Author's Note: Read on!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.


Chapter 69

I woke up at the muffled sound of the birds chirping outside. It was still dark outside, but light was beginning to fill the room. I gazed up at the ceiling, wondering why I was so warm this morning. Usually, I'd been cold for the past couple years, even in sunny Southern California.

And then, with a start, I realized that I was not alone in bed.

I was in Edward's arms. In his bed. In his house.

I closed my eyes again as I recalled yesterday evening, when we had reconciled. Had I done the right thing? I knew I couldn't live without Edward; that was for sure. But would I be able to forget the past and start living in the present with him? And what would Jasper say? I knew that he would disapprove strongly and do anything he could to change my mind. He'd be terribly disappointed with me. What would I say to him? To our entire family?

I turned my head to glance at the digital clock on Edward's bedside table. It was five-thirty, which meant that I had to get up now to get ready for work. But I realized that today was Saturday, my day off. I could lay in his arms all morning until he had to get up to get ready for work.

I've done the right thing, I tried to convince myself. You can't live without him. You're nothing without him. You're empty without him. You're meant to be.

But somehow, I couldn't relax about my decision until I spoke to my brother. Jasper didn't control my life, but he was a big part of me. His approval would gain my full self-approval on the subject.

I fingered my cardigan anxiously. What would he say?

I took a deep breath and forced myself to think about something else. I recalled last night instead. After dinner, Edward had taken me upstairs to his room. It was much like my own bedroom, white and plain and simple, with no reminders. Just a few pieces of furniture, bookshelves loaded with books and music.

We'd fallen asleep in each other's arms, with no sexual tension whatsoever, but living in the loving atmosphere of our reconciliation. I wanted to take things slow anyway. I realized now that falling in love so early and marrying right away had been the mistake. Slow first, then see where our relationship was going before hurrying into anything. That was the answer.

I must have fell asleep again, because when I opened my eyes again, the room was bright with light. And I was still warm, despite the fact that the blanket was only covering the lower part of my body.

Edward's strong arms hadn't moved once in the night. They were steady and comfortable, and so trusting.

Edward shifted so that he was closer to me. "I could get used to this," he breathed. "Waking up with you in my arms."

I sighed contentedly. "How long have you been awake?"

"Not long." I could feel Edward breathing. "You know...I haven't slept this well in a long time. No restless dreams, no nightmares."

And I realized that the same held true for me. "Me too."

"See?" Edward chuckled. "We belong together."

I smiled as I closed my eyes. After a moment, they flashed back open. "Oh, my God!" I sat up, knocking his arms out of the way. I ran my fingers through my hair, groaning.

"What is it?" Edward asked, alarmed as he, too, sat up. "Is it because you slept here?"

"No," I said. "Rollie. I forgot to call Alice and see how he is."

He made a disbelieving sound. "Are you saying you ripped yourself out of my arms because of a dog?"

I threw him a sharp look. "You were the one who gave me Rollie." I slid out of bed and hurried to the bathroom. "I'm going to take a shower."

"Don't you have worse things to worry about?" Edward called as I turned on the shower. "Aren't you late for work?"

"It's my day off!" I called back.

"Good," Edward said, coming into the bathroom just as I was taking off my camisole. "Can we shower together?" He had a mischievous look on his face.

I shrieked and crushed the camisole to my bra. "Get out!" I started pushing him out of the bathroom.

"Who cares?" Edward protested. "I've already seen you naked!"

"That was eight years ago! Get out!" I slammed the door in his face and locked it.

I breathed a sigh of relief. It was like the first night of our honeymoon all over again. I was pink from just thinking about Edward seeing my bare body.

I took a quick shower. When I came back out wearing a bathrobe and carrying my clothes from last night, I found the bedroom empty. I saw that the bed had been made, and there were gray sweats and a black hoodie laid out for me on it.

I smiled as I pulled them on, noticing that the hoodie was none other than Alice's creations. I smelled Edward's scent all over the clothes and felt comforted.

