Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer still owns Twilight and all the characters.


Epilogue

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and frowned at the green tie I was supposed to wear. For the life of me, I couldn't remember the way Carlisle had tied it in a neat knot. Apparently, I was going to have to find him again to help me out. Tonight was the night of the Cullen's annual Christmas party. Carlisle's coworkers and Esme's clients were invited to the Cullen mansion for an evening of festivities. This was the reason I was wearing my very first suit.

My eyes drifted up from my tie until I was looking at my face. My green eyes looked back at me and I could see the happiness in them. The haunted shadows had faded until I could barely see them anymore. Remnants of the abuse I had suffered lingered, sometimes appearing in my nightmares, especially when I was stressed or worried. But I no longer carried the weight of the monster on my shoulders. He was gone, thanks to the people who had shown me such unconditional love.

A knock at the door shook me out of my thoughts. I gave myself one more glance in the mirror, assuring myself that my crisp white shirt was buttoned correctly. My tie still hung limply around my neck. I opened my door. "Bella," I whispered. All I could do was stare. On a normal, every day basis, she was the most beautiful girl in the world. Tonight, she was gorgeous. Her dress was simple, dark blue with thin straps crossing over her pale shoulders. The skirt floated down to just above her knee. On her feet, she wore heels the same color as her dress. My eyes made their way back up to her face and I took in the rest of her. She had curled her hair and it fell in soft ringlets down her back. The front was pulled back with sparkly clips. "You look stunning," I managed to say.

I took her hands in mine, then lifted one and sent her in a circle beneath my arm. As she twirled, causing the ringlets to bounce. "Sweetheart, you are beautiful," I said again.

She turned back to face me and I saw the blush creeping up her cheeks. "Thank you," she said softly. "You look pretty striking your self."

I laughed. "Babe, I'm half dressed." I pulled on my tie again. "Can't figure this out."

Bella brushed my hands away and her nimble fingers twisted the fabric into a perfect knot. She smiled and kissed me quickly. "How did you learn to do that?" I asked as I went to get my black jacket.

"My dad," she said smiling. "He doesn't wear a tie often, but when he does, I'm the one that helps him with it."

I laughed softly and leaned down to kiss her again. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart," I said.

"Merry Christmas, my angel," she said as she brought her arms around me neck and deepened our kiss. "Mm," she whispered. "I love you so much."

I rested my forehead on hers. "I love you too. I have something for you."

"Edward! There's still a week until Christmas."

"I don't care." I stepped back into my room and grabbed the small box. "I want to give this to you tonight."

I went back to her, the hand that held the box shaking slightly. I looked at her for a second, drowning in her chocolate eyes. "Bella," my voice came out hoarse and I coughed a little to clear my throat. "You have saved my life, in so many ways. With every touch, every kiss you have healed my heart. I could never love anyone as much as I love you." Her eyes were filling with tears and she glanced at the box in my hands. I handed it to her and watched as she lifted the lid.

"Edward," she breathed. "It's beautiful."

I took the ring out of the box and picked up her left hand. "This is my promise," I said, my voice achingly soft. "To love you and cherish you." I looked at the ring as I slid it on to her finger. The white gold twisted in intertwining hearts, diamonds ran along the inside lines. It was not an engagement ring. Even though I knew, with everything I am, that I would marry Bella one day, I also knew we weren't ready for that. Not at seventeen. This ring was a promise for all the future held. I leaned down and kissed her finger. "I will love you always."

"Edward," she repeated. Her eyes came to my face. "Thank you. It's perfect. I love you too. And I promise that I always will."

We kissed again, and it was gentle and sweet. I pulled back, my hands on her cheeks as my thumbs gently rubbed her cheeks. Her hands encircled my wrists as she stared into my eyes. We didn't need words to understand what the other was feeling. I knew the love I saw reflected in her eyes was the same in my eyes.

"Edward!" Emmett came around the corner. "Hey, come on. Mom and Dad want to see you before the party starts."

I kissed Bella's lips once more. Then taking her hand, I followed Emmett down the stairs. Carlisle, Esme, Alice, Jasper and Rosalie all stood in the kitchen, apparently waiting for me. They were all dressed for the party.

"Hi," Alice said. She ran up to give me a hug.

"Edward," Carlisle started as he stepped forward. "We have something for you, an early Christmas present, if you will."

"Sweet boy," Esme said smiling at me. "This is for you, from all of us." She reached behind her and took out a slim, white box. I took it from her and was surprised how light it felt in my hands.

I looked around and found them all watching me with excitement sparkling in their eyes. I carefully lifted the lid. When I read the first words on the official looking paper, tears immediately flood my eyes. I had to blink several times before I could finally understand what they said. My eyes flew to Carlisle's. "Adoption," I whispered.

He nodded slowly. "We can undo it if you would like. But we," he spread his hand out to encompass his whole family. "Want you to be apart of us. Our son, for real."

"Our brother, for real," Emmett added.

I hugged the papers to my chest and tears slid down my cheeks. "I don't want to undo it," I whispered. I felt Bella's hand squeezing mine and I squeezed back. Then I let go and walked to stand directly in front of Carlisle and Esme. "Thank you, Mom and Dad," I whispered. "Thank you for opening your family to me and giving me a second chance."

Esme looked at Carlisle and then she smiled. "We love you honey and now you are officially a member of our family."

"Welcome to the family, little brother," Emmett said, clasping my shoulder. I lifted my hand and put it on top of his.

"Yeah, little brother," Alice said, her smile bursting over her face.

"Hey," I said, laughing despite the tears pooled in my eyes. "I'm only three months younger than you."

She shrugged. "You're still my little brother," she said, raising herself up to her full four feet ten inches.

"Silly," I said. I gathered her in a hug. "I love you, big sister."

Alice kissed my cheek and pulled away. "Love you too."

I stepped back and put my arm around Bella's shoulders. I stood in the kitchen, among my family. My family. I felt loved and protected. I felt hopeful for the future and I couldn't wait to see what it would bring. But mostly, after ten years of struggle and pain, I finally felt completely fearless.

A/N: Hey guys. So we have reached the end. I am tearing up right now as I post this, although I have to admit I am super excited to start writing the alternate ending and the different POVs. I am so incredibly glad that you are as excited about that as I am. I have gotten some really good ideas from people. Let me know if there is something you want to read. But I think knowing I'm not leaving my sweet Edward and Bella behind completely is helping with the sadness at being finished.

This is the first fanfiction I've ever written. It's been an AMAZING ride. When I first started, I figured only a few people would read what I had to say and I really didn't expect to get any reviews. I can't believe, the last time I looked I had over 300 reviews, that is insane. Thank you guys so much. Especially to all of you that have been reviewing since the beginning. And those of you who just found the story, thank you too. I am so glad you enjoyed it.

I will see you again when I post the alternate ending. I will make it a new story, so it won't show up here, you will have to look at my profile. So until next time, I love you all!