"Daddy?"

"Oh Bella! Sweetheart! Are you all right! Are you alive… wait, I guess you are. Bella!"

"Calm down."

"Where are you? I'm on my way."

"I'm with Edward."

"WHAT!?"

"I'm with Edward, and I'm living, and I'm happy. I can't come home. I'm sorry. But I want you to know…"

"There's something about that Cullen boy, isn't there? Something you're not telling me?"

"Something I can't tell you."

"Billy mentioned something. I don't believe it, but…"

"I say nothing. I admit nothing. I can't endanger you that way."

"I'm never going to see you again, am I?"

"I'm not the Bella you remember… but I think I'm a better one. I know I'm happier. No, Dad, I'm never coming home. I'll call again, though."

"Soon."

"Soon."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

I hang up and permit myself a single sob. Then I choke together my face. I still attempt to wear a cheerful mask. Edward loathes himself sufficiently without my assistance.

I will call Charlie, maybe tomorrow. The near-hysteria in his voice wracks me with guilt. I clutch my stomach… and then luckily glance into Edward's eyes. That dispels the pain sufficiently. He is so lovely. Inhumanly, perfectly, ideally.

And he is mine.

He loves me.

It is ridiculous, unbelievable, unthinkable, and yet he protests it is true.

He has spent three weeks proving it, and I think I believe him. I do not trust myself. If and when he leaves, I will not be surprised, and so the agony may be diminished. After all, I know now I have nothing worth trying to live for.

Except him. Except these eyes and this face and the love in them as he bends his lips to mine.

We kiss for a long moment, and then we break apart.

I am glad I called Charlie. It feels now that he is in some way present as we prepare to dress for our wedding. It will be just the Cullens, an affair speedily planned by the delighted and relieved Alice. Yet, it will be a full room, with Edward there, kissing me, vowing forever.

Forever.

The sweetest word. Forever. And after our wedding…

I smile the smile that used to partner with a blush. Edward notices and traces my cheek with a long finger. I shake my head, and he sticks his tongue out in indignant and silent reply.

Forever.

Perhaps there is more than one change. The fiery venom transforms body, but perhaps spirit also requires recompense.

He changed them both. I have been reforged, stronger, this time unbreakable. Neither fragile in body nor dependant in spirit.

Now, though nowhere like his beauty, I can feel myself something of his equal. Not as good or bright or beautiful, but at least as strong.

Confidence.

Rather a painful lesson learned, yet some good nonetheless.

Edward smiles at me and rises. He has to go change, I know, and yet I am reluctant to see him gone. As he goes, I whisper, "I love you."

He whirls suddenly, traps my face between his hands, and murmurs fiercely, "I love you. I love you today and tomorrow and forever."

"I forgive you," I say, and he smiles.

We are both finally free to love without pain once again.