That's Why You're Beautiful

Epilogue

10 years later

Edward's fingers trailed over my own and, although we'd been together for a wonderfully long time now, it still sent shivers across my skin. He traced around my wedding ring and I smiled to myself at the memory of his proposal from eight years ago, even though it felt like just yesterday.

We were both sat together in a restaurant a few miles out of town and the soft sound of classical music filled my ears. I closed my eyes and bopped my head along, soon feeling Edward's hand on mine. My eyes flew open and he was just smiling at me in his own lovely way.

"I never knew you liked this type of m-music."

I laughed. "Neither did I. It was just nice to bop along to, I guess."

His lips turned into the grin that I loved. "How's the food?"

I twisted the fork in my fingers. "It's absolutely gorgeous!"

"Like you, then?"

I smirked. "Please don't compare me to my spaghetti; I don't really know how to take it!"

He reached for a sip of his water and I watched as his mouth met the glass. Gah, this really wasn't the time or the place... Despite my inappropriate thoughts, I still admired him; he hadn't touched any alcohol for years now and was always trying his hardest. He was such an inspiration to me.

"How's it going at the office?" he asked.

After finally giving up my previous job, I'd successfully managed to land a job working at a local company, basically doing admin stuff like typing up documents, stapling and photo copying documents. It was mundane, yes, but I had some brilliant friends there and an even more brilliant partner to come home to. I liked feeling normal for once in my life.

"It's been alright, I guess," I answered honestly. "About as exciting as working in an office can get."

"But it must be b-better than the other job," he observed.

I nodded vigorously. "Yes. Most definitely."

I took another bite of my food, before asking, "How's the school?"

He smiled. "Brilliant. There are some really intelligent p-people there and it's always enjoyable to teach. I didn't realise how much I m-missed it."

After a few years away from teaching, Edward had finally summoned the courage to go back into the profession, and he was so much happier for it.

His fingers rubbed mine and I gazed at him affectionately. It was so alarming thinking back to how we were a few months ago. To think I'd actually despised Edward at one point... I shuddered.

"Actually, there's something I w-wanted to ask you..." he suddenly said, looking nervous and pushing his chair back. My heart began hammering as he walked around the table to meet me, never missing my gaze. I nearly fainted in disbelief when he bent down, cauisng murmurs from the couples around us. The whole restaurant became quiet and my skin tingled.

"B-Bella Swan, I love you so, so much."

I didn't know how I managed, but I somehow answered him in a whisper. "And I love you too, Edward."

"And, it only feels right..." he reached into his pocket. "To ask you to be m-my wife."

I'd always scoffed at those people who cry at marriage proposals. I thought it was weak of them and that they were being completely ridiculous.

Yet, here I was with tears streaming down my face and my nose running like an idiot.

"Edward," I gasped. "I... I'd love to. Of course! Of course I will!"

He sprung up and wrapped his arms tightly around me, causing applause to erupt around us. A waiter soon arrived with a bottle of champagne, and I sobbed with nothing but pure happiness as Edward slipped the ring onto my finger.

"Perfect fit," I murmured and he smiled.

"Perfect fit for my p-perfect woman."

"Bella?"

Edward's voice brought me out of my trance and I turned to smile at him. I realised that our daughter, Grace, was stood by his side, clutching a pile of books and papers. This surely meant that she needed help with her homework and, thankfully, as if on cue, the phone soon began ringing and I leapt off the sofa, grinning as I heard Edward moan a little.

"What do you need help with, darling?" I heard him ask when I closed the door behind me to answer the phone. My heart filled with warmth; he was such a wonderful father. In fact, he was just wonderful in general.

Over the ten years we'd grown to understand each other even more and had a deep bond that nothing could shift. Also, his slight stutter had improved and he said that I was the reason for that, for I had given him a new found confidence.

The thought of that nearly made me cry.

He was more or less completely over his alcohol problem, too, which was a bonus. As for Alice, her cancer had been in remission for the appropriate time now and we were all optimistic that it wouldn't return. She had survived, like the strong person she is, and was back to enjoying her life.

On top of this, I hadn't heard anything from Yvonne or Emmett Adams, both things that I was exceptionally grateful for. Mom and Dad were still well, and Edward and myself visited them regularly with their granddaughter. They seemed to approve of my choice of partner and still found it strange that I was now Bella Cullen.

As for myself, I was happier than I had ever been. I still thought about David every single day and kept a photo of him in my room, but Edward understood this completely. I had actually received a phonecall one day from the police, telling me that they'd found a man with fingerprints that matched the ones on the knife found in the apartment David and I had stayed at when it happened. In other words, they'd finally found his murderer, and the sense of justice that I felt was overpowering. He could finally rest in peace and everything finally felt right.

I brought the phone to my ear a little breathlessly. "Hello?"

"Bella!" a voice screeched. "Oh gosh, help me! I'm having a crisis!"

"Alice, Alice, calm down," I replied. "Tell me what's wrong."

I heard her take in a deep breath. "I'm having trouble with Daisy!"

I bit my lip. "What's wrong with her?"

"She won't stop crying!" she groaned. As if on cue, there was a loud gurgle in the background, followed by another wail. I could even faintly hear Jasper, cooing to his daughter in an attempt to calm her. I smiled a little at the memory; when Grace was younger she had been a little bundle of joy. She still was, really.

"Well, have you tried feeding her?" I asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed; this was going to be a long conversation.

"Yes! I've tried feeding her, cuddling her, giving her toys... everything!" She let out a strange noise and my eyes widened. "Help!"

