DISCLAIMER: The characters do not belong to me…they are all the creation of the wonderful Stephenie Meyer.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Bella has a compromise for Edward, and he has a surprise for her.

A Compromise & A Surprise

As Edward and I ran off to hunt, I thought about my training sessions and Edward's reactions to them. It was time for us to have another conversation regarding his overprotective nature, but it would have to wait until after we hunted. If I tried to talk to him now, he'd spend the entire time worrying about if he should have made me hunt before talking.

I caught the unique smell of a cougar and led Edward in that direction. I wanted him to be well-fed and in the best mood possible. I chuckled to myself, remembering that night in Port Angeles when I'd explained my theory about a man's mood, relating to his hunger. That was the second time – Edward refused to stop counting that day in biology as the first time – I had inadvertently put myself in real danger. Of course, that led me to think of all the other times I could remember him considering me to be in danger. We had never truly agreed on what constituted as danger, like the wolves. I stopped running, halted by my latest epiphany.

Edward lifted my chin and studied my face. "Are you okay, love?"

"Yes. Your dinner is right over there, in that small outcropping of caves. I'll wait here for you."

"You can watch, if you'd like."

"I will only distract you since you will be worried about where exactly I'm watching from. Just go and do what you do, and I'll be sitting right here." I sat down in the grass to prove my point.

He leaned down and kissed my forehead before running off at vampire speed. I was being honest when I told him I didn't want him to worry about my whereabouts, but I also wanted some time to review my epiphany before I would explain it to him.

It was my own fault that Edward was so overprotective of me. I had been the one to walk off on my own in Port Angeles, lost in my thoughts and not paying any real attention to my surroundings. I had been the one to run away from Alice and Jasper in Phoenix, trying to save my mother on my own, instead of letting Edward and the others help me. I was also the one who tried to get down the stairs on my own, while in a cast, just to prove my independence to my own stubborn self.

And from the stories Alice shared with me, I was also exceptionally stupid with the wolves. I hardly remembered spending time with just them anymore. I only had fractured memories that were linked to either hearing Edward or having him near me, like my memory of what happened after I punched Jake. As much as I loved Jake and the pack, it had been pretty stupid to go near them right after they first started phasing. It also hadn't been the brightest idea to say things that could upset them while I was near. With the way Jake felt about me, I was sure that some of the things I had said, ended up hurting him.

And I absolutely hadn't been concerned with my own safety when I went to Volterra to retrieve my Edward. But the fault for that one, weighed evenly on both of our shoulders. I didn't take his worries over my safety seriously enough, therefore, I couldn't understand and address his fears. He hadn't been able to believe my love for him was as deep as his was for me, so he never thought it would hurt me to not have him with me. But not only had it hurt me, it had nearly killed me a few times. And there in lied the basis for all his overbearing, overprotective, needless worrying…I had risked my life too many times without really thinking of how he would survive without me. His body might be made of stone, but his heart was just as fragile as any newborn baby's, and that heart would fracture beyond repair if I was ever taken away from him.

I was brought out of my thoughts by a velvet voice whispering softly into my ear as two familiar arms wrapped me in a loving embrace.

"What are you thinking about, my love?"

"I'm sorry," I said softly.

He pulled me into his lap and gently turned my face toward his. "What could you possibly have to apologize for?"

"It's my fault that the training is so hard on you. It's my fault that you always feel the need to save me and protect me."

"How do you figure that, Isabella?" he asked, his tone reflecting his irritation. He could take the blame onto himself all day long, but if I ever tried to own up to any of it, he would just get aggravated. It was endearing and infuriating at the same time.

"Calm down, honey," I pleaded, rubbing my hand against his cheek. "Just listen to me first, before trying to make me feel better, okay?"

He only nodded his head, probably trying his hardest not to lie to me or break a promise. I couldn't ask more of him than that.

"I was thinking about you and the way that you get so worried about me. But for once, I actually tried to figure out why you feel that way. And that's how I came to have another epiphany. It's my own fault. Every time you tried to point out that something was dangerous, my stubborn side kicked in, making me go out of my way to prove you wrong. I was so focused on showing you that I could take care of myself, as well as, if not better than, a century old vampire. I never realized how foolish and thoughtless I was being, or how my behavior must have affected you. I can remember standing with you in my room, giving you a speech about Switzerland, correlating it to the situation with Jacob and you. I can't remember exactly what I did to get you so upset, but I know now that it wasn't anger that you felt that day…It was fear of losing me. I don't think I'll ever be able to apologize enough for doing that to you. Especially when I know that exact same fear; I used to feel it every time you went hunting after you came home from Volterra. I'm sorry, Edward."