The delicious aroma of pancakes and bacon filled the air as I descended the staircase. I found my bag on an armchair in the living room and stuffed my clothes inside. I joined Edward in the kitchen, where he was busy making breakfast for us. He had already showered using the guest room's bathroom, and had dressed casually, jeans and a light blue collared polo shirt. His hair was slightly damp and messy as always, making him look delicious. Even more so than the tempting pancakes that he was making.

I approached him and wrapped my arms around his waist. I inhaled his fresh scent and leaned my head against his wide back.

Edward chuckled. "This is the best morning ever, you know that? Despite the fact you kicked me out of my own bathroom."

"You were trying to get into my pants."

He laughed. "Like I said, who cares? I've already seen you naked."

I sighed and let him go. "Grow up." I carried the two plates to the dining room table while he fetched the silverware, maple syrup, and orange juice.

He watched as I ate, a small smile on his lips. "What are you doing today?"

"I'm going back home to change clothes, then go to the hospital."

He frowned. "I thought it was your day off."

"It is. I forgot my wallet in my office. That's why I was arrested yesterday, because I didn't have my license with me, remember?"

He fought back a smile. "And then?"

"And then, I'm having a talk with the devil," I sighed, setting my fork down. "Jasper needs to approve of our relationship first before we do anything else."

His smile faded. "I'll go with you."

"Are you sure?"

He nodded. "I know you won't feel comfortable until you talk to him. I think it'll be better if I'm there with you."

"I just hope he understands." I sighed. "I have a feeling he'll be difficult."


Edward followed me to my house, then waited until I changed into skinny jeans, and a tank top and a white sweater. I made sure that Rollie had enough food and water for when he woke up. He opened one eye long enough to make sure I was fine before going back to sleep.

I smiled as I made a mental note to thank Alice later. I hurried back outside and slid inside Edward's car, leaving mine in the driveway.

"How's Rollie?" Edward asked sarcastically.

I grinned. "Sleeping. He must have thought I was kidnapped when I didn't come home last night. He usually doesn't wake up for any reason, but he opened his eyes long enough to see me alive."

He snorted. "Are you saying I kidnapped you?"

"You did, basically."

"You agreed to cook for me, if I recall."

I looked out the window. "What do you think he'll say?"

Edward became serious. "More like, what do you think he'll do? I think he'll throw another punch at me."

I winced. "Do you really think so?"

"Yes."

"Dodge him."

Edward shrugged. "I'd deserve it."

"No, you don't. What did you do that was so wrong? So you wanted to get back together with me. I don't think that's such a big crime, or I committed a sin as well."

He smiled. "It's nice to know I wasn't alone in that."

We pulled into the hospital parking lot, and I unbuckled my seat belt. "Stay here."

Edward didn't say anything. Instead, he stared straight ahead as I hurried inside the elevator. Somehow, I didn't feel reassured that he'd do as I said.

I retrieved my wallet, bade several of my colleagues good morning, then hurried downstairs to the cardiology division. I approached the nurse's station. "Good morning."

"Dr. Swan!" the head nurse greeted me warmly. "Isn't today your day off?"

"I left something in my office," I said. "I stopped by to retrieve it."

"Bella!"

I turned around to see Angela walking up to me, smiling. She was in her nurse's uniform, with a clipboard in her hands. "Hey, Ang."

"What are you doing here?" Angela asked. "It's your day off, isn't it?"

"I had to come and get something. Listen, can you call Jasper for me?"

"Jasper?" Angela repeated. "I was just with him, making rounds. But then, he got a call on his phone. He went out right away, saying he was meeting someone downstairs. His brother-in-law or something? He looked rather grim."

My eyes were wide. "Okay, thanks. See you later!" I ran out as fast as I could in my pumps.

"Bye," Angela called after me.

I bit my lip on the way down to the parking lot. What was Edward thinking? What if Jasper really hit him again?

"Hurry up," I muttered to myself, looking up at the flashing numbers.

When the doors finally opened, I rushed out. I couldn't see Edward's car anywhere. I looked around, frantic.

That's when I heard raised voices coming from beyond a row of cars. I hurried toward the source of the sound and arrived just in time to see Edward and Jasper in his white lab coat. He looked furious.

