Edward

He was true to his word. About not rushing. But, just the fact that she was moving to California changed everything for him. She was the same Bella…but different…she sought him out daily, and he loved that he didn't have to go a single day without seeing her. Once she'd gotten the details of her own house sold, the move had happened fairly quickly, and though Edward and Nessie rented their house, Bella had made a commitment by purchasing the house by the beach. The sandy shore had been on the other side of the yard, and though it was pricey, she'd chosen what she wanted, having faith that it would all work out.

With them in mind, Edward and Nessie had also contributed their feedback, and as his daughter looked around at the 4 bedroom home with an office, Nessie was already staking her claim on one of the rooms. This home was older, needed paint, some upgrades to the appliances, and a lot of love. From the moment the three set eyes on the house, they were all in awe of the ocean views. Nessie hadn't said anything, but she lingered inside one of the rooms as though she was already imagining where her furniture would go.

"It even has room for a piano," Bella said, pointing to the open formal living room.

Edward had thought that as well. "Hint, hint," he said, his heart feeling lighter than it ever had.

"Just saying. The last one didn't need any work, or any neighbors, but this one has more possibilities. Like I have my video room, you have a place to compose, Nessie has a nice room with a view of palm trees and the patio."

"Bella, the other one is more practical…affordable and..."

"Practical? No, I'm manifesting what I want, Edward. And I want you and Nessie in it too."

Yes, it all sounded perfect. He wasn't as picky about being close to the beach, but it excited Nessie, and Edward liked to see his girls happy. His girls. Especially when he didn't have a preference.

She'd made the offer, and the universe had pushed it through. In just days she'd gone into escrow. Bella returned to Washington to get her things settled.

Of course, Edward tried not to fret about her leaving…and changing her mind. Not when they were in a comfortable place. She'd stayed at a hotel while she was in town, and seeing her show up at his door was always a welcome sight.

When the time came for her to move, he and Nessie had helped and then spent more time at her new house. She and Renesmee had painted the rooms, giving Nessie's her signature pink color. Bella and Edward selected appliances and Edward helped remove the carpeting. The house still had a ways to go, but Bella and Ness decorated for Halloween and dressed up as witches. Edward donned a cape over his dress shirt and pants, intending to look like a warlock but resembled a vampire as they went trick-or-treating.

Three months had already passed since the day Bella announced she was going to move to California, and they were gearing up to have their first holiday together. Thanksgiving.

Edward knew he had so much to be thankful for…and now that Bella was firm in her commitment to stay, he'd made the decision. He didn't feel he was rushing it at all.

He'd been working on a secret project every time Bella took Nessie shopping or enjoyed some girl time at a workshop or a fair. Nessie even helped Bella with her videos on occasion.

When the time came, he made the call to the 2nd most important man in her life.

He couldn't very well fly to Washington without drawing her suspicion.

"Hello?"

"Hi there, sir. Edward here."

"Edward…how are you? I heard that you and Bells are seeing each other again."

"Very true. In fact, I'm calling you…this is going to sound silly—to ask for your blessing. This time it's for real."

"Aha. Yeah, I suspected something was off about that engagement. But now, you and Bella are in it for real?"

"It's very real, sir."

"Well, since my daughter moved to California, I'm assuming that was to be closer to you."

That was true. It had been a life-changing decision. "I don't intend to let her get away again."

"Now, Bella has a mind of her own. How can you keep her in one place?"

"That's not my intention at all. Bella has to know that she has the freedom to do what she wants to do. And that I support her. "

"And you didn't do that before?"

"No, Mr. Swan. Truth be told, neither of us were really sure about what we wanted. Separation brings clarity."

He sighed. "I suppose that's true. And what if she says she doesn't want to marry you?"

That thought had occurred to Edward. What if she didn't want to commit on paper? What if she only wanted to see them as they were…or maybe move in together.

"It wouldn't be my preference, but if it made her happy…You see, Mr. Swan, I'm willing to do just about anything…or not do it, if that's what keeps her with me."

"And what if she leaves again? Doesn't want to see you anymore?"

He'd thought of that too, but he'd long since decided that he'd rather have her in his life, no matter the cost, than not.

"If she will have me to any degree, I count myself the most fortunate man alive."

"Alright, Edward. But hey, if you do have any influence, I would very much like to walk my little girl down the aisle."

He smiled. "Understood. Thank you, sir." When he pressed end on the phone, a feeling of happiness overcame him. Yes. This was true for them, being together…and he imagined it already, Bella in his life…for as long as they both shall live…

A week later, he'd already had the arrangements set up, and Nessie, his co-conspirator had been keeping Bella away from the house, running errands as friends and family helped him to bring together the final details.

When she and Nessie entered, Bella flipped on the light, and Edward sat at his piano, whispering to himself, "Now or never."

Then the music began to flow from his fingers.

Bella

Nessie had her driving all over town, saying that she'd wanted to surprise her dad with piano music, but also trying to locate a very rare music box that she'd seen at an antique store.

It was dark when they entered, and Bella flipped on the light to find a trail of rose petals leading out toward the opening of their formal living room. "What is this?" Bella asked Nessie, but then the melody resounded from the piano.

Nessie took Bella's hand and led her towards the piano. Edward was dressed in a suit, and his focus stayed on the composition, and note after note rang out into a dazzling crescendo. Bella pressed her hand to her heart. This was the first time he'd played music for her.

"Oh, Edward," Bella breathed. "It's so beautiful."

"It's for you, Bella."

"You composed that for me."

"Well…I…"

He stood, and she saw his hand reach inside his jacket pocket…but Bella shook her head. "No…this isn't right," she said, and Edward blanched at her response.

Bella dropped to her knees, looking up at him. "Edward, I didn't plan this…but I should have because you deserve the very best. I am so thankful to have you…" She looked to Nessie, finding her smile, "and Ness in my life. And I can't imagine a better way to celebrate our love than to have you as my husband, and you, Nessie, as my daughter. Will you marry me?"

Nessie was covering her mouth, and Renee's voice broke Edward's silence. Bella turned to find that her mother had appeared and stood beside a ficus plant. "Say yes."

Esme and Edward's mother were holding hands, having burst from their hiding, tears in their eyes. "Please?"

Charlie appeared, hands in his pocket. "For the love of Pete."

"Yes," Edward said, and he looked breath taken at her proposal. "Bella, I want nothing more than to be your husband and to celebrate our love for every day of my life."

Everyone cheered, and their lips met, and Bella enveloped Nessie into their group hug.

"Perfect," she said. "Everything is going to be wonderful."

A/N: Okay so I split it in two, like I told a few of you because this seemed the right place to end this chapter. Were you nervous? It's been a journey for these two, but stay with me because we have one more to go. A bazillion thanks to EdwardsFirstKiss for all her helpfully helpful help with this chapter and to the reviewers who kindly shared their thoughts. I always appreciate the feedback. Thanks as well to you for reading and sticking with me and I would love to hear from you. :D