We sat in silence, never taking our eyes off of each other. I let him sort through his thoughts, knowing he would speak when he was ready. The longer he took, the more I hoped that he was honestly hearing everything I was trying to tell him.

"I was initially prepared to defend your every action and not allow you to take any blame," he said, breaking the silence. He shook his head slowly, still struggling with his words. "I don't want you to think I agree with you feeling at fault, but I do agree that some of your decisions were not made with your safety in mind. And many of those decisions were hastily made after I had done or said something to make you feel like I didn't believe you could look after yourself. But Isabella, it wasn't about whether or not you could care for yourself; it was about making sure I didn't lose the one thing I had ever cared about in my long, long life. I knew I could never live without you. I thought I could be on my own and return to my solitary existence, as long as I knew you were safe and having a normal life, but soon I became close to cracking and running back to beg your forgiveness because there was no life without you. And then…when I thought…" He lowered his head, unable to look at me.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him tightly. "When you thought I was gone…" I prompted him.

"It was too much. The pain of my transformation, paled in comparison to knowing I would never see you again. It was…debilitating to say the least."

"Yeah, that 'no reason to live' thing is rather harsh," I said, trying to lighten the mood. I leaned back to see his face.

He only managed a ghost of a smile; it never even came close to his golden eyes.

"Edward, I didn't bring this up so you would to start feeling guilty or would be reminded of your hurt. I'm just trying to say that I finally see what you've been trying to get me to see for a long time. I am a danger magnet. I do have trouble keeping myself safe. But without this training, I can't be sure I would have realized just how unsafe I have been over the years. That's why it's absolutely necessary to keep going through with my training. I need you to keep training me, Edward."

His crooked smile came out, warming me instantly, and it finally touched those beautiful, golden eyes I loved so much. "Have you ever noticed, my love, that the few things you do ask of me, are nearly impossible for me to give you?"

"Have you ever noticed, my wonderful husband, that you always think something's impossible until after you've already done it?"

He laughed happily, the sun glinting off of his red-bronze hair, and his pale skin sparkling brightly. He was angelic in that moment, leaving me to wonder, once again, how I got lucky enough to end up with such an amazing man.

His lips twitched as he tried to gain control of himself. "Isabella–"

I smiled and he started chuckling all over again, slightly shaking his head.

I took a deep breath, willing myself to be serious again. "Edward, I want us to make a new compromise."

"I'm beginning to dread that word almost as much as that 'please' word you use against me," he replied, pointing a finger at me.

I stared at him, waiting to see if he wanted to add anymore to his little statement. He nodded his head, letting me know I should continue.

"I propose a new compromise. I will perform my absolute best in every training session, I will be mindful of all situations I get involved in outside of training, and you will continue to work on not being as overprotective of me. I don't expect, or want, for you to stop completely, as I'm sure it will be sometime before I can tell on my own, exactly what constitutes as a true danger – not to mention that it's not always a bad thing to be saved by your gorgeous, god-like husband. But if you could find a way to not charge across the training field every time I get hit, or to abruptly end training sessions without consulting me, I'd be more than satisfied."

"I highly doubt that, my love," he purred into my ear. "I'm sure I can find a few ways to satisfy you further, though."

I stopped breathing, but managed to force myself to glare at him. I knew he was just messing around, but I wanted a serious answer from him first. Then we could discuss other matters. "Stop trying to distract me, Edward. I want to know if you can accept my compromise."

"Bella, I will do all I can to honor your compromise. However, I do want to warn you…If your life is ever in danger, if anyone ever threatens to take you away…"

"Then we will handle it together, as husband and wife," I finished for him.

He didn't seem to want to agree at first, probably wanting to protect me from ever having anything to make a choice to harm someone, but he finally nodded.

I smiled and kissed his cheek softly. "So what were you saying about satisfaction?"

"That depends," he grinned, bringing my hand up to his lips. He kissed my ring finger and then my ring. "Are you finally going to show me your new outfit?"

"Ah, the one-track mind of a horny little vampire," I teased, giving him a coy smile.