"Jasper!" I called, walking toward them as quickly as I could, then stopped abruptly with a gasp when Jasper suddenly punched Edward. "No!"

I hurried toward Edward, who raised his hand to touch his bloody lip. "Edward, are you okay?"

Jasper reached out and grabbed my wrist. He pulled me away from Edward protectively, glaring at him. "Stay away from him, Bella."

"What's wrong with you?" I asked, ripping my arm away from him. "How could you hit him like that?"

"Is it true?" Jasper demanded. "You forgave him? You accepted him?"

"Yes," I breathed, pleading with him. I shook my head. "So don't hurt him."

Jasper looked exasperated. "Are you serious? Have you forgotten how much you've gone through because of him?"

"I haven't forgotten how much I've gone through without him in my life either," I snapped. "I can't live without him, Jasper. You said it yourself, that he's like a drug to me. Yes, I'm addicted, and I can't break away." My eyes turned pleading. "Please, Jasper. Please understand. I love him. Please, grasp that."

Jasper was breathing hard as he stared at me in disbelief. Edward grabbed my wrist and pulled me behind him. "Jasper, listen to me."

Jasper looked at his brother-in-law slowly.

"I love your sister," Edward said steadily. It was hard to doubt his words. He spoke with such confidence, such seriousness. "I can't live without her. I've tried, I really did. You of all people would've seen that. I tried to move on, I tried to forget about her. Because she deserved it. She deserved to be let go, and move on with her life with some other guy who's so much better than I am. I know, Jasper. I know that better than anyone. And I also know how much damage I've caused, to both Bella and you. I don't want to hurt you anymore.

"Yes, I'm selfish. I want her. Even after everything I've done to her, I want her. It's not fair to her, but she gave me a second chance, and I don't want to ruin it. Please, Jasper." Edward was also pleading. "Let me be with her."

Jasper's eyes were filled with unshed tears. "My sister, Edward! My only sister! Why her? Why not someone else?" He was yelling now. He looked desperately angry, scared, and frustrated. "I can't let her do this. Not when you can hurt her again. No, not her."

"Jasper," I pleaded. "I chose him. Please, try to understand."

He was shaking his head. "I can't let you do this, Bella. You're making a big mistake. I don't want to watch you break down all over again. I just can't! Please, try to understand my perspective as well. I can't watch you with that dead expression on your face again. I can't!"

"And you won't!" Tears fell down my face. I shook my head. "You won't, I promise. I'm older now, and Edward is too. We know better. We'll make this work. You won't have to watch me break down again. Because I won't. I trust him. He won't do something like that again. Please, Jasper... Can't you trust me just this once? Please..."

Jasper's anger faded away, and only desperation and fear resided in his face. "Bella..."

Edward watched Jasper. "Jasper, I'll kill myself before I hurt her again. Please, all I ask for is your trust."

Jasper looked helpless. Lost. "I...I can't. I can't..."

I walked forward and hugged him tightly. His arms wrapped around mine instinctively. "Please, Jasper. Try to understand. I can't live without him. He's everything to me. I love him."

"I can't lose you again," Jasper whispered into my hair.

"Trust him."

"I can't."

"Trust me."

His arms tightened. I felt his body racking with sobs, and I realized that my brother had been hurting just as much as I have. He'd hidden it well. Jasper wasn't afraid of anything and was eager to take on any challenge that came to him. But there was one thing he did fear, and it was the fact that I would be hurt all over again. If he had to watch me break down like I did eight years ago all over again, he would lose his will to live as well.

"I know, Jazzy," I whispered. "I know you're scared for me. I know that better than anyone. But you have to trust me on this. I promise, even if Edward and I don't work out, I promise I won't break down again. I'm stronger now. I'm older now. I can take care of myself."

He made an involuntary, heartbroken sound. I patted him on the back lightly as I cried as well, pleading for him to understand, to relent to me for the millionth time in our lives, like the best elder brother that he was in the whole world.


AN: And...Jasper can't help but give into his only sister. How sweet... The end is near, folks! Surely, you wouldn't deprive me of those delicious reviews when the next chapter is the last chapter...right?