I will admit...I felt a way about this chapter, which is why I decided to post it with the previous chapter. I mean, I like this chapter, but at the same time....ehhhh, I don't know. It might just be because those last two chapters for me were just SO GOOD. Anyway, point is, you have two chapters to read:: that makes it cool right? And I did like how this chapter ended, so that's good right? Enough from me, I hope you all enjoy!

Disclaimer: Twilight, no es mio (AKA, not mine)


Chapter Fourteen, The Importance Of Conversation

Edward

We didn't return to Forks immediately, but spent a couple of more days lazing around on the beach and basking in the sunlight and acting like premature honeymooners. Bella definitely wanted to come back here for our actual honeymoon, and I was more than willing to oblige. We made another pit stop before coming back to Forks – a day long layover in New York City, where I had bought Bella's ring, and now allowed Bella to pick out the pair that we would exchange on our wedding day. The woman behind the counter of the Tiffany's gushed at how adorable we were as a couple, and that while she had seen this very activity take place many a time at her counter, we were the first whose love for each other seemed to be radiating throughout the whole room. She gave us the rings half off for that reason alone, although I insisted to pay full price.

While we were flying back to Forks, Bella spent the entire ride curled up against me in a deep sleep. I loved how comfortable she was against me, even while her skin broke out randomly in goosebumps from being next to my cold body. I held a blanket around us to keep her warm. I could feel the warm breath of her every exhale against my neck, and she had one around my waist that absently stroked my side.

"I love you so much," I whispered in her hair.

And I truly did. It was blew my mind to think that there was once a point when I was pushing this girl away from me, especially since now I couldn't imagine having to spend another moment without her. She completed me more than Alice could have foreseen, made me happier more than Alice could have foretold. Bella was my everything, and there were no ifs, ands or buts about it.

Bella ended up sleeping for most our flight, but I made a point to close my eyes just as I felt her beginning to wake. My false dozing was clearly enough to please her, because I heard her giggling after a moment.

"My lovely Edward is fast asleep, is he?" I heard her tease. I felt soft kisses against my temple, cheek and neck. I tried to keep my face blank, but she was arousing me in the simplest of ways. "When does my lovely Edward ever sleep?" Her fingers walked their way slowly up my arm to the side of my face. "When does he ever sleep?" she added in a whisper just as she suckled gently on my neck.

A groan left my throat at that action, which made Bella spring back up. I tried to calm my facial muscles again, but now I was on the verge of laughter. Bella's soft giggles did not make it any better.

"Come on Eddie," Bella teased. "I've caught you: you're awake."

I let out a soft laugh. "No I'm not," I whispered. "I'm fast asleep."

"Well another body part of yours seems to be wide and long awake," Bella said, just as her hand rested comfortably on my quite erect shaft.

"Morning wood," I said, but after that, my composure disintegrated and I burst into uncontrollable laughter. Thankfully, Bella joined in with her own giggles. I managed to steel myself before her, and caught a glimpse of her face crinkled beautiful in glee.

"I really was asleep you know," I told her as I put my arms around her.

"No you weren't," Bella said, climbing easily into my lap. "But I appreciate the sentiment."

She pressed her lips against mine softly, and easily we delved into a more intimate kiss. My hands slipped under her shirt and crept up her back slowly. I slowly undid the clasp of her bra, then broke our kiss long enough to remove both the bra and her top. She giggled softly, before leaning closer to me again. The softness of her bare breasts on my skin was enough to awaken my cock. It pressed against her center, and she let out a blissful sigh at the contact.

"I do love this in-flight fun," she whispered against my lips just before we started kissing again.

Her fingers worked my jeans zipper, and the release instantly eased the tightening that was growing there. She reached in and grasped onto my throbbing member, rolling her hand up and down. My head went back and I exhaled heavily, surprised at just how good her motions felt. I could feel her lips against my neck, tongue dancing on my flesh, while her hand continued to pump up and down.

"Fuck," I growled.

