See you down at the bottom.

The American Princess

Epilogue

BPOV

"Charming, you're being a baby." I roll my eyes as I settle into my first-class seat on our crowded British Airways flight.

"I don't see why we just couldn't take the jet." He plops down next to me and disdainfully looks around at the other passengers. Marcus and Liam, our guard, settle in behind us. "It would be much more comfortable."

"After that article last week complaining about us using the taxpayer dollars… excuse me… pounds to 'jet set all around the world' and how this must be my bad influence on you? No thanks. Now, hush up and deal with it." I hiss, ever mindful of our audience.

"Fine," he grumbles as he makes an exaggerated attempt at getting comfortable punctuated by sighs and huffs.

"I swear, sometimes you are such a snob." I roll my eyes again for effect then pointedly take my book out. The cover says 'Britain- Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture'. The book is actually Melanie Moreland's 'Reid' snuggled inside.

My love for romance novels is something I keep a closely guarded secret. Whatever will they think of me if they found out? Insert sarcasm.

Like he knows what I'm thinking, he leans over to whisper. "What would you do if I yanked that fake cover off and exposed you?"

I level one of my patented bitch face glares at him. "What would you do if I never had sex with you again?"

"Okay, I'm just going to go back to my magazine. Good talk." He mumbles something about withholding sex being 'such a chick move'. I will kill Emmett for teaching him American slang.

I hear Marcus chuckle behind us.

The flight attendant goes through her routine, but I've heard it all before and the spiel doesn't change. Edward is riveted.

"What does she mean about the oxygen masks?"

"What do you mean what does she mean? They come flying down, we grab them and put them on."

"Why would we do that?"

"It's in case we are about to crash."

"We could crash?" He yelps.

"Are you serious with this right now? We are in a plane. Planes crash. Even your precious private jet could crash. Now, will you calm down."

He ignores me and turns to Marcus. "I want to know everything about the pilot before we take off."

I flip through my book. "Marcus, don't you dare." I oppose. "Edward, where are your pills?" I ask quietly.

"In my bag." He grumbles. He hates those things but for now they help calm his anxiety.

Things were great for about two weeks after we reunited, then the real world reared its ugly head.

We knew we loved each other. We knew we wanted to be together. We just had to learn to function well together. Our breaking point was when I broke down in a fit of screams and sobs. It was over something so simple- he followed me to the bathroom. Not to go in there with me but just to basically stay outside the door. With his separation anxiety, when I was around, he had to be as near as possible. He always had to be touching me whether it be when I was cooking, we were sleeping or simply watching tv. While I understood it to an extent, it could be maddening. So, when I got out and he was waiting for me, I just lost it.

I purged every negative emotion out that I had been holding in since the beginning. He looked at me wide eyed but knowingly, like he assumed this was always going to happen. He let me get it all out, never touching me, never speaking.

Once I was done, he looked at me and simply asked, "Do you still want me?"

That started a new bout of tears as I crawled into his lap and apologized over and over. He hushed me and we just stayed like that for what seemed like hours. Then we got up and went to bed.

We decided to go ahead with couple's therapy, where it was discovered that I was quite mad at him for the way he handled things and that he had general anxiety along with separation anxiety. Our issues mixed together made it slightly difficult to for us to be cohesive. She recommended pills for Edward and separate sessions for us both. We privately halted our engagement- though to everyone not in the know, it was still on- until we could work it out.

That was three months ago, and we've been better than ever. Of course, there are times like this when I could throttle him.

He reached into his bag and quickly took his pill then settled back to let it take effect. He fell asleep an hour in, and I finished my book making a mental note to buy Halton when it came out.

I looked back and Marcus and Liam were occupying themselves with various magazines. As if he knew I was staring, Marcus looks up, raising his eyebrow in question at me. I just shook my head, turned around and rifled through my own carryon for something to keep me occupied.

Soon enough, we landed at JFK and amidst dozens of paparazzi's that had no doubt been tipped off through Twitter or Facebook from one of the passengers. Edward immediately tried to shield me, but I merely grabbed his hand and walked through them ignoring all their intrusive questions. Our black SUV was waiting so we hopped in with Marcus next to us and Liam riding shotgun. Charming rants all the way to the Four Seasons, while I check my emails, pointedly ignoring all his blustering.

We are ushered into the lobby and check in promptly. Even someplace as swanky as this joint and there are people whispering and pointing at us. I guess there will always be curiosity surrounding a crowned prince and his American girlfriend. I share a knowing look with Charming as he is handed the keycard to the 52nd floor.

"What? Your penthouse was so much nicer than the room I had the last time I stayed here."

"Snob." I tease under my breath.

"I think the word you are looking for is pampered." He objects.

"Spoiled works also, Ms. Swan." Marcus helpfully supplies.

We are on the elevator now and Edward scowls at him. "You don't have to side with her all the time now, you know?"

"Yes, he does. It was part of our agreement." I inform him.

"He was mine first."

"He's mine now." I taunt.

