AN: I hope you had a happy holiday! :)

Chapter 12

"You seem different," Esme said softly. "Happy."

"I am happy."

"Because of Bella?"

Edward nodded.

His mother sighed. "It's so fast, Edward."

"I know, but it's not as if I'm planning to propose this weekend. It's just nice to have met someone. I really care about her."

"Already."

"Yes."

"What about the distance?"

"We'll figure it out," he replied. "You know, I didn't ask you to stay so that we could talk about my relationship with Bella."

"I know."

Esme Cullen was a stubborn woman. Edward knew that better than anyone. But he was feeling brave, and he was tired . . . so tired of the animosity and tension. It ate at him, making him bitter and cold-hearted, and he was sick of it.

"I don't want to do this anymore," Edward said firmly. "I don't want you to hate me, and I don't want to dread family gatherings."

Esme looked stunned. "I don't hate you, Edward. Why would you ever think that?"

Instead of replying, he simply stared at the Christmas tree and its twinkling lights. The truth was he could make a lengthy list of all the reasons why he believed he was hated by his parents, but he knew his mother would deny it. Besides, rehashing the past wouldn't get them anywhere.

"It's time to move on. I have apologized so many times for the hurt I've caused our family, and yet, the only forgiveness I've ever received has been from Alice. She is the one person who shouldn't forgive me, but she does." Edward sighed deeply before continuing. "It's almost Christmas. The New Year is coming. I've met someone . . . someone I think I could really care about. We're all healthy, and our family is intact. Shouldn't that count for something? Shouldn't all of us be ready to move away from the bitterness and at least try to be happy? I'm going to try, Mom. You can try with me, or we can part ways for good, because I'm done. I'm done with the sadness and misery. Bella is right. It's time I forgave myself, and I am going to try. I'd love your forgiveness, as well, but if you don't think you can do that, then I will move on without you in my life."

Esme was stunned speechless.

"I don't think either of us wants that," his father said from the doorway.

Edward watched as his mother discreetly wiped a tear from her eye just as his father joined them on the couch. Carlisle slipped his arm around his wife and brushed his lips against her temple.

"Our family deserves the chance to heal," Carlisle said, speaking softly. "It will take time, and more discussions like this one, but I think I can speak for both of us when I say we've missed our son, and if there's a chance for healing and moving forward, we want to be part of that."

Looking contrite, Esme gazed at the sparkling tree.

"It's a lovely tree, Edward."

"Thank you."

"And she's a lovely girl."

"Yes."

"Not to mention wise," Carlisle said with a smile. "Isn't it funny that it's taken a stranger to remind us of how lucky we truly are? We've wallowed long enough, I think. We cannot erase the past. All we can do is learn from it, and move forward."

"That's all I want," Edward replied.

"So do we," Esme whispered.

They made plans to have dinner later in the week, and Edward was grateful. He knew he'd need the distraction. By tomorrow, he would be back in Seattle, working on insurance claims and wishing for the weekend. He would need to stay busy. Focused. Determined.

And, most importantly, sober.

The next morning was cold but clear. Bella, in an attempt to hide her gloom, cooked another huge breakfast. Edward, in his attempt to pretend everything was fine, made a valiant effort to eat it.

They both failed, and by noon, Edward was standing on the porch with his bag.

"I'll be back Friday," he said softly.

Bella nodded. "Just four days."

"We can do this."

She nodded again. It was all she could manage.

Sighing heavily, he lowered his bag onto the porch and stepped closer. He stroked her cheek, and she leaned into the heat of his touch.

"Why didn't you come to my room last night?" Her voice was just a whisper.

"I wanted to," he murmured, "but I also knew what would happen if I did. It's too soon for that, no matter how much I want it. Knowing I was leaving today made me want it even more. That's why I didn't come to your room last night."

Bella nodded in understanding. It made sense, of course. And he was right. If he'd come to her room last night . . . there wasn't a doubt in her mind what would happened. She hadn't slept a wink. She'd been too emotional, wondering how she was going to make it through the next four days without him in the house. She'd grown too attached to him, far too quickly.

"We can do this, Bella."

Her tear-filled eyes looked up into his.

"I'll be back Friday evening."

"Four days," she whispered.

He dipped his head, brushing his lips softly against hers. Knowing it would be days before she'd have the chance to kiss him again, she threaded her fingers behind his neck and pulled him closer. Edward groaned and pushed her back against the door, and she arched against him, loving the weight of his body against hers.

When he finally pulled away, he didn't bother to hide his smirk.

"See? That's why I didn't come to your room last night."

She giggled.

Edward kissed her one last time before reaching for his bag.

"I'll call you when I get to my apartment."

"Okay."

Bella followed him to the edge of the porch as he made his way to his car. After tossing his bag into the back seat, he turned toward the inn once more. They waved to each other, and his lips moved.

She couldn't hear him.

But she could read his lips.

"I love you, too," she whispered.