Author's Note: This story will NOT be fifty-eight chapters long. That much fluff would KILL me. It will be my longest yet, though, at about half that (around 30 chapters). At least, that's the plan. :) Wish me luck!

It's not too bad, I told myself again, looking at the ring sparkling on my left hand. Under the bright reading-lamp on my desk, the scintillating diamonds were almost as beautiful as he was. The thought made me smile. It definitely could have been worse. I'd expected a rock when I first held that ominous black-satin box in my hand, but I should have known better. Edward knew me better than that, and he was sentimental enough to make the symbol of our love actually meaningful instead of just extravagant. Definitely could have been worse.

I was still in shock about Renee. I was still in shock about a lot of things. Publicly announcing our engagement. Victoria being gone forever – she had been a reality in my life almost as long as Edward had been. Charlie laughing instead of pulling his gun. Edward trying to seduce me.

I considered that last one as I dressed for bed and snuggled under the covers. In some ways, it was even more dizzying than Renee's reaction to the engagement. In a lot of ways. Firstly, there was the whole wow-factor. Edward really, truly wanted me. I'd known he loved me but not on the level I now knew. I could have him whenever I wanted. Just… wow.

I laughed at myself, realizing I sounded like Jessica.

Then there was the fact that he'd actually trusted me with this decision. Unlike the whole grounded-from-werewolves debacle, this choice wasn't motivated by concern for my safety. Quite the opposite. It was more about . . . what? Making me happy? Making this decision – such an important one for a couple – mine too? That felt right. Like we really were partners.

That had a wow-factor all its own.

Was I strong enough to make it to the wedding? Even if it was only a few weeks, it seemed like forever, knowing that was all that stood between me and him. I firmly reminded myself that the decision was made. This was too important to Edward, and he was too important to me, for me to change my mind. I was reasonably sure he wouldn't try to seduce me again unless I started it. As long as that was the case, I could make it through the next fifty-eight days. Fifty-eight nights. Right?

I rolled over, and my heart stuttered to see Edward in the rocking chair. Insanely, I was tongue-tied. Shy. Edward was in my bedroom, and I could have him whenever I wanted. "Hi."

"Hello." His velvet voice was warm. I wasn't sure if the seduction in it was unintentional this time or not.

Fifty-eight days, I reminded myself. Eight weeks – it was easier to think of that way. "What're you doing all the way over there?"

"This better?" he suddenly asked from behind my shoulder, cuddled up behind me on the bed.

I shivered, hyper-aware of the way his body curved to match mine. "Much," I laughed breathlessly despite myself. How in the world was I going to do this?

Needing (but definitely not wanting) a little space, I shifted onto my back so I could see his flawless face. Just like the time he first saw this ring on my hand, his eyes glowed with intense emotion and I faked a scowl. "Go ahead. Gloat."

He took my left hand in his and gently kissed it; then he turned it over and pressed his lips to my palm. "Exult, I believe, is the word you're looking for." His nose drifted up to my wrist, his lips brushing lightly over the pulse-point. "And. . . don't mind if I do."

He lifted his eyes – scorching, golden eyes – to mine and flashed a breathtaking, satisfied smiled. "To know that you're mine, that you chose me, I simply cannot overcome the awe of it. I can shout it for joy now – Isabella Swan loves me!"

I laughed, more than a little in awe myself. "You already knew that. And anybody who watched us for more than two seconds could see it. Even my mom, apparently, and that's saying something."

He leaned forward until I could see nothing but his dazzling face. I had to remind myself to breathe. "Doesn't it move you, even in the slightest, to know that I'll belong to you? Does it mean nothing that I will be yours for eternity?"

I lifted my chin, finding his marble-smooth lips. A jolt of delight swept through me. "When you put it that way. . ." I whispered.

He slid his arm under my shoulder and pulled me on to my side to face him, his lips never leaving mine. The delicious scent of his breath was dizzying, and I wrapped my hand around the back of his neck, trying to keep some bearing on reality. His hand on my shoulder drifted down my spine and I arched my back, finally breaking the kiss. I was panting.

"I love you, Bella." The words were almost a purr as he trailed kisses down my neck. He paused at the hollow of my throat, his own breath coming in quick little puffs against my skin. Edward lifted his head suddenly, his crooked smile making my heart thud unevenly. "I love you, my fiancée."

I tried to scowl through the dazzle but quickly gave up. He was just too beautiful, not to mention what it did to my heart when he said that stupid word with the shadow of a French accent. I did manage to murmur, "What a way to kill a mood. Ugh."

Edward chuckled, moving me on to my back again and tucking the quilt in around me. "Sleep, love. You've had an eventful day."

"And you're trying to take this down a notch," I accused, the annoyance in my tone weakened by my too-fast breath.

He pillowed his head on his arm. "Well, unless you're changing your mind," he said softly, "then for both our sanity, I think we should call it a night."

I pouted at the ceiling. "This being-in-charge-of-the-responsibility thing isn't as fun as I thought it would be."

"You're right," he grinned, enjoying himself. "Not being in charge is much more fun."