Edward's Surprise Even Alice Couldn't See

You aren't wealthy until you have something money can't buy.

Garth Brooks

EDWARD'S POV

The night was clear with stars twinkling down. The limo wouldn't pick us up for another fifteen minutes, per my request. Taking hold of Bella's hand, I led her away from everyone. Alice gave me a puzzled looked and asked me a question through her thoughts. I ignored her question. Lucky for me, Bella was eager for a little time alone.

"Where are you taking me, Edward?" she asked.

I turned a huge smile in place. "What you don't want to spend time with just me?"

Bella blushed.

"We're not going far," I said, guiding her around the school and into the woods.

We walked hand-in-hand for a few more minutes before I came to a stop. Sitting on the ground, I pulled Bella into my lap.

"This is where I wish I could stay, Bella, right here… with you," I said, pausing to take her hand.

I rubbed circles on her palm, trying to calm my sudden nerves. No one, not even magic, could tell me I was meant to be with Bella. That is why I was hesitant to say anything after I became one of Bella's protectors. I didn't want to be told what to do, though I still had to figure out how I was supposed to do in the past. Not that it mattered. Bella had stolen my frozen heart.

"I hardly know you, Bella, but I know the curves of your face and every fleck of gold in your eyes. I love you, Bella."

I silenced her with a kiss. If I didn't get this out, I might never get up the courage again.

"What I feel for you is much more than I have felt for anyone. Be mine, Bella."

Releasing her hand, I pulled out a velvet box from my pocket, but I didn't opened it.

I swallowed before continuing. "Will you marry me?"

BELLA'S POV

I could hardly breathe nor believe what Edward was asking me. Marriage had never crossed my mind. Seven months ago, had someone asked me if I ever saw myself getting, I would have said "no." Then I found Edward for a second time, and the idea of marrying him was not something I'd thought of, but he completed me and constantly showed me how much he cared for me. After the night in the meadow, it was a constant display of love. The way I saw marriage was you didn't get to marry the person you loved—my parents were unable to marry. I knew they loved each other or I wouldn't have been in their lives. I did have a wonderful and supportive father figure in Phil. And from what I can remember about Phil, he loved my mother and me very much, and from stories, I knew my mother cared for him, if not loved him.

I blew out a long breath, knowing Edward was waiting for an answer.

"When?" I asked.

"Whenever you want," he replied, confusion written on his face.

What would Grandfather and Charlie say to me getting engaged before graduating high school let alone college? Did Alice see this happening? Of course she would have, but the look she gave Edward said different.

I am scared at the prospect of marriage. However, the thought of being left without anyone to love scares me more, I thought.

What Edward was asking me was too much for me, and I felt faint but glad he had me sitting on his lap instead of him kneeling in front of me. I looked into his golden eyes and was lost in that moment. True I was scared, but Edward was right here with me, letting me internally freak out as if nothing was the matter.

Could I put my fears aside and marry him? Yes.

"I'm scared, Edward, but, yes, I'll marry you."

Edward opened the box, and I let out a gasp. The ring was gorgeous. A lovely diamond sparkled up at me and had two smaller diamonds on either side.

When and where did he get it?

"This was my mother's. No other ring would do," he said, slipping it on my fourth finger of my left hand.