~MDE~

Chapter 26

There have been many dreams I have had over the last few months, but none compare to this one. Edward has never felt real. I can feel his body wrapped around mine as his arms hold me tight. The sound of not one, but two hearts echo in the quiet dawn. If I could die now, I would never ask for anything more. I don't want to give up this feeling. The feeling of consciousness begins to wash over me, and no matter how hard I try to stay wrapped in the warmth of my dream, it's no use. There is a pounding at my door, and it seems as though they will not go away.

As I try to lift my tired body from my night of slumber, I notice a few things. My body is sore. It's a delicious sort of sore but sore nonetheless. What concerns me more is that I'm not alone. I wasn't dreaming of two heartbeats and arms holding me. My body begins to panic as I try to remember what happened yesterday. It is one voice that brings it all back to me. "Baby, what's wrong?" I take a deep breath and smile. It wasn't a dream after all. Turning, I look at that astounding man lying next to me and thank the great lord above for sending him back to me once more. "Nothing is wrong, love. There is someone at the door. I will be right back. Most likely it's the girls. Can you give me a few minutes?"

"Sure. Take all the time you need. I am yours forever, and I'm not going anywhere," he says as he kisses my lips. The kiss is slow and amazing. The pounding on the door breaks our kiss. We both sigh as I get up and grab his shirt from the previous night and place it over my body. He is tall enough that it falls to my knees, and I can't help but bring it to my nose to inhale the scent of him. I hear him laugh as I leave the room making my way to greet the girls.

Pulling the door open mid knock, I'm met with a wide-eyed Alice and Rose. "Bella, what on earth is going on? What happened yesterday, and why are you wearing a man's shirt? Did…"

I know if I don't interrupt Alice now, I will never get a word in otherwise. "Alice, calm down. Come in, and I promise to tell you everything." I show the girls to the living room where Alice and I sit knee to knee on the sofa, and while Rose takes a seat on the chair across from us.

"Bella is there a man here," Alice asks.

"Look, I know you want answers, and I will give them to you, but I need you to let me get this out, please." Both girls nod, and I begin to tell them of the events of my unforgettable Christmas. When I get to the part where he asked me to marry him, I stop. Part of me wants to jump up and down like a schoolgirl, but part of me wants to keep it to myself. "Bella, I can't believe it. I'm so sorry you had to go through that, and all over a simple letter," Alice says through her tears. Looking around, I notice all three of us are wiping our eyes.

"And she couldn't have made it through it without you. For that, I will be forever grateful."

We all turn at the sound of his voice. I wonder how long he has been standing there, and by the look on his face, it's been a while. He opens his arms, and instantly I'm off the couch and pressed to his chest. "Girls, I would like you to meet Edward Cullen. Edward, meet Alice and Rose." The girls rise, and instead of the proper handshake, he hugs them both tight and whispers something in their ear. The only response from each of them is a smile and a "you're welcome." Sure others may have been jealous, but to me, it was a great moment where they all accepted each other.

We sit for hours talking and letting the girls and Edward get to know each other. Several times, I just sit back and watch them interact. I never thought I would have this, and there is no way I will ever give it up.

"Edward, I'm so glad that everyone is safe. Did everyone get to home to family or are they still overseas?"

"Well, Rose, this time we were all lucky. We all get to have a leave. Jasper went home to his family in Texas, although, he will be joining us for New Years. Speaking of New Years, what would you two girls say about joining me at my mom's? Bella has already said she would come, and it would be great to have everyone together. I know Jasper would love to meet you."

Alice and Rose look at each other for only a moment before replying. "We would love to, on one condition," Alice says looking at me.

"Oh no; come on, Alice. Do you have to?" I reply with a slight cringe.

"Oh I must hear this."

"My, well, our condition, is that we get to makeover Bella for the party. Is this a casual, semi-formal, or formal party?" Oh shit, why didn't I think to ask that?

"It's formal. My mom goes all out. It always turns out to be an amazing party. If Bella needs something to wear, I would be more than happy to help." Why do I feel like I am completely left out of this conversation? "Whatever you need, let me know."

"Um, hello. I am right here you know."

The three turn to look at me and laugh softly. "Oh, we know, but you also know we can never pass up an opportunity to dress you up. Edward, we are in."

"I can see that you three are completely conspiring against me, so I am going to start some lunch. Are you staying?"

"Yes," they reply in unison.

I chuckle to myself as I walk to the kitchen. There has never been a happier moment in my life. Here I am, with the man I love in the next room, conspiring against me with my two best friends. They seem to get along like they have known each other for years. The sounds of laughter fill my home when I expected nothing but the sounds of my pain.

I move effortlessly around the kitchen preparing the corn chowder and cornbread that will be served for lunch. This is my element. Surrounded by pans, bowls, and multiple ingredients that when on their own are plain and boring, but mix them together just right, and something amazing happens.

"Something smells amazing in here."

I smile as Edward walks deeper into the kitchen only stopping when he is standing behind me with his arms encasing my waist. "It's corn chowder and cornbread. I hope you like it."

"I can't wait. I miss home-cooked food so much."

I feel a well-placed kiss on my neck. "I love to cook, so you are in luck. If you ever walk away from this house hungry, it is your own fault."

"I could get used to this."

"What's that?"

"Everything; you cooking for me, taking care of me, and just knowing that when I go home, you are there."

"I want that too."

"I'm sorry for yesterday."

"Don't worry about it. I understand, and as I said, it was not a 'no' forever. It is a 'just not right now.'"

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow what?"

"Can I ask you tomorrow?" he says all the while trying not to laugh.

"Edward, you know that's not what I meant. I believe we will both know when the time is right, whether that is tomorrow, two weeks from now, or two years from now. We will know it when the time comes, and I will say yes." I feel him nuzzle into my neck as he whispers "that's all I needed to know."

Lunch is finished, and Edward helps me carry it to the table, and we have the best lunch I have had in a very long time.