I reached to undo her jeans as well, and she released my shaft long enough to slip out of them. I smiled at her as she wiggled her hips slowly to get out of them, taking down her panties with them as well. When she came back into my lap, I had already rolled on a condom and she eased herself onto me, allowing me to fill her completely. We both took harsh breaths with the entry, her hands going to my shoulders and mine going to her waist. As she eased down on me a second time, Bella's eyes fluttered closed and she bit the corner of her bottom lip.

Everything about her was so fucking hot to me.

She moved slowly, up and down on my shaft, slowly driving me insane. I pulled her closer to me so that I could put my mouth on her breast, sucking gently on her left nipple. Bella moaned as I sweetly nursed from her, and started gyrating in small circles on my cock. I held on tightly to her waist, my hands reaching around to grab some of her plump ass. Soon she begun riding me again, thrusting down hard on me.

"You feel so damn good Bella," I murmured.

She gave me a sexy grin. "You feel pretty fucking awesome yourself, Mr. Cullen."

I slammed her down even harder on me, keeping my firm grip on her waist. Her head fell back and loud, erotic sounds left her open mouth. I fluidly kept her moving up and down, and groaned as I felt her walls clenching around my member. I loved when she did that: loved the warmth of being inside her, loved the slickness and wetness of her flesh. Everything about Bella's body was enough to make me explode on the spot. But I bit my lip and held it together for her. I wanted to please her so much more than to please myself.

She hissed and moaned and I felt her first orgasm coming. I rode her faster on me and arched my thumb down to rub her clit. I felt her spasm instantly at my touch, which only prompted me to worked her harder. She was gasping for air, moaning my name it the most beautiful of sounds. When she tightened around me again and that primal sound left her throat, I knew that she had reached her first climax.

I worked her to have many more orgasms. I began thrusting into her from beneath as I continued to pull her down on me. I could feel Bella's hips moving along with my motions, heightening the pleasure for both of us. We moved in passionate fluidity, both moaning and groaning in perfect harmony, until I felt Bella's clenching around me was too much to bear. I pounded forcefully into her, pushing myself to my own personal brink.

Everything about Bella felt so fucking good, and I could even feel myself shivering as I continued to thrust into her. Bella dug her fingers deep into my skin, her sexy noises of satisfaction simply adding to my own pleasure, until I felt my cock twitch and had an explosive release. I pulled down on me, then held her as close to me as possible, burying my nose in the crook of her neck. I could feel Bella's nose in the same area on my body, and as we continued to hold each other, I felt moisture on my skin.

"Sweetie," I whispered, "why are you crying?"

I heard the quietest sniffle, then a sweet laugh. "I'm just happy that I get to be here with you. And that I get to be like this forever with you."

I squeezed her tightly. "Yes, my love, yes you can."

*

We returned to Forks to the welcoming arms of my family. Alice and Jasper picked us up at the airport, looking apologetic at first because she had foreseen my proposal and already leaked it to the entire family. But all Bella did in response to that was laugh and pull Alice close into a hug while Jazz and I exchanged a firm handshake. Alice and Bella couldn't stop talking as we drove back to the house, but the sound of their easy conversation just made me smile. Bella was already so assimilated in my family – our union was just making everything official.

When we arrived at the house, Esme was the next one to embrace Bella. Emmett practically lifted me off the ground when I stepped into the house, cheering wildly while pumped me up and down.

"Could you put me down please?" I begged while Bella looked on and giggled.

"We're just so happy for the two of you," Esme said, her arms still around Bella. She gave Bella a soft kiss on her forehead, which made Bella blush. "Have you guys thought of where you're going to have the wedding?"

"You have to have it in the backyard!" Alice chimed. "It will be perfect back here."

"I agree," Bella said with a smile.

Emmett finally put me down, then gave me a playful nudge. "That trip to Island Esme really came through for you huh, bro?"

I rolled my eyes, and Esme glared. "Really Emmett, must everything you say be so crass?"

"Are you guys going to have an engagement announcement party?" Jasper asked conversationally.