He moved so that I was cradled in his arms, unable to get away – not that I would ever want to. His nose skimmed across the sensitive skin of my neck while he spoke in a soft, seductive tone. "It's not my fault that you are a stunning vision of perfection and beauty while fully-clothed, and an irresistible, alluring goddess when dressed in little to nothing at all. I can't possibly be expected to remain a perfect gentleman when such an exquisite temptation appears before me."

I managed to keep my brain and mouth functioning. "Perish the thought."

"I'd rather perish your clothing," he purred.

He lifted his head and stared at me. My brow furrowed in confusion, wondering why he was just watching me. His crooked smile crept across his face and I had an overwhelming urge to slap my forehead; he was waiting for my permission, as he always did. My face must have clearly expressed my embarrassment over my lack of coherency, because he started chuckling at me. I shook my head, trying to force my brain and mouth to work together again.

I had a feeling I would regret it later because Edward was far better at teasing than I probably ever would be, but I wanted to get him back, at least a little, for leaving me temporarily brain-dead. So I pulled his ear close and purred one little word to him. "Please."

He growled playfully at me. "You will pay for that little stunt, my beautiful wife."

"Oh, really?"

"You've forced my hand. I will have to give you the surprise I've been saving for you."

"Edward! Why?"

"Why what, my love?"

"Why must you always surprise me?"

"Because I love you. Because you give me all of your love and understanding everyday. Because it thrills me to see you happy, as you invariably always are after the surprise part is over."

"Must you make such an iron-clad case? I'd prefer to be able to argue just a little," I pouted.

He laughed and kissed me until I forgot why I had been pouting in the first place.

"Let's see this surprise then," I sighed.

That breathtaking smile I loved so much, spread out across his face, making him even more irresistible than he normally was. He stood up, still holding me tightly to his chest, and ran us to a herd of deer. "Be sure to finish your meal, my love. You'll need the energy," he whispered into my ear as he set my feet down on the ground.

"Yes, because I'll really be able to concentrate now," I muttered, giving him a little glare.

He kissed my forehead and then gently pushed me toward my dinner.

I allowed myself to recognize the slight burning of my hunger and let my vampire instincts take over. I took down one of the larger bucks and did as Edward had asked, draining the animal completely. Edward appeared at my side as soon as I was done. He gave me a quick kiss on my forehead before taking the carcass away to dispose of it. As he walked back toward me, I caught him eyeing my shoulder and I knew exactly what he was thinking about without even needing our connection.

I reached out, took his hand, and placed it on my shoulder. "Go ahead and check it, Edward. I don't mind."

He gave me a smile that clearly expressed his gratitude at my actions. He tenderly lifted my arm and rotated it, making sure it was completely healed and working correctly. He took me into his arms and hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Isabella. You always seem to know how to ease my worries."

"Thank you for allowing me to ease them. You can be quite stubborn, if you so choose, Mr. Cullen. And now, I do believe, it is time for you to ease my worries. Let's get this surprise over with."

"Come on, little coward, climb on my back."

I laughed as I jumped onto his back. "You've just been waiting all these years to repeat that little phrase to me, haven't you?"

"I have always had a soft spot for that one," he laughed, as he ran us home at vampire speed.

"I'm so glad that I still have those early memories, Edward. Before anything got complicated – well, more complicated than a vampire and a human falling in love. That day in the meadow was wonderful. And that kiss that followed soon after wasn't half bad either."

"You mean the kiss where you very nearly got yourself killed?"

"I guess I should add that one to my list of not so smart moves. But in my defense, you were just so cute and I could see in your eyes how much you really wanted to kiss me."

Edward stopped near the porch and pulled me in front of him, holding me close. "How could I possibly resist the call of these lips of yours, my love?"

"You resisted me plenty, mister," I chuckled.

"Never easily, though, my sweet Isabella." He gave me a chaste kiss and then my favorite crooked smile. "Go up and pack an overnight bag. And make sure you include that new little outfit of yours."

I parted my lips to speak, but he placed his finger over them.

"No questions from you, my love, as I will give you no clues. Pack a bag for us while I bring the car around. And remember, the sooner you are ready to go, the sooner you'll be rid of your surprise anxiety."

I kissed his finger and smiled. "Cheater."

"Go," he said, pointing at the house and trying to sound stern.