I didn't know why I was finding this so amusing but a chuckle escaped my lips. "Alice, she's probably teething."

There was silence for a while, before Alice called, "Jasper! Jasper! Check her mouth!"

I smiled to myself again as I heard him yell back, "Why?"

"Our daughter's godmother suggests that Daisy is teething!"

I couldn't help grinning at that.

"There are plenty of things that you can buy to soothe the discomfort," I told her, knowing from experience. "She'll be fine."

"Gosh, you're an expert," she replied in a rush. "How is Grace, anyway?"

I moaned. "Well, she just brought in some homework so I hastily left the room."

She laughed and I then heard a grumble. "Oh God, Bella, there's vomit."

"I'd better let you go," I laughed. "See you tomorrow."

She hastily hung up and I headed for the door. As soon as my fingers were off the handle, Grace leapt towards me.

"Woah!" I glanced at Edward, who was strangely avoiding my gaze and looking a little suspicious. A smile was playing on his lips.

"Mommy, Daddy just told me that I need to ask you about this," she said, thrusting some random papers in my face. I fumbled around and sat down with Grace soon following and positioning herself on my lap. It was hard to believe that she was already seven years old... I didn't know where the time had gone.

"What's it about, then?" I asked, moving to a more comfortable position.

"The solar system," she promptly answered, and there was a small noise from Edward. I looked over but he was glancing at the wall, purposefully avoiding my gaze.

"The solar system?" I repeated, and then it suddenly hit me. "You mean it's Physics homework?" I said in a flat voice.

Grace nodded, causing her bronze curls to bob around her face. I narrowed my eyes at Edward, whose shoulders were now visibly shaking.

"Why didn't Daddy help you?" I asked Grace, meeting Edward's gaze and causing him to snort in amusement.

"He said that you're the expert."

"He's the teacher in the family," I murmured under my breath.

"Pardon?"

"Nothing, darling," I drummed my fingers on the arm of the sofa. "Grace, could you just give Daddy and me a moment? Maybe you could play with your dolls in your room. We just need a little chat."

She smiled and skipped off happily. Once I heard her door shutting, I lunged at Edward with my pillow, hitting him playfully. He just laughed along, wrapping his hands around my waist. We soon collapsed in a panting heap, and he placed a tender kiss on my lips.

"That was funny, Edward," I gasped sarcastically, brushing my hair out of my eyes.

He smirked adorably. "Ah, you love me r-really."

I smiled at the truth of his words. "Yes. Yes, I really do. Ugh, that Physics textbook incident will haunt me for the rest of my days," I giggled. "But seriously, can you help her 'cause I really don't have a clue..."

His lips tugged into a lovely smile. "Of course. But you'll have to m-make it up to me later."

I raised an eyebrow. "Ooh, yes, sir."

He cuddled me closer and called for Grace to come back in.

She bounced back into the room and plonked herself in front of Edward and myself. She seemed a little distracted and my gaze moved towards where she was looking and I couldn't help smiling.

"Do you want Daddy to play the piano, Grace?" I asked, knowing how much she enjoyed it.

"Yes! Yes!" she squealed, jumping up and down and clapping her hands repeatedly. Edward gave me a beautiful smile before grabbing myself and Grace's hands, leading us towards the piano. He took a seat and I sat cross legged on the floor with Grace on my lap. I couldn't help wheezing; she wasn't exactly small these days, yet she always liked using me as a chair.

I met Edward's gaze and we shared another smile. He reached for his glasses and put them on, a habit whenever he played. He sometimes wore contact lenses but I had come to realise lately that I really did like him in glasses. It was easier for him too, but I loved him however he looked.

"Ready?" he asked quietly. Both Grace and I nodded, and the room soon filled with the beautiful music that I would never tire of hearing. I automatically closed my eyes and relaxed, listening carefully to the sounds. I didn't know how long he played for, but it was quickly over and I internally groaned, wanting the lingering note in the air to keep continuing forever.

I looked at Edward again and his brow was furrowed, something he did whenever he concentrated. He slowly removed his fingers from the keys and glanced over at us happily.

"Beautiful, as ever," I whispered.

Before he could reply, a buzz came from my watch and I leapt up in panic, noticing the time.

"Oh God, quick!" I screeched. "Turn on the TV! It's Doctor Who time!"

Edward nodded in understanding and we all hurried towards the sofa, just in time for the starting credits.

"Phew," I breathed. "That was close."

He placed his arm around my shoulders and I leaned against his chest, hugging Grace as well. I really didn't know if things could get any better than this.

With a final grin from Edward, we all settled down, staring religiously at the TV screen. It was a little worrying how obsessed we all were about this show; I didn't know how, but Grace loved it too. Maybe it ran in the genes...

I did know one thing for certain, though; if my future was going to be anything like this, I was definitely going to be a very happy woman.

The End

And so, the story comes to a close... it's been a long time and I never thought I'd finish it, but here we are.

I'd like to say thank you to all the people who have constantly reviewed and to anyone who alerted or favourited the story - the emails made me feel very proud. I really do appreciate all the support.

I have considered doing another story from Edward's POV and am really excited about doing that, but my new story that I'm focusing on at the mo is 'For Your Eyes Only' and that will be published in a few days. Lets just say it features an Edward you've never seen before... I hope. (gulps)

Anyway, if you like the idea of Edward's POV please say, 'cause I don't want to do it for nothing. It really would be interesting though, because there's so much he'd have to say. But thanks again and I hope you enjoyed what I came up with, it's certainly been a long journey!

Becky :)