I hadn't really thought about it, but Alice immediately jumped on the bandwagon. "That's a fabulous idea, Jazz!" she said just before giving him a kiss. "We'll need to have it very soon, next week maybe? I'm pretty sure I can get this place ready in a week. Oh, and Bella, we'll have to go shopping for a party dress!"

"Actually, Al, I'll take Bella shopping."

The voice came from the staircase, and Rosalie was coming down slowly. She was obviously less excited than everyone else, but she certainly didn't have the perpetual pout she wore when anything 'Bella-related' came up. She walked over to Bella and I saw her put in the effort to smile.

"It should be fun," she said quietly.

Bella looked uncomfortable, but nodded gratefully anyway. "Should be," she echoed in a soft voice.

"Well just make sure that I get to be there when we choose the wedding dress," Alice said. "Oh! Can I be a bridesmaid, please?"

"Of course you're a bridesmaid, don't be silly!" Bella said, becoming animated again.

"Edward."

I heard Carlisle's stern voice amidst the whirlwind of excitement Alice was creating. I walked over to where he was standing. He was smiling at me, and had his hand stretched out for a shake. I took it firmly.

"I'm so happy for you, son," he said to me.

"Thank you," I paused, "Dad."

"Have you and Bella had anymore conversation about her being changed?"

My demeanor faltered a bit, but I kept my poise. "We haven't."

"But you've been thinking about it." It wasn't a question.

"Yes, I have," I stopped for a moment. "I'm considering that it should be done following the wedding, so that her family and friends can spend time with her on the special day."

Carlisle nodded, clearly agreeing with this. "And are you prepared to do the change yourself?"

I glanced down for a moment – this was the one thing that had been bothering the most. Surely I wanted to be the one to change Bella, but I knew that the transformation was a tender thing – that too much blood intake will result in her death. And I already knew that I was tempted by her blood already.

"Do you think it would be dangerous for me to do it?" I asked, seeking his advice.

"I think that if it came down to you, you'd know when to stop," Carlisle said slowly. "But as I have told you, I would be more than prepared to take on the task for you. I just wanted to remind you of that fact."

"Thank you, Dad," I said.

He smiled again. "You should know that we're all so happy for you."

I nodded. "I know that, and I greatly appreciate it."

"Well," Carlisle said. "Allow me not to keep you any longer from your fiancée."

At that moment, I felt a warm hand slide into mine. I turned around to see Bella smiling up at me. "Let's walk me back home, instead of drive," she whispered.

"Of course," I replied.

"Don't you worry about this engagement party at all Bella," Alice said as we headed to the door. "I've got the whole thing figured out in my head already. You two just try to keep this thing under wraps until Saturday, yeah?"

"Yes ma'am," Bella teased just before we went out the door.

Bella

"Should I be worried about Rosalie?" I asked Edward as we walked hand in hand, away from the Cullen residence.

"Why would you be worried?" he asked back.

"Because she's spent the majority of our relationship despising me. And I know you said that she was keeping up with my schoolwork for me, and I appreciate her all the more for that, but still–"

"Don't be too hard on Rose," he said, giving my hand a squeeze. "I mean, I know her behavior completely deserves it, but it's really not her fault. She's just complicated at best, but she really does care for you as much as the rest of my family does. Trust me at that. I would take her request for shopping as an extent of friendship from her."

I nodded. "If you say so."

He lifted the hand he had been holding and pressed his lips against it. "I love you, you know."

I grinned. "I know."

The night air was surprisingly warm in my hair, and I heard Edward let out a low growl as it blew around my head slightly. I glanced up at him, realizing for the first time that his eyes were a dark color, with only slight hint of gold in it.

He gave me a reassuring smile. "You just smell better and better all the time."

"When was the last time you fed?" I asked him, immediately concerned.

"Oh I'm fine," Edward said, waving me off. "I know I may look hungry, but I've got everything under control."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive, sweetheart." He stroked the side of my face with his free hand. "But if you want, I'll make sure to hunt right after I drop you off."

"And then come back to me?"

"And then I'll come back," he added with a smile.