I laughed, but did as he asked. I ran to our room at vampire speed and pulled out a small bag. I pulled out a change of clothes for each of us, and packed them away. I then reached far back into the closet and pulled out the article of clothing he'd been dying to see ever since the movie last week. I folded it and placed it on top, then zipped the bag closed. I grabbed my brush and the rest of our toiletries from the bathroom and shoved them into the side pocket of the bag as I left our room.

I stopped off in the kitchen, knowing from her scent that Esme was in there. "Mom, I just wanted to let you know that Edward and I are going out. I'm not sure if we'll be back tonight or early tomorrow morning."

"Thank you for letting me know, dear. Have fun," Esme replied, giving me a huge smile.

I ran over to her and gave her a big hug. "I love you."

She chuckled and patted my back. "I love you, too, dear. Now you had better go before Edward gets impatient."

"Edward? Impatient? Never!" I laughed as I walked out of the kitchen. Esme's laughter rang out in the house, making me smile wider.

I opened the front door and yelped in surprise as I was pulled against Edward's chest.

"While I love to hear Esme laugh, I don't think it should come from my own wife making fun of me," he said, kissing my neck.

I sighed, relaxing completely in his embrace. "As comfortable as I am in your arms, husband, I think we should get this surprise thing over with sometime tonight."

He laughed as he released me from the hug. He walked me over to Emmett's Jeep and I looked up at him, waiting for an explanation. "The place we are going doesn't have paved roads, love."

I nodded and let him help me into the Jeep. He ran around and got in on the driver's side. As we headed down the driveway, he took my hand into his and kissed the palm sweetly. I smiled, happy to be with him and happy to feel his love for me so strongly. We drove in silence for about ten minutes before Edward turned off onto a dirt road that was overgrown with weeds and low-hanging branches. The trees on both sides were densely packed, keeping the sunlight from touching the little road. It gave me a peaceful, secluded feeling.

We didn't travel down the road long before Edward stopped and turned off the Jeep. We parked in front of a very small, rustic cabin. Other than the small area where we were sitting, the cabin was completely surrounded by the forest, increasing that feeling of seclusion I'd felt earlier.

"Do you like it?" he asked, his excitement clear in his voice.

"It's beautiful, Edward. But what are we doing here?"

"This is your surprise. I know how much you've been craving time alone with me. And while the meadow you found is beautiful, I wanted us to have a place we could go to, regardless of the weather."

I couldn't find any words to explain to him what I was feeling and thinking at the moment.

"Would you like to see the inside?" he asked.

I managed to nod my head. He was at my side instantly, helping me out of the Jeep. His arm snaked around my waist as he led me to the door. He put a key into the door and placed my hand over it.

"Open your surprise, love."

I smiled and stood on my tip-toes, kissing his cheek. I turned the key and opened the door, but before I could take a single step inside, Edward scooped me into his arms, holding me bridal style. He carried me into the little cabin and I found myself laughing happily at how sweet he was being. He kissed my cheek and put me on my feet. I took his hand and walked forward, taking in everything about the little cabin.

It was one, large room. There was a light brown, suede chaise lounge, big enough for two, set in the corner near a small window. A long, low bookcase was right beside it, already filled with books. There was a small stereo system on top of the bookcase, and a pair of headphones. I smiled, amazed again at how Edward always seemed to be prepared for every type of situation. There was a small kitchen area right in the middle with a wood burning stove, not that we would ever use it. The only enclosed area in the place was the small bathroom, near the lounge chair. The opposite wall held a large bed with a golden comforter. I gasped at the sight of the headboard. It was a dark walnut and in the middle of it, a pattern had been etched. I held up my arm, comparing the charm on my bracelet with the cut-out on the headboard; it matched my angel wings perfectly.

"I wanted my angel to have a special place to rest her weary wings," he whispered, holding me from behind.

I wrapped my arms around his, pressing myself tightly against him. "As long as you are with me, every place is special." I choked down the sob that was trying to bubble up, knowing how much he hated to upset me in anyway, even if it was from being overly happy. "Thank you, Edward."

"You like it then?" he asked.

The nervousness of his tone made me smile. I turned in his arms and hugged him tightly. "I love it, Edward. I love you."

What could I possibly say to properly express how loved I felt in that moment? This wasn't just another surprise and attempt to spoil me. This was his answer to my most secret desire; one that I'd never voiced to him or anyone else…privacy and seclusion without being too far from our family. And he had the nerve to say he wasn't perfect!