This fanfic is based on Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. All characters and settings belong to her.

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Chapter 3

I had always known that Edward was a planner, someone who thought several steps ahead, but standing in front of our new home in Dartmouth, I realized just how much thought he had put into our future together. The house, a charming small Victorian, stood proudly on its lot, the exterior perfectly maintained. A beautiful cherry tree adorned the entrance, its blossoms adding a touch of delicate color to the scene.

Edward, as usual, was one step ahead of me, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He knew me well enough to anticipate my reactions, especially when it came to him spending money on me. I had always been uncomfortable with the extravagance that came so naturally to him and his family, but this was different. This house wasn't just a gift; it was a symbol of his hope for our future.

"Surprise!" he said with a wide grin, his nervousness peeking through his otherwise confident demeanor.

I couldn't help but smile back at him, feeling a mix of amazement and warmth. "Edward, it's beautiful," I whispered, genuinely touched by the thoughtfulness behind this gesture.

He beamed at my reaction, relief washing over his features. "I'm so glad you like it," he said, his voice softening.

Without warning, he scooped me up into his arms, making me squeal in surprise. "Edward!" I exclaimed, giggling despite myself.

"I'm a very traditional man," he declared with a playful glint in his eye, carrying me over the threshold as if we were stepping into a fairytale. I leaned in and kissed his Adam's apple, feeling the rumble of his laughter against my lips.

As we crossed into our new home, I was immediately struck by its beauty. It was a perfect blend of Victorian charm and modern coziness. The living area, dominated by a beautiful fireplace, exuded warmth and elegance. The walls were painted in soft, welcoming hues of white and gold, giving the space an airy and inviting feel. The fireplace, with its intricate mantel, was clearly the centerpiece of the room, inviting us to settle in and enjoy its comforting glow.

To the left, the living area flowed seamlessly into an open-concept kitchen, complete with white cabinets, marble countertops, and sleek stainless-steel appliances. The kitchen island, with its high-back stools, promised many mornings of leisurely breakfasts and late-night conversations.

"Esme and Alice really outdid themselves," Edward said, setting me down gently and watching my reactions closely. "They remodeled the old house, knowing you'd prefer something cozy rather than too large."

I turned to him, my heart swelling with gratitude. "It's perfect, Edward. Absolutely perfect."

He smiled, visibly relaxing. "I wanted our home to be a place where we could build beautiful memories together, Bella. Somewhere that felt like us."

As we explored further, I marveled at the personal touches that made the house feel so uniquely ours. The living room featured a plush sofa adorned with throw pillows in various shades of white, complementing the overall color scheme. A bookshelf lined one wall, already filled with a selection of books that ranged from classic literature to modern fiction. Clearly, Esme and Alice had put considerable thought into every detail.

The dining area, situated just off the kitchen, was equally charming. A round wooden table, surrounded by mismatched chairs, added a touch of rustic elegance to the space. A chandelier hung above, its delicate crystals catching the light and creating a soft, romantic ambiance.

"This is where we'll have our first dinner party," Edward said, his tone teasing but his eyes filled with genuine excitement. "Just you, me, and an assortment of dishes I'll prepare while you sit and keep me company."

I laughed, imagining the scene. "As long as I don't have to cook, I'm all for it."

We moved to the upstairs, where our bedroom awaited. The room was a sanctuary, a haven of tranquility. The large bed, with its ornate headboard and plush bedding, looked incredibly inviting. The walls were painted in a soft, soothing blue, and the windows allowed natural light to flood the room, making it feel even more spacious and airy.

Edward walked over to the windows, opening them to let in the fresh breeze. "I thought you'd like the view," he said, gesturing to the picturesque scene outside. The backyard was beautifully landscaped, with a small garden filled with vibrant flowers and a stone path leading to a secluded seating area.

"It's like a dream," I said, feeling overwhelmed by the beauty and thoughtfulness of it all. "I can't believe this is ours."

Edward turned to me, his expression tender. "Believe it, love. This is just the beginning of our forever."