A long silence passed between us. I knew what I wanted to talk to him about – what I really wanted to discuss, why I had really suggested that we walk instead of drive. I took a deep breath and whispered "Is it hard?"

He patted his jeans zipper and chuckled. "Not right now."

I pulled my hand from his to give him a forceful push. "Edward! I was not talking about that!"

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," he said, holding his hands up in defense.

I giggled, then rephrased myself. "I meant, is it hard…not drinking human blood?"

He raised his eyebrows. "Where did that come from?"

"Well, we were kinda talking about it," I said shyly.

His expression was thoughtful for a moment, and we walked for a few more minutes in silence. Then, finally, he said, "It's never been quite hard for me: when I was changed, Carlisle had already taken this 'vegetarian' lifestyle if you will, so I never really had a chance to get addicted to human blood. Though I will admit, your scent makes it quite tempting." He laughed a little to himself at this point. "But," he said continuing, "I know how hard it was for Jasper when he decided to take on our lifestyle. I suppose it's harder if you switch to this lifestyle, as opposed to living by it forever."

"Do you think it will be hard for you to change me?" I asked quietly.

Edward went silent again, but this one felt uncomfortable. I wondered if maybe Edward had changed his mind about changing me, now that I had already agreed to marry him. I was fully prepared to argue in my defense if it came to that, but instead, he spoke in a soft voice.

"It will be very hard," he murmured. "I wondered if maybe we should have Carlisle do it instead of me. He's had more experience with this, and he's certainly not infatuated with your blood like I am."

I considered his words carefully. It made sense of course, but somehow, I couldn't picture myself being changed by anyone but Edward. I know I had suggested Carlisle, even Alice, at one point, but I only did it as a ruse. If I had to end my life, I wanted only one person to do it.

"Edward," I said in a sure tone, stepping in front of him so that we were face to face. "I know the risks that we stand if you chance me over Carlisle, but I want you to do. I trust you immensely. I know it may be hard for you, and if you're absolutely sure that you wouldn't be able to do it, then I would consent to Carlisle. But I you should know that I believe in you, and that I know you could do it just as efficiently as Carlisle. I trust and believe in you."

Edward smiled at me, taking my face gently in his hands. "You always seem to know what to say sometimes," he whispered.

"Well, it helps when you don't jump into my mind and find the jumbled thoughts first," I said teasingly.

He kissed me softly before we continued on our way.

"Where will go after the wedding?" I asked.

"Island Esme," Edward answered. "I thought that was already decided."

"No, I mean, after I'm changed," I said, correcting myself.

Edward hesitated. "You're not changing your mind about that are you?"

I frowned. "Are you?"

He shook his head. "No, I'm not either. I've already told you, I want to spend the rest of my existence with you. It would have to come to this at some point." He sighed. "I guess it matters how immediate you wanted this change to be."

"Immediate," I said forcefully.

"Alaska," Edward responded. "We have a house out there. Lots of animals for you to practice hunting on, and for you to become adjusted to the lifestyle. And where the house is, there's hardly any humans around, so no temptation either."

I couldn't pretend that I was excited about the thought of Alaska. "We could spend a few days at Island Esme though, right?"

"So not an immediate change then," Edward teased.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine, not immediate, immediate."

He swept me off the ground and held me close. "I love you so much," he whispered.

"I love you too, Edward."

"Thank you for coming into my life."

"Thank you for keeping me in it," I murmured.

*

Everyone wanted to know why I had been so long absent from school. I conjured up some illness that required long bed rest, and avoiding any of the more groping questions. Alice had already started handing out invitations for a party that Saturday, and kept giving me the single finger on the mouth 'keep quiet' gesture. I wasn't actually bursting to tell anyone at school, and would have felt better just getting married quietly without everyone else knowing. But Alice was already on a rampage, and it seemed too late to stop her.

Rosalie had done very good with my schoolwork, and even gone so far as to raise a couple of my grades, though on slightly. We had made plans to go shopping the Wednesday before the party, and I made a mental note to myself to thank her.

