The sun light that fell through the forest's sparse cover sent sparkles off my pale skin. It was warm, to me at least. The leaves had finally started to cover the trees bare branches, and the familiar spring smell of Anne's house made me think of her. Summer was coming soon, the air felt thicker, more moist. The lane beneath my bare feet was slightly damp. The lilies had started to grow in thick tufts along the road, their heads just budding on the top of their long stems. They would bloom soon, and the road to Anne's house would be even more beautiful.
I held Anne's cross through my sweater. After her death when I had first left her house – my house, it had felt like a tomb; nothing but hollow spaces and rooms that had once held laughter. I had hoped one day I could return and not feel that sadness. I had not been gone long, but I had returned an entirely different person. The memories now made me smile, remembering the years I had spent with Anne. The rooms once again held laughter and love.
I could see my family clearly as I neared the house. Emmett and Rosalie were in the garage. They were laughing; Emmett leaned in and kissed Rosalie sweetly on the cheek. Alice, Carlisle, Jasper and Esme were all on the front porch. Jasper was lounging in one of the wooden chairs, Alice sitting daintily on his lap, her arms around his neck. Esme was planting one of the several lily plants she had plucked from down the road, Carlisle sitting on the steps, smiling and laughing with the rest of them.
I put my hands in the pockets of my jeans, walking leisurely as I neared the house. I smiled, as I heard him run up from behind the house. Edward was beside me in a second, the sun sparkling on his skin. He pulled me into the open sunlight, smiling as it hit my skin. He touched my cheek, and kissed me softly on the lips, and I closed my eyes. I could spend forever like this. I would spend forever like this.
He stepped behind me and pulled me into his chest, his chin on my shoulder. He held me tightly as we watched our family.
Alice saw us standing at the opening of the driveway and waved enthusiastically. Esme and Carlisle turned their heads and smiled, standing as they slowly walked to where we were watching the rest of them, as if they had all been waiting for me.
"Let's get something to eat!" Emmett boomed, holding Rosalie's hand and walking toward the rest of us.
"I say take-out," Alice chirped happily, winking at me. I smiled at her, grasping her hand and squeezing tightly.
"Chinese food, definitely," I said, making a face. They laughed and started to head towards the back woods. Edward and I stayed behind for a moment, watching the twilight start to fall on over the house.
He squeezed me tightly and put his lips to my ear. "Welcome home, Bella."
I turned in his arms, and looking into his eyes, smiling and stroking his pale cheek with my hand.
I leaned in slowly and pressed my lips softly to his neck.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A/N
And they lived happily ever after, the end!
Yay, it's done. I'm really, really happy with the way this turned out. Hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Love!