Hello friends!

This chapter isn't the longest, but I already have a plethora of new ideas for the next chapter, so I'm really excited.

Again: No Beta. Please forgive mistakes.

SM owns Twilight.

The rehearsal dinner ends around 9:30 and Edward immediately offers to drive me back to the church so I can get my car. I agree, feeling more nervous than earlier for some odd reason. The energy is different between us now, and we both know it.

Once he pulls out into the road, I glance over at Edward from the corner of my eye. His mouth opens, and then shuts quickly. He seems to be struggling for words, and I can't blame him; I don't know where to start, either.

"Edward, just spit it out," I say. "What happened to not beating around the bush?"

He turns and glares at me playfully. "I'm working on it," he says with a laugh. "Just because I like to be straightforward now doesn't mean I don't get nervous."

There's a long pause as he figures out what he wants to say, and finally, he takes a deep breath and begins to speak.

"I've been working really hard to get to a place where I'm happy with myself," he says. "I'm finally getting there. I'm more confident in myself and my strength every day. But…I'm not sure I'm ready to be in a relationship."

My heart freezes and then drops into my stomach. I know he isn't saying this to be cruel; he's being truthful and I'm thankful for that. So I put on my best brave face and look at him.

"I understand," I say. And I really do.

"I'm not saying…" he starts, trailing off nervously. "I still have feelings for you, Bella. Even after all this time. I'm just don't want to commit to anyone until I can be sure it won't blow up in the end."

"I still have feelings too, Edward," I whisper. "I never stopped."

He smiles a breathtaking smile at me, but it dims as quickly as it appears. "I don't know when I'll be ready," he says honestly. "But if you decide to…move on before I am…just don't be afraid to move on if that is what's best for you."

"I don't think you need to worry about that," reply, looking down at my hands. "And I'm not afraid to wait."

"What did I do to deserve someone like you in my life?" he sighs, smiling wistfully. "So, for now at least. Friends?"

I smile at him in earnest, willing to take whatever he'll give me.

"Friends," I repeat.

He reaches a hand out to me and I place my hand in his. He places our intertwined hands on his seat, and I almost say Is this something friends would do? But I missed the warmth of his hand in mine too much to ruin the moment. So instead, I just enjoy the feeling for as long as I can.

When we get back to the church, he pulls his car into the spot next to my truck and turns off the ignition. Our hands are still clamped together, and he makes no move to release me. He turns to look at me, his green eyes glittering slightly in the moonlight.

"So, best man, are you excited for tomorrow?"

We talk for a little while longer in his car. He asks me question after question about what my college was like, what my favorite classes were, what was my least favorite class, did I have a minor. And I ask him questions about his latest projects, more curious than I realized about his upcoming album and a new movie that he just signed on for. We talk until my phone vibrates and I realize that it's almost midnight.

"I should probably head home," I say sadly. I don't want to stop talking, but I don't want to be overtired tomorrow. It's the biggest day of my best friend's life and the last thing I want to do is fall asleep in a slice of wedding cake.

"I didn't even realize how late it had gotten," he says, glancing at his watch. He turns the car back on and the clock flashes at us brightly.

I open my door and look back over at him. "I'll see you tomorrow?" I ask.

"Definitely," he says. "Don't trip down the aisle," he teases.

I roll my eyes at him and step out, preparing to shut the door, but he calls my name before I do.

"Can I have the first dance tomorrow?" he asks, smiling at me shyly.

I grin at him, a blush filling my cheeks. "Of course," I promise before shutting the door.

I quickly walk over to my truck and it roars to life as soon as I turn the key. I wave at him before I drive away. Once I'm by myself on the road, I sigh loudly.

This whole "friends" thing was going to be a lot harder than I thought.

The wedding will be next chapter, and it will be filled with lots of adorable moments between Edward and Bella AND Alice and Jasper (it is their wedding for goodness sake).

Thanks for reading! Please review!

Lots of love,

Emilia Elliot