We set an alarm so I can get home on time, but I don't want to leave his warm arms. I look at my ring and smile. He really does know me well, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

"We have to get up, beautiful girl," he says, kissing my neck.

"No chance of that as long as you keep kissing me." I giggle as he does it again, and then forces me to sit up.

He'd stacked a few pillows under us so I was comfortable and had oxygen on hand, but I didn't want it. Besides, with the new meds, the fluid in my lungs has gotten a little better, so I don't need it every single night. The fact that he'd thought of it though made me adore him more.

"I'll get your bag from the Jeep," he says, climbing out of bed—naked and gorgeous—before pulling on jeans and a hoodie.

I yawn and wrap the sheet around me, looking around the dark loft. There's just enough room for his low bed and a pair of dressers but not much else. He has some artwork on the walls but no personal photos. He has a few downstairs of a group of soldiers and one of his parents though.

I drop the sheet and head down to the main level where the bathroom is as Edward comes back inside, announcing, "It's snowing."

I look out the window, seeing the big flakes coming down and grin. "I love the first snowfall!"

I almost go to the window but quickly realize I'm still naked. While his cabin is remote, I'd rather not chance it. He hands me my bag, and I quickly throw on the leggings and hoodie I packed and brush my teeth before throwing my hair into a bun.

I still have at least an hour before Emmett gets home, but the snow is certainly going to slow me down. I almost crashed on wet roads last night, so I don't want to chance it.

"I don't want to leave." I sigh.

When I come out, I find Edward waiting by the window, watching the light snowfall, with a cup of coffee in each hand. He holds one out to me, and I grin.

"Does it have caffeine?" I tease, knowing better.

He kisses me softly. "You wish, sweetheart. Come here."

I fall into his arms, wrapping mine around his waist as we look out the window together. It's so utterly gorgeous and now really feels like Christmastime, which reminds me.

"Did Emmett invite you for Christmas with us?"

He nods. "Yeah, I plan on being there. Maybe we can get lost in Carlisle and Esme's large house and have some moments to ourselves."

"Oh, that sounds nice. You know, Emmett works again tonight ..."

He smirks. "If you're up to it, I always am."

I step up on my toes, kissing him one last time before I need to leave. Our lips move together passionately, and I'm left breathless when we part.

Damn, I hate leaving him.


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