves perfectly. It was a one of a kind made to accentuate all my strong points.

"Open your eyes, my love," he said causing me to gasp in surprise as I took everything in. We were standing in one of the suites of the hotels, but it wasn't the beauty of the decor that caught my attention. The entire room was lit by a few dozen vanilla candles, giving the room a soft warm glow.

I turned to look at Edward and couldn't help the tears from escaping my eyes. Edward was down on one knee holding two roses, one red and one white. "Bella, you have literally turned my life upside down in the past year. You have shown me the true meaning of love and have made me a better man. I love you and I want to be with you and Matt forever. This red rose symbolizes our love, the white rose the purity of our emotions. Together they symbolize unity, our unity. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

"Yes," I said in a barely audible whisper. I couldn't believe that this was really happening. I was going to become Mrs. Isabella Cullen.

Edward Cullen

I felt as if a new chapter of my life was beginning as I slowly slipped the ring onto Bella's finger. "I love you, Bella," I said as I stood up.

"Edward," she repeated over and over as I hushed her with a slow and sensual kiss. I couldn't believe that Bella had agreed to be my wife. I couldn't recall ever being as happy as I was at that moment with my fiancée in my arms.

We somehow made it from the living area into the bedroom, slowly shedding our clothes along the rose covered pathway. Our desire and passion fused together with our love as our kisses grew longer and deeper. I felt as if I was rediscovering Bella. I was looking at her with new eyes. She was the love of my existence and would soon become my life-long partner.

We made love that night countless times. It was slow and passionate with each and every move designed to express our love. We didn't get much sleep but that wasn't important. What mattered was Bella and the new life we were about to start.

THE END

A/N: I can't believe I'm crying as I reread this. I hope it has lived up to your expectations, because it really was a very difficult chapter for me to write. In all honesty, I don't want to see this end. It is my baby and I'm sad to see it go.

A lot of people continue to ask about the possibility of a sequel. However, I am not going to be writing a sequel for this story. I have promised sequels to two of my stories, and I have yet been able to do it. In all honesty, they are too hard to write. They do not hold the same spark that the original stories do. Therefore, there will be NO sequel to Readjusted.

However, I will have the epilogue posted on Sunday night. I hope you will come back for that.

My next project, besides Taking Chances, is a Harry Potter/Twilight crossover. It is titled Vendetta at Twilight and should begin posting sometime in August. The story will include only Twilight Characters in the Harry Potter world. The Harry Potter characters will NOT be in the story. The story is an Edward/Bella romance with a bit of mystery. I'm really excited for it. Make sure to add me to your Author Alerts to know when that is posted.

Remember to head to the Twilighted threads for discussions and previews. I can also be found on Twitter under Muggleinlove.

Next Chapter: Epilogue

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