A/N: Tiff n Shiff rock

Chapter 45

"I'm proud of you, ya know?" Edward said, as we walked out of the café.

"What for?"

"For the way you handled James. For the way you keep growing as a person every day. You're an incredible woman, Bella. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise." Edward wrapped his arm around the back of my neck and pulled me to him, kissing my forehead.

"So where to now?" I asked, when he finally let me go.

"Time for another surprise," Edward grinned.

By now, the sky was starting to darken. Edward led me to the beach in front of his house, where someone had constructed a cabana and decorated it with fairy lights. There was even an array of candles surrounding the structure, creating more light. Underneath was a mass of pillows and blankets, and a picnic basket. It looked so appealing. I just wanted to dive straight in. "You did all this for me?" I asked, looking up at Edward in awe.

Edward shrugged. "Well I had help, but yes, all of this is for you."

"Thank you," I whispered, leaning up and placing a kiss on his lips.

I wandered over to the cabana and took off my shoes, climbing inside. "It's beautiful," I said, gazing out at the peaceful ocean. "It's perfect."

"Only the best for you," Edward said, taking a seat beside me. He opened up the basket and began to pull out several containers of food, it all smelled heavenly. We had pasta, skewered honey chicken, chicken wraps, pizza rolls, Hawaiian ham roll sliders and plenty of salad. And let's not forget the desserts, skewered strawberry shortcake, sunburst lemon bars and blueberry cookies. I was in food heaven.

Edward and I sat for hours talking about anything and everything. I had never felt so at peace, so happy.

"What has you smiling so hard?" Edward said, looking over at me.

"You do," I said, staring right back at him. "Today has been perfect, you're perfect. I honestly don't know what I've done to deserve you. I keep thinking that I'm going to wake up and find out that all of this has been a dream. That you're not real."

Edward grabbed my hand and pulled it to his chest, positioning it over his heart. I could feel it beating under my hand. "I'm real alright, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm here to stay, for as long as you'll let me."

I leaned over to him and placed my lips to his, whispering against them. "I don't ever want to let you go."

"Then don't."