Hey All! So, now that it's out there, I sort of feel the need to apologize for the previous chapter. It seems to be missing something of the magic of the earlier chapters. I held onto it for far too long and tinkered more than I ever have in this story, so if you were worried . . . or felt like it was a little off-course, I understand. Also, I think the following chapter is closer to what you're used to. Hope you enjoy it!

~Ginnie

Chapter 51:

He lifts his chin, letting the water run over his head and face. It feels good to be alone for a few minutes. To think and reflect in the quiet, humid warmth.

The pipe in the wall gives another little knock and the water rushes forward with a quick burst of cold. Edward drops his face and steps back with a little chuckle. The old house hasn't changed much. There may be new floors and new fixtures, but it still creaks, and groans, and shows its age with the kind of quaint charm only men like Charlie Swan can truly appreciate. And maybe men like Edward Cullen, too.

He stares at the alternating black and white tile wall as he lathers his hair with the least floral-smelling shampoo in the shower. He wonders what Bella thinks of having him here. It was a bit awkward with Sue after Charlie left, so they haven't really spoken, but on the other hand, Edward's glad for the buffer of another presence in the house. He could never have anticipated the events of the last twenty-four hours.

Official. Together.

"You have my blessing."

Edward blinks and turns his face back into the water, letting it wash away both the soap and the warmth suddenly pricking his eyes. His throat feels tight and it takes him a few breaths to get past it. He drops his shoulders, rolling them to shake loose this feeling. This overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Of forgiveness.

"Shit."

He shakes his head and rests his palms against the wall in front of him, lowering his head and losing himself to the emotion as the water beats against his neck and shoulders.

What could he have possibly done to deserve this? How blessed can one man be?

The sight of Bella smiling and laughing is foremost behind his closed eyes. The memory of her kisses is burning on his lips, making his breath hitch. He may just cry after all. He's not sure he can hold it all inside. Not sure he wants to.

Yesterday was all at once the most amazing day of his life, and the worst. He knew it could have gone either way, but the reality was nothing he was prepared for. Her anger and despair had been deeper than he ever imagined. Her capacity to love and forgive wider. She had both broken his heart and healed it all inside of a few minutes.

He knows beyond a shadow of doubt that he loves her. Loves her truly, and completely, in a way he's certain he never loved her when they were kids. There's guilt there, an enormous amount of guilt, but he can't be entirely sorry because somehow all his selfishness and idiocy brought them here. Brought him here.

To Charlie Swan's shower on an icy Tuesday morning.

Edward sighs and reaches for the body soap. It's new book day. He has a couple new releases that need to be put out, along with a few CDs. The store usually opens at ten, but he always goes in at eight on Tuesdays.

He rushes through the rest of his shower, wondering if the roads will be clear in time. He won't lament having to spend more time with Bella, but he needs to get to work.

Would she want to come with him, he wonders. He really doesn't want to let her go. Tomorrow she'll return to Seattle and it will who knows how long before they'll see each other.

Then he reminds himself, one day at a time.

"Tomorrow will take care of itself."

Thank you for reading. And thank you for all your reviews!

Please keep them coming. They are so, so appreciated.