Which is true. Marcus had been assigned to my detail after we made amends. It's been interesting but not as interesting as my hot and cold relationship with Carlisle.

He did mean what he said by supporting us, but his passive aggressiveness is a constant source of contention between us. I have learned to ignore it for the most part as the rest of the family is completely on board with our relationship.

King Konstipation will get over it… eventually.

Liam lets us in and after a security check, they retire to their suite one floor down.

"Finally, alone." Charming announces as he sweeps me into his arms.

"Yes, and I'm famished."

"For what?" He grins cheekily.

"Feed me food then we'll have a proper dessert."

"You sound more and more British every day." He grins proudly.

"Like real British or Madonna British?"

He laughs and finds the room service menu on the island in our kitchenette.

"What sounds good to you?" He asks.

"A big juicy cheeseburger, fries and a shake. No pickles. And don't think I didn't notice that you didn't answer me."

He smirks then grabs the phone, placing our order.

"It will about thirty minutes." He announces, placing the phone back in its cradle.

"Okay, I think I will take a quick shower then to get the plane washed off of me."

He nods, indicating that he heard me as he plops on the sofa and turns on the television, flipping through channels in that rapid way a man does that makes my eyes hurt.

I shower and throw on my yoga pants and a tank. I am towel drying my hair a I walk out into the main area and see him getting our food set up. I join him at the island, and we eat as we discuss our next few days. He warns me of extra security for tomorrow night and I nod, used to the intrusive guards that accompany us from time to time.

After we eat, I make good on my promise of dessert and fall into a deep, peaceful sleep, awakening to the sound of a doorbell.

Suddenly, I feel a body bounce on the bed next to me and I groan and glare at what I assume to be a more playful than usual Charming but instead find myself looking into the dark eyes of Angela.

I squeal and we fall back onto the pillows in a fit of joyful noise.

"How did you…"

"Girl, you are always front page and social media trending news. But Edward emailed me and invited me over for breakfast. He's in the living room now waiting for it to arrive."

"I'm so glad to see you. It's been much too long. I'm sorry about that."

"Well I imagine becoming a princess is time occupying work."

"It is at that. But still, it's been what… "

"A year!"

"That's right. I can't believe it's only been a year since I met Charming."

"Charming? Oh, I like that. Fits. He certainly is, isn't he?"

"He has his moments but yes." I laugh. "Let me freshen up and I'll be back."

I quickly move through my morning routine and join Edward and Angela where they have already plated their food and I do the same and we share a very enjoyable meal.

All too soon, she has to leave but we make plans for lunch before we head back to London.

"I have meetings this morning." Charming reminds me.

"I know, and I have to get ready for this evening." I check my Apple watch. "Marcus will be here in an hour to accompany me to my spa appointment."

"Oh, I see how it is. I have business and you have pleasure."

"You had your pleasure last night, Sir. And thank you for Angela. It was lovely to see her." I hug him tight.

The doorbell rings and Edward regretfully let me go, kissing my forehead before opening the door for Liam.

I confirm my appointment with the spa for my massage, hair and makeup, then catch up on the news. Within five minutes, I am depressed, so I shoot off a text to my dad. I put my phone in my purse, knowing it will take Charlie at least half an hour to text back.

Marcus arrives and we head down to the second floor and Marcus settles in with a sheath of papers knowing I'm going to be a few hours.

My pampering is over much too soon, and I opt for a light lunch of a Caesar salad and lemon water. I am so relaxed that I want to take a nap but decide not to mess up my hair. So, I try to call my dad. No answer. I try to mom as I haven't spoken to her in few weeks. No answer. Well, fine. I'm only their only child. It's not like I'm important or anything. I huff. I call Emmett. No answer!

I give up.

I text Edward and ask him how much longer as I'm now feeling restless.

He informs me his meeting is running late and he will have to meet me at the gala.

I tell him I'll wait for him, but he reminds me that one of us has to be on time. It's our responsibility as royals.

I want to retort that I'm not royal yet but refrain from starting a fight. I toss my phone on the couch and cross the room to our room where the dress I am wearing is nestled safely in the closet. It's much more refined than the one I wore a year ago to this very function.

I look at the clock. It's five, and I have half an hour before I should head down. I call Marcus from the hotel phone and tell him when I'll be ready.

I get into my dress, thankful the zipper is up the side, and slip on my shoes.

Definitely different than last year, I think, as I look into the mirror. Hair and makeup perfect but minimal, tattoos covered per my agreement with Carlisle, dress sparkly but void of any real color. Dark; much like my mood this evening. Shoes… shoes the same as last year when I attended this gala. Though Charming's blood had been thoroughly washed off. I chuckle out loud, my mood lifting slightly.

Marcus lets himself in and I grab my clutch, transferring my phone, room key, credit card and lipstick into it and let him accompany me to the gala.

An hour later, my cheeks hurt from smiling and my brain hurts from trying to keep up with the numerous vapid conversations I've been dragged into this evening. I steal another look at my watch then my eyes find Marcus', who is standing by a rather large plant wearing his patented bitch face.