We stood there for a moment, simply soaking in the reality of our new home. It felt surreal, like stepping into a perfect storybook. I wrapped my arms around Edward, feeling a deep sense of contentment.

As we headed back downstairs, Edward insisted on making me something to eat. Despite his lack of need for food, he had become quite adept at preparing meals for me, and I appreciated the care and effort he put into it. He set about making a simple pasta dish, and I watched him, marveling at how easily he moved around the kitchen.

"You know, you could give some of those celebrity chefs a run for their money," I teased, leaning against the kitchen island.

He laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'll take that as a compliment. But I think I'll stick to cooking for you."

The pasta was delicious, as expected. Edward's culinary skills never ceased to amaze me, even though he never ate the food himself. As I took another bite, I watched him from across the kitchen island. He was leaning on his elbow, his eyes sparkling with amusement and affection.

"Is it good?" he asked, still a bit nervous about his cooking skills.

"It's amazing," I replied, savoring the flavors. "You really should cook more often."

He chuckled, the sound warm and comforting. "Maybe I will," he said, watching me with a satisfied smile.

Despite the delicious meal and Edward's comforting presence, a knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach. Tomorrow was my first day of college at Dartmouth, and the nerves were starting to get to me. Edward had been to college numerous times, all of them Ivy Leagues, and he seemed so at ease with the whole process. I, on the other hand, felt like a bundle of nerves.

Edward must have sensed my anxiety because he reached across the island and took my hand. "You're going to be fine, Bella," he said softly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. "You're smart, capable, and more than ready for this."

I sighed, feeling a little better but still nervous. "I don't know, Edward," I said, voicing my doubts. "I feel like I'm going to mess up. What if I can't keep up?"

"You will," he assured me. "And remember, I'll be there with you. We're taking the same courses, after all."

That was true. I had convinced Edward to take the same major as me—Psychology—so he could help tutor me. He had many degrees already, from various prestigious institutions, but he had agreed to join me in this new endeavor.

"I still think you paid to get me into Dartmouth," I said, half-jokingly. "I can't believe they accepted me on my own merits."

Edward rolled his eyes, but his smile remained. "Bella, you got in because you're intelligent and hardworking. I had nothing to do with it."

I gave him a skeptical look, but his sincerity was hard to argue with. "If you say so," I muttered, taking another bite of pasta.

"We're going to do great," Edward continued, his confidence unwavering. "And it's not just us. The others will be there for you as well."

I smiled at the thought of our family embarking on this new chapter together. "I can't believe Emmett lost that bet to Jasper and has to go into fashion with Alice," I said, shaking my head. "With a minor in art history, no less."

Edward laughed, the sound filling the kitchen with warmth. "Emmett's been grumbling about it non-stop, but I know he secretly enjoy it. He loves a challenge, and Alice is determined to make him her project."

"Poor Emmett," I said, giggling. "He's going to be in for a wild ride."

"And Rosalie's mechanical engineering classes are going to keep her busy," Edward added. "She's really excited about it."

I nodded, knowing how much Rosalie loved working with her hands and solving complex problems. "She'll be great. And Jasper studying philosophy seems fitting. He's always been so thoughtful and introspective."

Edward agreed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It'll be interesting to see how he handles the debates. He's got a sharp mind."

I finished my pasta and pushed the plate away, feeling a bit more relaxed after our conversation. Edward's confidence was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel a bit more optimistic about the days ahead.

"Thank you for this," I said, reaching out to take his hand again. "You always know how to make me feel better."

He squeezed my hand gently, his touch cool and reassuring. "I'm always here for you, Bella. We're in this together."

We spent the rest of the evening talking about our upcoming classes and the plans for the semester. Edward was excited about diving into psychology, even though he already had a wealth of knowledge on the subject. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself looking forward to learning alongside him.

The fire in the fireplace crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the room. I leaned back in my chair, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. Despite my nerves, I knew that with Edward by my side, I could face anything.

"Do you remember your first day of college?" I asked, curious about his many experiences.

