TWENTY NINE

BPOV

I sat in the doctor's office, my heart hammering in my chest. Every second felt like an eternity, the ticking clock on the wall mocking me. I could barely breathe, waiting for the words that might change my life.

The doctor finally looked up, his eyes soft and filled with something—hope, maybe? I wasn't sure. But I knew I was about to hear the most important thing he'd ever say to me.

"Bella," he said gently, his voice so steady it almost made me dizzy, "you're cancer-free."

For a second, I couldn't move. I couldn't think. The world spun around me, and then—then the tears came. I felt them rush up from deep inside me, spilling out before I even realised what was happening. I stood up, nearly knocking the chair over in my rush, and threw my arms around the doctor.

"Oh my God," I sobbed, clinging to him. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

I don't even remember how I got to the car. The moment I stepped outside that office, my mind raced. There was only one place I needed to be.

Edward.

I didn't care if he was in the middle of practice, if the team was training or not. I needed him to know, and I needed him to know now. My foot pressed hard against the gas pedal as I sped toward the rink, my heart still pounding, tears of joy threatening to fall the whole way there.

When I burst into the arena, I spotted him immediately. He was on the ice, skating smoothly, the team surrounding him. The familiar sound of skates cutting the ice filled the air, but all I could focus on was him.

I didn't stop. I barely slowed down as I ran toward the rink, my voice coming out in a breathless shout. "Edward!"

The coach looked up, annoyed. "Hey! What's going—"

But Edward had already turned toward me, his eyes finding mine instantly. Time slowed as we locked eyes. I could see the confusion on his face, the concern, and then… hope.

I cupped my hands around my mouth, trying to catch my breath as I called out, my voice trembling with excitement. "I'm cancer-free!"

Edward stood still for a moment, completely frozen. And then—his whole face changed. A smile spread across his face, wide and full of joy. He threw his stick down and skated toward me like his life depended on it.

Before I knew it, he was at the barrier, reaching for me, lifting me over it like I weighed nothing. The team erupted in cheers, but all I could focus on was Edward. His arms wrapped tightly around me, and he twirled me in the air, kissing me everywhere he could—my cheeks, my forehead, my lips.

I laughed through my tears, holding onto him as he skated in circles with me still in his arms. The cold air bit at my skin, but it didn't matter. Nothing mattered except this moment.

"You did it!" he whispered into my hair, his voice thick with emotion as he slowed down, pulling me even closer. "You're free, Bella."

I buried my face in his neck, tears of pure happiness soaking into his skin. "We did it," I whispered back, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong beneath my hand.

In his arms, on the ice, I felt lighter than I ever had before. Alive. Free.

This moment, this love—it was everything.

"I love you," I laugh, "but please do not put me down on this ice."

Edward chuckled, his breath warm against my ear. "Don't worry, I've got you. Always."

He skated us gently to the edge of the rink, his movements fluid and graceful despite carrying my weight. As we reached the barrier, his teammates crowded around us, their faces beaming with excitement and relief.

"Congratulations, Bella!" they chorused, reaching out to pat my back and squeeze my shoulders.

Coach cleared his throat, trying to look stern but failing miserably as a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Alright, boys, give them some space. And Cullen, get back to practice. We've got a game tomorrow."

Edward set me down carefully on solid ground, but kept his arm around my waist. "Coach, I—"

"Go," I whispered, giving him a gentle push. "I'll be right here waiting. I officially have all the time in the world."

His face is beautiful when it lights up like this. He kisses me deeply, but shoots off toward his team before I can really enjoy his mouth.

Turning to look at me he skates backward and mouths "celebration sex later?"

I felt my cheeks flush as I nodded, trying to suppress a giggle. Edward's eyes sparkled mischievously before he turned his attention back to practice, his movements on the ice somehow even more graceful and energetic than before.

I made my way to the bleachers, my legs still a bit shaky from the rush of emotions. As I sat down, I pulled out my phone, suddenly realising I hadn't told anyone else the news yet. My fingers hovered over the screen, wondering who to call first.

Mom? Dad? Rose?

In the end, I decided to send a group text to my closest friends and family: "Cancer-free! Call you all soon with details. So much love."

Within seconds, my phone was buzzing with replies, heart emojis, and excited messages. I smiled, feeling overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.