I couldn't lie and say I wasn't nervous for our outing. I didn't even know what to say to Rosalie, much less spend time picking out dresses with her. Edward said I should take this a good sign, but I still felt wary. When Wednesday finally came around and I found myself waiting by Rosalie's sleek red BMW, I could barely control my heartbeat.

When I spotted her coming towards her car, I realized – though not for the first time – just how beautiful she was. Her long blond hair glided behind her with every step, and her eyes – a flawless gold state – shone with inner light. Her body was in perfect proportion, only accented further by her low rise jeans and slim fitting tank top. Even the way she walked, the graceful stride, the sway of her hips: she was like art. I wondered if I could really become this beautiful after my own transformation – the possibility seemed unfathomable.

"You ready to go?" Rosalie asked me, her tone already curt.

"Um, yeah," I said uncertainly.

Rose swept passed me easily and got in her car. I rushed in after her and Rosalie pulled off quickly. She drove faster than Edward, if that was even possible. And she managed to that and still look feminine and gorgeous.

"You have a nice figure," she said to me suddenly. "This should be quick and simple."

I couldn't tell if she was actually complimenting me, because her tone was still so hard and unfriendly. I just remained quiet while she drove. When we finally pulled up to a dress shop, I could have started shivering from how cold it was in the car. Suddenly, this whole thing seemed more than just 'a bad idea'.

We got out of the car and walked towards the shop. Male eyes followed Rosalie every step she took: I felt practically invisible. She seemed unaware of it, holding the door open for me to let me in before her, then going in after.

"Were you thinking a particular color?" Rosalie asked.

I turned around to face her, and she raised her eyebrow at me. "You know you didn't have to do this. Alice could have taken me."

"I know," she replied.

"So why–"

"Look Bella, I know we started off on the wrong foot," Rosalie said. "And I certain can't promise that we'll ever be as close as you and Alice." Well at least she was being up front about things. "But I've come to understand why I didn't like you, and I realized it really wasn't my place to feel that way."

There was a pause, and I finally asked, "What?"

"I couldn't understand how you could just give up your humanity the way you're planning to," she said after a sigh. "I knew, from the get go, once you and Edward got involved, that it was going to come down to this. And I felt that that was unfair to you: for you to have to die to be with someone else."

"Edward isn't just someone to me, Rosalie," I started to explain. "He's everything to me."

"I know that now," Rosalie said in an obvious tone. "I just didn't understand it at first. I suppose when I met Emmett, he was already dying, so I didn't feel like I was killing him for him to be with me. It just…was. But for your situation–"

"It isn't that different."

"You're alive, Bella," she said in that obvious tone again.

"Without Edward, I might as well die," I explained. Then I added, "As cliché as that may sound."

Rose let out a laughing snort. "So long as you know it's cliché."

I laughed following that, and surprisingly enough Rose joined in. Once we quieted down, Rose's expression was less stern. "You make my brother really happy," she said. "That's when I realized I couldn't stay this way towards you. You make Edward happier than he's ever been in all the decades I've been with him. And he deserves happiness just as much as the rest of us. And I'm glad that you want to give it to him, even if it means sacrificing your life."

"It doesn't feel like a sacrifice to me, Rosalie," I told her. "It just feels right. This is what we both need, what's good for the two of us. It's meant to be this way, and we're both happier for it."

Rosalie smiled. "You can call me Rose, you know."

I couldn't suppressed the wide smile coming to my face. "Rose."

Rose rolled her eyes. "Don't get all excited. I'm not completely behind this or something now you know. Let's just get this dress."

I nodded, taking things in stride. "Okay, let's get a dress."


I liked that last part between Rose and Bella...that's what I was referring to up top. Anyway, review please, I appreciate it!

This story is almost done! I'm actually working on the final chapter right now, and then the epilogue. It always feels so nice to be coming to an end of a fic, cause it's so nice the way things come together, you know?

Hopefully the update will come very shortly (Alice looks into the future, and says this is so, tee hee)

--Brin--