The B & B was comfortable and homey, and the plush bed in my room was certainly preferable to a hospital bed. Yet I felt somewhat ill at ease. I missed having Bella across the hall. She would remain hospitalized for the rest of the week, and I planned to visit her as often I could. If nothing else, I felt I helped her keep her mind occupied when I read to her or when we chatted about books, philosophy, music, and the many other topics that arose naturally when we were together.

I had been out of the hospital for three days when the weather turned sunny and warm. After my PT session, I went to Bella's room. She was sitting up in bed, looking much better. Her cheeks had a hint of rosiness, and her hair was smooth and glossy. She greeted me with a smile. As usual, I made my way to her bedside-I was becoming more adept with crutches-and reached for her hand.

"How are you feeling today?" I asked.

"Pretty good," she replied. "Rose said my temperature is normal."

"That's great," I said. "How's your breathing?"

"A little better. I know the ribs are going to take time to heal, and I have to be careful when I move, but I asked Rose to give me a little lower dose of pain meds this morning, and so far, so good."

"I'm really glad to hear it."

Her gaze moved to the window. "The sun is out."

"It's a gorgeous day," I agreed.

"I wish I could go outside. I feel so cooped up in here."

Rose poked her head through the doorway. "Everything okay?" she asked.

I gave Bella's hand a gentle squeeze then addressed Rose. "Is there any chance Bella could get a little fresh air?"

Rose smiled. "You feel up to it?" she asked Bella.

Bella nodded, offering me a smile of thanks for making the request.

"Let me just double-check with Carlisle," Rose replied, "and then we'll see what we can do."

She stepped out of the room. Bella's smile remained. She was even more beautiful when she was happy. She asked how I was doing, and I told her about my therapy session. Rose returned shortly with a wheelchair and a thumbs-up from Carlisle.

The process of getting Bella into the chair was somewhat painful, but she didn't complain. Indeed, her expression shone with delight when Rose wheeled her onto a sun-drenched patio while I followed closely behind. I settled on the bench, automatically reaching for Bella's hand again. Rose left us to enjoy the pleasant weather for a little while.

Bella lifted her face to the sunlight, sighing. "Oh, this feels so nice."

I ran my thumb over the soft skin at her wrist. "Yes, it does."

"Thank you, Edward. You always seem to know just what I need."

We sat quietly for several minutes, simply soaking up the sunshine and breathing in the fresh, clean air. Not for the first time, I marveled at how comfortable I felt with her. The silence felt natural to me, as much so as our conversations. Still, I had a lingering sense of worry. How long would our easy relationship last?

"Bella," I finally said, my voice soft and hesitant.

"Yes?"

I swallowed against the tightness forming in my throat. "I'll have to return to Seattle soon."

Her eyebrows drew together, her expression becoming sober. She nodded slowly. "I know."

"The way we met—the situation you were in—it was terrible, and I'm so sorry you went through that. But the time I've spent with you… it's been…"

She took a quick breath, wincing. "I understand, Edward. I appreciate everything you've done for me. My God, you saved my life. I don't even have the words to express my gratitude. But please know that I'll always be grateful to you. I can never reciprocate, I know, but if there's ever anything I can do for you, any way I can help you, I hope you'll contact me—"

She was preparing to say good-bye. Once I left Forks, this would be over. "I…" I swallowed thickly, my chest heavy. "Of course."

Bella blinked, and I realized that her eyes had filled with tears.

"Sweetheart, what is it?" I asked. Was she in pain? "Do you need me to get Rose?"

She shook her heard. "No… it's…" Her breath hitched, and she winced again.

I cupped her cheeks in my hands. "Bella?" I prompted gently.

"I know it's ridiculous and unrealistic, and you don't even feel the same way, but I wish…" She blinked back the tears.

"What, love? What do you wish?" I didn't even realize I'd used the term of endearment; it just slipped unbidden from my tongue.

She pressed her lips together, lifting a hand to rest it over mine. Her voice was only a whisper as she said, "I wish you didn't have to go."

I swept my thumb over the tears glistening on her cheek as my own eyes began to prickle. "I wish that, too," I said.

"Really?"

"Yes."

I leaned forward, hesitating just a moment to be sure she wouldn't pull away. She looked up at me, her eyes wide and shining, her expression open and affectionate. I kissed her, my lips softly brushing hers. I felt her hand on my head, her fingers sliding through my hair, and I deepened the kiss. For a few glorious seconds, her lips parted, and my tongue swept gently against hers. She gave a little gasp, her fingers tightening against my scalp.

Her mouth was warm and soft, and my entire body felt as though it were aglow. My hand had found its way into her hair, too, my fingers stroking the silky strands. After a moment I pulled back slightly, knowing she needed to breathe, now more than ever. She was still recovering, and I wouldn't risk hurting her in any way.

I rested my forehead against hers, waiting until she had caught her breath. Then I kissed over the dampness left by her tears. She shuddered slightly. I pulled back to look at her. Her cheeks were flushed, but I saw a shiver run through her.

"Are you cold?" I asked with concern.

"No, not at all," she replied. Her blush deepened.

I smiled in understanding. Taking her hands again, I said, "I'll stay in Forks until my residency begins. That's not for three more weeks."

"And then?"

With a little grin, I responded, "Well, I've been thinking about getting a new car, something good for long drives. I'll be coming back and forth from Seattle on weekends… that is, if that's what you want."

"Yes," she said, "it is. Very much."

"Me too."

When Rose returned, she found us in the same position she had left us. However, our hands were clasped, fingers interlaced. She took one look at us and smiled.

"It looks like the sunshine agreed with you," she commented, but her expression showed that she knew it was more than that.

Bella and I knew, too.

To be concluded...