Edward smiled, a faraway look in his eyes. "I do. It was a long time ago, but I remember feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. Just like you're feeling now."

"How did you handle it?" I asked, eager for any advice he could offer.

"I just took it one step at a time," he said thoughtfully. "I focused on learning and making the most of the experience. And I had my family to support me, just like you do."

I nodded, grateful for his wisdom. "You're right. I can do this."

"Yes, you can," he said, his eyes shining with pride. "And I'll be right there with you, every step of the way."

"You know, psychology might be a bit easy for you, given that you can read minds," I said, swirling the last bit of wine in my glass.

Edward chuckled, a soft, melodic sound that always sent shivers down my spine. "It's true, I do have an advantage. But remember, I can't read the only mind I really wish I could," he said, his golden eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that always made my heart race.

I smiled, feeling a familiar warmth spread through me. "That must be frustrating," I teased.

He shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "It's more intriguing than frustrating. I've learned to appreciate the mystery. As for the other's, I do have a good understanding of the human and vampire mind, but theories and studies provide an explanation for certain behaviors. It's fascinating to see how these theories evolve with time."

I marveled at his insight, once again struck by how intelligent he was. "I still can't believe how smart you are," I said, shaking my head in awe.

Edward looked down, almost bashful, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "You give me too much credit, Bella. I've just had a lot of time to learn and observe."

As we talked, my eyes drifted to his arms, noticing the way his muscles flexed subtly with each movement. His skin was like marble, smooth and flawless, and I found myself momentarily distracted by the sheer perfection of his physique.

Edward noticed my gaze and smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Even if I can't read your mind, your body betrays you often enough," he said softly. "I can smell when you're aroused, you know."

My cheeks flushed crimson, and I looked away, embarrassed. "You always know, don't you?" I muttered, trying to hide my smile.

He leaned closer, his breath cool against my skin. "I can't help it. Your reactions are intoxicating," he whispered, his voice sending a thrill through me.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "It's not fair, you know. You have all these advantages."

He chuckled again, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Maybe, but it's not something I would change. I love knowing how much I affect you."

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and affection. "You're impossible, Edward."

He reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from my face, his touch gentle and tender. "And yet, you still love me."

"Always," I whispered, leaning into his touch.

We stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's presence. The fire crackled softly in the background, and the house felt like a safe haven from the world outside. I was still nervous about college, but having Edward with me made it all seem more manageable.

"Tell me more about your other degrees," I said after a moment, wanting to hear more about his experiences.

Edward smiled, leaning back slightly as he thought. "Well, there's the medical degree, of course. That was one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences. And then there's literature, which I've always had a passion for. Philosophy, which Jasper and I often discuss. And several others—history, art, even a stint in music."

I shook my head in amazement. "You're like a walking encyclopedia."

He laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "I suppose I am, in a way. But it's not just about collecting degrees. It's about understanding the world and the people in it. Each field of study offers a different perspective, a different way of looking at things."

"You must get bored easily," I said, only half-joking.

He shook his head, his expression serious. "Never with you, Bella. You're my greatest mystery, my greatest challenge. And I wouldn't trade that for anything."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I found myself once again lost in the depths of his eyes. "You always know just what to say," I murmured.

He smiled, leaning in to kiss me softly. "That's because I mean every word."

We stayed like that for a while, our foreheads touching, sharing a moment of perfect intimacy. The worries about college, the future, and everything else melted away in the warmth of his embrace.

When we finally pulled apart, I felt a renewed sense of determination. "We're going to do great at Dartmouth," I said, more to convince myself than anything else.

Edward nodded, his expression confident. "Yes, we are. And we have an incredible support system with us. Alice, Rosalie, Jasper, Emmett... we're all in this together."

I smiled, thinking of our eclectic family and the adventures that lay ahead. "I can't wait to see Emmett in fashion class," I said, giggling at the thought.

Edward laughed, a deep, rich sound that filled the room. "Neither can I. He's going to have his hands full with Alice."