As I watched Edward I realised with a sense of excitement that I get to plan now. My future aside him. And feel as if I have a chance to enjoy it.

The house was perfect. Every single detail had fallen into place, from the carefully chosen furniture to the artwork Rosalie and I had painted together, right down to the last of the landscaping that now framed the outside of the house in bursts of colour. It was finally finished. I took a deep breath, standing in the centre of the living room, my eyes tracing over the frame that hung on the wall—a before shot of the house that Edward had gifted me. Right beside it were the paintings we'd created, our little touch of us in every room.

I smiled, a quiet pride settling into my bones as I set my bag of clothes by the door. I was moving in today with him. Officially.

The house wasn't just a project anymore. It wasn't just walls and floors and spaces to fill. It was a home. Our home. I'd get to build my future here alongside the man of my dreams.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I jumped slightly when I heard Edward's voice behind me. "It's a home," he said, his voice low and full of warmth. "You've built a home, Bella. It's not just a house anymore."

I turned to find him standing there, watching me with that look in his eyes—the one that always made my heart race, the one that made me feel like I was the only person in the world.

"You really think so?" I asked, biting my lip as I looked around, the smile on my face growing wider by the second.

He stepped closer, his presence warm and familiar, his hand reaching out to pull me into his arms. "I know so," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple. "You've created something so beautiful. Just like you."

It had been a month since I'd gone into remission. A month of getting stronger, of feeling like myself again. And in that time, Edward had been there every single step of the way. My rock. My love.

"I couldn't have done it without you," I whispered, leaning into him, letting the moment wash over me.

Edward shifted, pulling back slightly to look into my eyes. There was something different in his expression—something serious and heartfelt. My heart skipped a beat.

"Bella," he started, his voice soft but steady. "These last few months have taught me more than I ever thought possible. About love, about time… about how none of it is promised."

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening as he continued, his hand still resting lightly on my waist.

"I thought I had all the time in the world," he said, his eyes never leaving mine. "But with you, I've learned that every moment is precious. Every second with you is something I can't take for granted."

Before I could respond, before I could even process what was happening, Edward took a deep breath and dropped to one knee, right there in the middle of the living room—the living room of our home.

I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth as my eyes welled up with tears. "Edward…"

He smiled up at me, his eyes full of love and a determination that took my breath away. "I can't wait another second," he said, his voice full of emotion. "I don't care if the cancer comes back. I don't care what life throws at us. You are my future, Bella. Whether that's for hours or for decades, I am ready to fight for you, for us, for whatever comes."

The tears were streaming down my face now, and I didn't even try to stop them.

"I want to spend every second I have with you," he continued, pulling a small box from his pocket and opening it to reveal the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen. "Will you marry me?"

For a moment, I couldn't speak. I couldn't breathe. The love I felt for him overwhelmed me, filling every part of me until all I could do was nod.

"Yes," I whispered through the tears, my voice shaky but full of certainty. "Yes, Edward. I'll marry you."

He stood up quickly, and before I knew it, I was in his arms, his strong embrace lifting me off the ground as he spun me around in sheer joy. I clung to him, laughing and crying all at once, unable to believe this was happening.

"I love you, Bella," he whispered into my ear as he set me down gently. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," I whispered back, my hands cupping his face as I pulled him down for a deep, lingering kiss. "Forever."

He smiled against my lips, his hands wrapping around my waist as he held me close. "Forever," he echoed, his voice full of promise.

And in that moment, standing in the home we had built together, I knew that no matter what came next, no matter what challenges we faced, we would face them together. This was just the beginning of our forever.

The ring was stunning. The ring glittered on my finger as I held it up to the light, admiring its delicate beauty. The center diamond sparkled brilliantly, flanked by two smaller stones that caught the sunlight streaming through the windows.

"It was my grandmother's," Edward said softly, his arms still wrapped around me. "She gave it to me before she passed away, told me to save it for someone truly special."

I turned in his arms, my eyes meeting his. "It's perfect," I whispered, overcome with emotion. "I can't believe this is real."

Edward's smile was tender as he brushed a strand of hair from my face. "Believe it, love. This is our life now. Our future."

I leaned into his touch, savouring the warmth of his hand against my cheek. "Our future," I repeated, the words tasting sweet on my tongue.