1917- Sixteen years old

Bella's POV

Edward held me to him as we lay on my bed. He came round often as Jasper had left to fight in the war last month. I needed him and he knew that. I'd begged Jasper not to go, but our mother encouraged him to go.

"Bella?"

I looked up to Edward as he lowered his lips to mine.

"Yeah."

"My mother wants me to start courting."

Sitting up, I sat on the edge of my bed, facing away from Edward as a tear slipped from my eye.

"Oh."

"You know Mary? She wants me to court her."

"Okay. She's a nice girl I guess."

He sat behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. I tried to shrug him off but he held me tighter to him, pressing a kiss to the nape of my neck.

"I told her there was someone else I wanted to court."

"Who's that?"

More tears slipped from my eyes as I imagined another girl in Edward's arms.

"You."

My head snapped up to see his face near mine.

"I talked to your mother and father last night and they gave me permission to court you. We'll have less time as just us and will always have Margret around so we don't do anything we aren't supposed to. If you don't want me to court you I will listen to my mother and ask Mary. You don't have to say yes, but I would love it if you said yes."

More tears slipped down my face as I pressed my lips to his, my hand going to his hair. He pulled me back into his chest, pressing his lips closer to mine. I pulled away quickly.

"Yes."

He gave me a quick smile before crashing his lips to mine once more. I pushed him backwards as I turned around. My lips stayed on his as I moved up his body. His hands massaged my back, relaxing the knots that had accumulated from me crying in a crumpled ball every night since Jasper left.

"Are you okay Bella? Your back seems to be quite stiff."

"Yes, thank you Edward. I'm just a bit sore."

"Can I help with that?"

"I don't know how you would?"

"Let me show you."

He scraped my hair behind my ear, smiling up at me. He laid me on the bed, face down and moved his hands to my shoulders. Massaging my shoulders and back, I could feel the knots diminish completely. I sighed in relief as my muscles released the stress.

"Is that better Bella?"

"Yes thank you Edward. That feels really good."

"Good. If you ever need me Bella, I'll be here."

"I love you Edward."

"I love you too Bella."