I shoot him a 'where the hell is he?' look to which he shoots me an 'I don't know' look back. I sigh loudly, no doubt interrupting a very important story about couch shopping. I apologize then move on. After another thirty minutes of this I decide to escape for just a few minutes.

I slip out of a now familiar set of French doors and settle down on the bench where I met my Charming. I smile again as I rub the cool rough concrete under my hands. I decide to slip my shoes off and after rubbing them, I pull out my phone.

'Charming, you have some esplaining to do.'

I hear the sound of the long-winded chime of his phone. And I look around, relieved that he is finally here, and my eyes settle on a man in a black suit with his back to me. The unmistakable chaos of his hair gives him away and I laugh as I get up to greet him.

He turns around as I get near and the smile on his face makes my knees weak.

"What took you so long?" I ask, my tone slightly accusing. "You know I'm not fond of these things."

He grabs both my hands and gazes into my eyes.

"A year ago, I met you in this very garden. You broke my nose, and then I called you a porn star. I lied to you, and then I swept you away across the world to help me defy my family. I fell in love with you, and then I sent you away. I sent you away, and then you came back to me. You've faced all the scrutiny and dealt with all my shortcomings with such grace and dignity. I am in awe of you and I want to be with you forever."

"Charming." I whisper.

He sinks down on one knee and pulls out a velvet box. "Isabella Marie Swan, I promise to love you forever; every single day of forever. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

"Yes, of course." I breathe.

He grins then stands up, slipping the ring on my finger. He kisses my finger after he settles it into place then he slowly kisses me.

I am startled by the sound of celebration surrounding me. But as I focus on said surroundings, I see why I couldn't get ahold of anyone today. They are all here, hugging me and celebrating us. I notice there are lights stranded all over and knew this is where he was today.

"Congratulations, Ms. Swan."

I focus on my once adversary.

"You knew." I accuse.

"I did." He smiles. Well as much as Marcus smiles.

"Were you surprised?" His breath warms the side of my face.

"I was. How did you do all this?"

"I've been planning for over a month."

I turn around in his arms. "Why not just do it in London?"

"Because this place means something to me."

"But your family isn't here."

"Not really but they helped. With ideas, general enthusiasm and Mum helped me design your ring using some of the collection of jewels we have."

I look down at my ring then, wide eyed. It's a three stone ring with a bigger diamond in the middle and smaller ones on each side. It is simple but gorgeous.

"Besides, they were all there for our 'engagement party' and you know my family always likes to make a spectacle of things and that's not who you or your family is."

"You're right." I look back towards the hotel. "I'm surprised no one has wandered out here."

"Good luck getting though security." Charming laughs.

Emmett pops over and hands each of us a glass of champagne. "Congrats, Bella." He kisses my cheek.

I wrap my arms around him and squeeze tight. "You know you're still in my top three, right?"

"I better be." He winks then steps back and lets my dad have a moment.

"Can this be the last engagement party I have to attend?" He grumbles, but the twinkle in his eyes gives him away.

"Yes. Now you just have to walk me down the aisle with the whole world watching." I tease.

Twinkle is gone, replaced with wide eyed horror and a blanched face. He excuses himself quickly, probably to find a beer or seven.

"Was it something I said?" I joke.

Charming sweeps me into his arms and we dance to the faint sounds of the orchestra playing at the gala.

Some waiters bring out some finger foods, the champagne keeps pouring, celebrations keep going for another hour.

A knife hits a glass. I stop my conversation with my mom and Angela to see Edward waiting to speak.

"I want to thank you all for coming tonight. You are the people that Bella loves the most. Before we adjourn for the evening, I just want to say a few words. Charlie and Renee, I will love Bella with everything I have for the rest of her life. So, Charlie, you can put away your gun now. Please?" Laughter rings out. "Angela, I thank you for fixing my nose, however violent you were though I know I deserved it. Emmett, I will never be able to repay you for the way you took care of Bella when I couldn't. To my bride; it's an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bare your soul to and accept you for what you are. I've been waiting for what seems like a very long time to get beyond what I am, to get beyond my birthright and all that entails. With you I feel like I can finally begin. No measure of time with you will be enough. But let's start with forever. To Bella."

"To Bella!"

I walk over and kiss him deeply, drinking him in.

"I think it's time we leave now." I whisper.

"I think you're right."

We hug everyone and say our goodbyes.

And with our hands firmly enjoined, we go off to find our very own perfect piece of forever.

And they lived happily ever after,

THE END.

This has been an interesting ride for sure. I would like to thank you all for joining me. Special thanks to Dawn and Mandy for letting me bounce ideas off of y'all. Thank you to all my Harpies in my group who make everyday so much fun. I couldn't do any of this without you. MarieCarro, thank you for all of my graphics on this story and most of my others.

Some of us are getting together to raise money for Australia. So an outtake of this story is my offering. Please join the FB group Fandoms for Hope and Relief for more information.

Until next time, Harpy out!