The moment Emmett leaves for his night shift on Friday, I text Edward that I'll be heading out soon. While I'm going to have to head home around six in the morning to be safe, I'm still looking forward to a night with Edward. It'll be the longest time we'll have spent together aside from the drive to and from Seattle, and I can't wait.

I need him again like I need air.

Even the drive feels like it's taking too long, and I press the gas a little farther, wanting to be with him right away but quickly realize my mistake on the wet road and start sliding.

"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!"

I manage to save it—or the Jeep manages it, to be honest—and pull over as my heart hammers in my chest. Emmett's not wrong; I am a pretty terrible driver. I breathe deep, getting myself calmed down enough to start again.

Literally nothing is getting in the way of me getting to Edward, but I do keep it slow for the rest of the drive until I pull up to his house. He's waiting for me on his porch and quickly comes to my door, opening it as soon as I unlock it.

He picks me up out of the Jeep, and I squeal. "Hello, beautiful girl."

Our lips meet, and I can't get enough of his taste.

"Hi, yourself." I giggle as he closes the Jeep door with his foot and carries me toward his cabin. "So, am I not allowed to walk tonight?"

He smirks. "Well, you won't be able to after I'm done with you."

I bite my lip as heat spreads across my face and chest. This is going to be one of the best nights of my life, and I'd rather skip dinner and get to the point, but he put a lot of work into a nice meal.

When we get inside, he finally puts me down, but first, he kisses me deeply, and I don't let him pull back fast. I enjoy myself, tasting his tongue as it mingles with mine.

"Fuck, you taste amazing," he says. "So, I made bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. It's terrible for you. I've never done it before, so hopefully, it tastes good."

My stomach growls, and I figure it's probably best that we'll hold of on the great fucking I know he'll give me. "Sounds amazing, handsome. I like how you break my heart-healthy diet."

"A little bacon won't hurt you. Besides, bacon is good for the soul, and you deserve it."

I like how he thinks.

I sit down at his small table, and he brings over the plates, which look incredible. He's outdone himself, and I can't get over how good this tastes. My appetite has sucked lately, but I feel like I can't get enough of his meal.

"How's your week been?" I ask.

"Not bad. I've been looking forward to this, so that kept me in a good mood. How about you? Was work okay yesterday?"

I nod, deciding not to tell him how exhausted it left me. "It was good. I made a bunch of red velvet cupcakes with green frosting and white sprinkles. I love Christmas-themed treats. I also made some cookies and shaped them into trees and snowmen. I'm trying to make enough of everything for two days, but I hate that they won't be as fresh."

"Well, you can't push yourself to be there every day, and I'm sure they still tasted great after one day."

"Yeah, you're right. Tomorrow, I'm going to make a wedding cutting cake. It's my first one, so I'm nervous. My decorating is decent, but I'm definitely not a pro."

He shakes his head, taking my hand over the table. "It'll be perfect. Everything you do is."

I smile sheepishly. "Thank you. Also, if the whole doctoring thing doesn't work out for you, you'd be a great chef. This is amazing."

"Thanks, but I think I'm going to stick with the doctoring thing." He chuckles. "How are you feeling? Any issues with the ICD?"

I shrug. "I think it did some pacing yesterday and this morning, but no shocks thankfully. I think I'd rather actually get kicked in the chest than feel that again. But tonight, my health isn't your concern. Tonight is just about us."

He nods as he grabs our empty plates. "Oh, yes, tonight you're all mine, and I'm going to make sure you know it." He winks and my body vibrates with anticipation.

Yes, this is definitely going to be the best night of my life so far.


Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.

Thank you all for the condolences and for being patient with me. Tomorrow will be a double-update day because it's my birthday!