Bella's POV:

Ok, I knew a proposal would be coming sooner or later but I really hadn't expected a proposal tonight. Paul remained on his knee and I stared at him. He looked nervous.

My head was screaming the rational, logical answer 'NO!'

My heart was saying 'Of course, you know you will never find anyone who loves you as much.' And for once I decided to follow my heart.

"Of course I'll marry you!" I said allowing a grin to erupt on my face. An identical grin graced my love's face. I loved seeing him smile. He pulled a velvet box from his jean pocket and opened it slowly. His hands were visibly shaking as he pulled a ring out and slipped it gently on my ring finger.

He stood and kissed me passionately. Well as passionately as he dared with my injuries. I looked like a mess and I knew it. I had a huge cast on one arm making everything awkward and my other arm was bandaged. The wounds on my arm were healing nicely. My torso was another story. Two of the gashes were stitched and the other was already almost healed. It still hurt mostly because my skin was pulled so tight in the areas.

"I love you" He whispered as our heads pressed together gently.

"I love you too." I said. I lifted my hand to look at the ring. It wasn't a traditional engagement ring but it was beautiful and exactly the sort of thing I would have picked for myself. It was a white gold band with trinity knots surrounding an emerald gem.

Paul looked at his watch again and laughed "Well, it's the New Year"

"And I think this is a pretty great way to ring it in" I took his hand in mine "Let's head back and tell everyone."

He nodded and we started back to Emily and Sam's. It only took us a few minutes and I could hear our friends gabbing loudly. We hadn't even closed the gate when Emily and Kim basically pounced on me, grabbing my hand and squealing loudly.

"He asked!" Kim shrieked. "Jarrod you owe Sam twenty bucks!"

"You were making bets on whether or not I'd ask!" Paul glared at his two closest friends.

"No, not on whether or not but on when." Sam joked. "I said today, Jarrod said you'd wait till Valentine's Day."

Emily and Kim kept me away from Paul for the next almost 20 minutes and I glanced balefully at him, silently pleading for him to rescue me. I loved these girls but they made me tired with their boundless energy.

All of a sudden it wasn't Paul that rescued me. It was Leah. She gently touched my shoulder and pulled on my un-casted hand "Can I talk to you?" She asked softly.

I nodded. I honestly wasn't mad at her. It wasn't her fault she was the first female to ever phase, nor was it her fault that I was right next to her when she lost her temper. If anyone's fault at all it was mine. I hadn't followed Paul's instructions. I followed her to the deck behind Sam's house and sat in a patio chair. Leah joined me sitting down across from me.

"Bella I am so sorry I hurt you and I am so sorry that the way I joined the pack was marred by this accident."

I held up a hand to silence her "It's ok!" I smiled at her and jumped when I felt a hot hand on my shoulder. I hadn't even heard Paul come up behind me. I saw Leah shy back a little at the sight of him.

I heard a soft, protective growl from Paul's throat and turned far too quickly to face him. "Don't you growl at her Paul or else you can take this ring back right now and try again in the future." I reprimanded.

He looked down at me obviously chastised "But Bells."

"No buts Paul. I told you to forgive her and to apologize for being an ass and you are still being overprotective!" I was warding off the tears the threatened to spill because of the pain searing through my stitches.

"I'm sorry Bella" Paul whispered worry in his eyes. "Leah I am really sorry I just hate when Bella hurts and you hurt her. I hope we can maybe start over?" Paul questioned moving so I didn't have to twist to see him. I could hear the sincerity in his tone and was proud of him.

I watched as Jacob watched us cautiously from the steps to the deck. He would be there almost instantaneously if Paul or I pulled any move against Leah. He jerked when Leah leaned forward and gave Paul a friendly hug.

"Ok now that we are going to try to be friends" Leah said "I think congratulations are in order" She smiled at me and took my hand to admire my ring.

"Leah we are going to be more than friends, we are going to be like sisters" I smiled "And thank you but I think it's time Paul took me home. I haven't moved this much in almost a week and I am exhausted." I proved my point coincidently by allowing a large yawn to escape me.

Paul moved and before I could even think about standing scooped me into his arms. I winced slightly but knew that the pain would get better shortly.

Jacob moved towards us and I felt Paul's grip tighten slightly.

"Paul I am sorry for the way I acted towards you" Jacob said hanging his head slightly "And to both of you like Leah said congratulations."

We said our goodbyes and Paul placed me gently in his truck. If I hadn't been so tired I would have suggested we walk as Paul's house was such a short distance away but I felt myself drifting in Paul's arms.

Next thing I knew I was in Paul's bed and he was trying to gently change me. I rolled my eyes and muttered "I'm not an invalid. I can dress myself."

He smirked playfully "Maybe I wasn't going to dress you."

"Oh really" I kinked an eyebrow at him. He groaned crawling into bed beside me and kissing me hard. I kissed him back leaning into his kiss. I tangled my fingers into his soft hair and tugged gently. I loved the moans I could make him release.

"Bella, we can't" he murmured reluctantly. He didn't stop kissing me though. His lips trailed down my jaw and collar bone. He stopped and sucked gently right at my collar bone.

"We can if you're gentle" I teased pulling his shirt over his head.

I was no longer sleepy, I just wanted Paul. I wanted to celebrate our engagement and I needed him.

We made love again that night, a little less passionately than in front of his fireplace due to my injuries but amazing nonetheless. He was the gentlest, most caring and attentive lover I could ever imagine having, scratch that he was the only lover I ever wanted to have.

Afterwards we curled together wrapped in the covers and just reveling in each other's presence.

"Bella you are all I need to be happy." Paul whispered tiredly.

"I love you Paul" I smiled letting my eyes slip close.

He placed his hand on my hip and held me as close as he dared. I heard him whisper "I love you too princess" as I fell into dreamland.