I tried the review replies guys, but you've blown me away with the response to the last chapter and I can't keep up! But please know I LOVED reading each review and it means so much that you took the time to leave your thoughts.

Thank you to Iris, MidnightCougar, Ifyouweremine and SparklyMeg as always.

Chapter 20

The journey back to Forks is quiet. My mind spins and goes into meltdown, wondering why Edward's even here. I haven't had my phone on since I landed in Seattle, so a part of me wonders if he's here for something to do with the wedding.

I shudder, hoping even he's not that stupid.

An even smaller part of me hopes he's here for me. My hands begin to shake a little, and I hate being so nervous. But I thought this was over.

My mom pulls up outside our house, and we sit in the silence for a few moments. I'm pretty sure she can hear my heart pounding in my chest.

"What are you going to say to him?"

I look to the window and see the curtain move. "I have no idea. He might not even be here − not if Dad's got anything to do with it."

She smiles and shakes her head. "We both know his bark's worse than his bite." She looks up to the house. "Are you going to hear him out?"

"I… Yes. I mean, he came all this way, right?"

She takes my hand in hers and squeezes it softly. "You don't have to do anything." She looks at the house and then back to me. "But he flew out here, Bella. That has to mean something."

I take a shaky breath. "I know." I huff and let out a small chuckle. "I don't know why I'm so nervous. This is what I wanted. When I was at the airport, I wanted to see him there, for him to somehow be chasing after me."

She smiles softly. "Maybe he is. Maybe it just took him a little longer."

I look back to the house and smile. "Maybe."

We get out of the car and come to stand in front of it. "Do you want me to take your dad out while you talk?"

I shake my head. "No. I'll, uh, I'll bring him out here. Just keep Dad inside, okay?"

She grins and kisses my forehead. "Of course."

I go inside first and instantly feel the tension in the room. My dad's sitting in his recliner in front of the television. I get the feeling he isn't actually watching it, though. He keeps glancing to Edward. He looks back to the TV once more before his eyes land on us. When he catches my eyes, he smirks, and I instantly know Edward's had a tough time of it.

Edward's on the couch looking down at the floor, but he jumps to his feet as soon as we enter. He briefly looks at my father, flinches, and then glances back to me. His hair's a mess, like his hands have run through it one too many times, and there's about a day's worth of stubble lining his jaw. He's dressed for the cooler weather, with dark jeans and a thick cream sweater.

He looks ruffled but delicious.

"Bella." The relief in his voice is palpable, and I love the way he grins at me.

I can't help but smile softly at him. "Edward."

He grin falls slightly as he remembers our audience. I'm briefly aware of my mom dragging my dad into the kitchen. He fights her but finally relents as they step into the other room.

"I'm sorry for showing up like this. You… I couldn't get a hold of you. Your phone—"

"It's off. I know I should've kept it on, but Jess knew how to get in touch with me if you needed—"

He steps closer to me. "I needed you."

My heart sails at his words, and I can't help but smile… but I need more. I need to know why he's here and what it means.

Before I can say anything, shadows appear behind him. I can see both of my parents trying to be subtle as they peek around the corner. I roll my eyes at them and pick up the blanket from the back of the sofa.

"We should talk outside." I gesture behind him so he knows what I mean. He grins and shrugs, pulling his jacket on, following me to the porch.

The air's damp, the promise of rain making me smile. I inhale deeply, loving the smell. I used to hate it as a kid; it meant plans were usually about to be ruined, but it now reminds me of home.

I take a seat in my dad's chair, and Edward sits next to me at the top of the stairs. His close proximity sends me into overdrive, and I wrap the blanket around me to stop myself from touching him.

I wait for him to speak.

Minutes pass, and I watch him as he looks at the ground. His fingers pick at the wood, and he opens his mouth like he wants to say something.

It's then I notice he's different in the way he holds himself. A weight seems to have been lifted from his shoulders. He might be struggling to get something off his chest, but he looks much better than the rugged mess I last saw at my office.

I watch as he looks around the garden, the house, and then up at the sky. He takes a deep breath before looking to me and smiling when he realizes I'm already watching him.

He ducks his gaze, focusing back on the ground.

"Edward?" I prompt when he still doesn't talk. "Why are you here? How did you find me?"

He sighs, his shoulders hunched. For someone who's traveled to see me, he seems so unsure of himself. "You've mentioned Forks before, and there's only one Swan family listed. That part was easy. This part− I needed to see you, to explain... God… I had what I would say to you all planned." He looks up again. "But now that I'm here in front of you, I—"

"How much have you had to drink?" I butt in, trying to lighten the mood. I don't know whether I'm trying to avoid what he has to say, but I need to change the tense atmosphere.

He chuckles. "Sober." He puts his hand on his heart. "Completely and utterly sober." He shakes his head, resting it in his hands. "Ugh. How embarrassing."

"You were funny," I admit. "Had a hell of a fight with my door."

He groans. "I never could hold my liquor."

I burst out laughing, 'cause he certainly couldn't that night.

He watches me with a smile on his face, and I blush, looking away. "You needed to explain…" I prompt. When I look back up, Edward's a lot closer, leaning toward me. He's so close, and I can't focus on anything except how green his eyes are.

"It's over," he whispers.

I flinch and try to stand.

He places a hand on my knee, keeping me in place. "With Tanya. It's over with Tanya."

ooOoo

Thank you for reading - see you next Sunday!

I'd also like to say a thank you for those that nominated me in the TwiFic Fandom awards – you guys rock! And you can't tell but I'm giving you a virtual hug!
There are some amazing authors/stories/fangirls/pre-readers/betas nominated and voting will open today so go cast your vote!

Fic Rec: The List by LauraACullen - Four weeks before her wedding to Edward, Bella is frustrated. She knows there's little-to-no chance of getting him to bend his rules and boundaries now, but there's no harm in fantasizing about what could happen later. So she begins compiling a list.

This week's fic rec is the first fic I read and what brought me into this crazy ass fandom. The reason for this rec? My facebook is full of #twific10years, and it's giving me all the feels, so I wanted to share it with everyone.

What was your first fic?