Chapter Three

Bella woke up with a splitting headache. She looked around and her surroundings momentarily confused her.

"Bella, you're awake," Edward said softly as he approached her bed.

"Why am I in the hospital?" she asked.

"You passed out."

Her eyes searched his as she focused on his words. In flashes, everything that happened came flooding back to her. She felt like her life was spiraling out of control. She sat up. "Where is James?"

"Honey, calm down. How much do you remember?"

"I heard a crash, dropped my phone, and ran to see if you were hurt." She looked into his eyes. "He was lying at the bottom of the stairs. How is he?"

Edward reached out and took her hand in his. "It's okay. He's gone. He won't ever hurt you again."

"What do you mean he's gone?" she asked with a shaky voice.

"When he fell down the stairs he hit his head. He's dead."

Tears fell down her cheeks as she processed what he told her. "He's really dead?" she whispered.

"Yes." Edward wiped her tears away and kissed her forehead. "I'm going to get a nurse to look at you. The police are here also. They need you to give a statement. I've already given mine." She nodded her head. "I'll be right back."

She watched as Edward walked out the door and relief swept over her. James was dead and he would never hurt her again. She took a deep cleansing breath. The thought of having to speak to the cops made her feel uneasy. Bella just wanted to forget what happened, but she knew she would have to relive it all over again and tell them everything.

She was relieved when Edward walked back into the room with a nurse behind him. After a few tests and the police questioned her, they released her from the hospital.

"Do you want to stay in a hotel tonight?" he asked as they walked toward his truck.

The thought of going back to Edward's did make her feel uneasy, but she also knew she was safe with him. All she wanted was to curl up in his arms.

"No. I'm fine." Edward unlocked her door and opened it for her. "Thanks for asking."

Once she was seated, he closed the door. She enjoyed the brief silence and tried to quiet her thoughts. She watched as he walked around to the driver's side. He looked so stressed. Once he was buckled and started the car, she placed her hand on his.

"Edward, what's wrong? Is there something you're not telling me?"

He turned his head and looked her in the eyes. "I could've lost you today if I didn't come home when I did." He paused. "Well, I just can't think about it." Tears ran down his face.

Bella's heart was shattering as she watched the man she loved so much breakdown. Before she knew it, she was in his lap with her arms around him. They sat there and cried until neither had any tears left.

Edward placed his hands on her cheeks, "Bella, I love you. I just want you to know that."

"And I love you, Edward. I can't fathom my life without you." Bella placed a quick kiss on his cheek before climbing off his lap. "I'm not taking you back there. Let's go to a hotel for the night. We'll order in and just be together."

"Sounds perfect."

After four months of being back in therapy, Bella was beginning to feel whole again. The nightmares were less frequent with each week that passed by. Edward came to a few of her appointments with her, which only strengthened their relationship. He spent most nights at her house, and they even talked about moving in together. He sold the house on Willow Lake and wanted to find some land to build her dream house. Some days she had to pinch herself, just to make sure she wasn't dreaming and that he really existed. He truly did love her and she was madly in love with him.

Bella looked in the full-length mirror that hung on the back of her closet door. She was excited to be going out on a mysterious date with Edward, but hated that he wouldn't tell her where they were going.

"Are you ready? If we don't leave soon we're going to miss our reservation," Edward stated, as he leaned against the doorway of her bedroom. "By the way, you look stunning."

She smiled at the gorgeous man staring at her. "You look pretty good yourself." She grabbed her clutch and walked toward him, stopping just inches away. She squealed and dropped her purse when he pulled her into his arm, his warm body pressed against hers, and he kissed her with such passion it left her breathless.

"We need to go now before we don't make it out this room," he whispered against her lips.

"Would staying home be so bad?"

He groaned. "Any other night, but tonight we have plans." He picked up her clutch and handed to her. "Shall we?"

"After you." She placed her hand in his, ready for whatever the night had to offer.

Bella was stunned when he pulled up to Romeo's, which was known for their exquisite food and private dining rooms.

"We're eating here?"

"Yes. I want tonight to be a night you'll never forget."

Edward pulled up to the main entrance and the valet opened her door, extended his hand, and helped her step out of the car. They walked into the restaurant and Bella looked around in awe at the beauty that surrounded her.

The maitre d' showed them to a quaint, private dining room. The room was dimly lit and soft music played in the background. They were led to their table. It flickered in the glow of candles and a bottle of wine was already chilling in a bucket of ice.

"Mr. Cullen, your waiter, Jeffery, will be with you shortly."

"Thank you," Edward replied.

They ate, drank, and danced the night away. Bella felt like a princess in a fairytale and Edward was her knight in shining armor.

The bus boy cleared the last dinner plate while Jeffery refilled their wine glasses. Bella was intrigued by the silent conversation that seemed to be going on between their waiter and Edward. Jeffery nodded and walked away. She tilted her head and looked into Edward's eyes.

"What was that about?" Before he could answer, a violinist walked into the room playing a beautiful melody.

Edward stood and extended his hand to her. "May I have this dance?"

"I would love to." She stood and then made her way into his arms. They swayed to the music, their bodies fit together perfectly. "Tonight has been incredible. I can't believe you arranged this all for me, but I don't understand why."

"Bella, you mean the world to me. I can't imagine my life without you." Edward pulled away from her and dropped to one knee. Her heart started to beat faster as a tear fell down her cheek. Love filled her entire being. Could this be happening? "I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a stunning diamond ring. Edward took her hand in his. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

"Yes. I would love to spend my life with you. You're everything to me, Edward."

He smiled, slid the ring on her finger, and placed a kissed on her hand before standing up. "You've made me the happiest man on earth tonight," he whispered while cupping her face.

"Forever," was the last thing she heard before she felt his lips on hers.

End Notes:

Thank you for reading! Domestic Abuse is a cause that's very close to my heart.

I'm a short story type of author. Keep your eyes open for Vows and At Sunset both coming soon and Edward/Bella AH/AU short stories.

The next story I'll be posting is a spicy older Bella/younger Jasper AH called Tropical Tryst!

Also, I'll be posting a Carlisle/Bella and a Jasper/Bella One Shot soon!