A/N: Katbug86 did the beta thing. Longer a/n at the bottom. And now… the epi…

Disclaimer: I do not on Twilight; all of the respective characters belong to Smeyer.

Epilogue

BPOV

Standing in the Cullen's empty house, my gaze was fixed out their back wall of windows. The view was nothing I hadn't seen before, but I found myself transfixed on every little detail. The normal palette of greens was washed with sparks of bright color dancing through the trees. Leaves were turning; the deep jades and muted moss colors bled into bright reds, yellows, and oranges. It looked as if parts of the forest were catching fire. It was breath taking.

A small beep from the kitchen finally broke my attention away, and I turned, gliding through the door. The aroma in the air was pungent; the smell of turkey seeping into every crevice. I longed for a time when I would have found that smell mouthwatering and comforting. Anymore, the smells of foods I had once loved only seemed to repulse me. I found entirely other scents alluring, something that would have made me want to vomit in my last life.

Opening the oven, I carefully pulled the large bird from within, taking my time and basting it with the juices that bubbled in the bottom of the pan. The turkey gleamed under the florescent light of the kitchen - a perfect golden color, that which you would find only in the pages of a cookbook. I thought it a slight shame that my cooking had only improved since my change, and I couldn't even enjoy it.

Nestling the bird back into the oven, I set the timer once again, my mind wandering as I leaned against the counter. Over the past year, Edward had helped me to perfect the art of looking human. At first, it had been frustrating to me that things I use to do out of habit, had to be so forced. Then, with some practice, I found myself able to mindlessly lean against something, or shift without the actual necessity.

Edward had been right; his life could be pretty boring. Mostly from the fact that things came so easily when you had super human speed and strength. This time last year, if I were preparing a whole Thanksgiving dinner on my own - I would have been a mess; rushing around the kitchen, struggling to do multiple things at a time. Whereas there I stood, calm to the point of boredom, my hands idle with little to do. It took me all of thirty minutes to prep everything, and I had been taking my time. All that I had left to do was bake everything.

The sun rose higher in the sky as the clock stretched its arms straight up toward the noon hour. Clouds broke as the bright ball crested the tops of the tall evergreens lining the woods. The light filtered through the kitchen window, warming my face and sending dazzling beams bouncing from my skin. A sparkle from my hand caught my attention, and I looked down at the small ring on my finger, glinting in a beam of light that refracted from my chin.

I smiled instinctively as Edward's beautiful face flashed through my mind. How happy he had been on the day I had received that small token of his love. Its delicate band of gold wrapped around my finger, moving flawlessly into the tiny single diamond. It wasn't flashy or gaudy, it was quite small in size, but it was utterly perfect.

My stomach twisted and fluttered, a herd of butterflies swarming like they always did every time I recalled that night. We had just finished making love for what was probably the billionth time, our bodies laid tangled in one another. Every time with Edward seemed better than the last, it never got old to touch him - for him to touch me. Fire could ignite with a single tickle of his fingers, burning bright each and every time. My need - my want for him - had not dampened in the slightest. We were insatiable for each other, using our spare hours in the evening to fill our unquenchable need.

"Bella?" he hummed into my hair, light tendrils puffing up from his breath and falling into my eyes.

"Hmmm?" I responded, completely content.

He brushed the hairs back, leaning up so that he could look into my eyes. "This is perfect," he stated as a fact.

I nodded in agreement, a goofy smile playing across my lips. "Yes. Perfect."

"I think we can have more," he replied, a light of determination switching on within his tawny orbs.

My brow furrowed slightly as he moved his body, untangling our limbs and then rising from the bed. I watched as his naked form moved to the other side of the room, sighing deep at the sight. Naked Edward was most definitely something that would never get old. His muscles moved fluidly over the bone, his toned body looking like a cut piece of marble masterpiece. I drew my tongue out, moistening my lips, my mind wandering to all the places I wanted to lick. The familiar pool of desire wound low in my belly. Before I realized it, Edward was in front of me again, only he was down on one knee, bent in front of the bed.

My brain wasn't processing his posture, or the nervous glint in his eye. I barely heard the words tumble from his mouth; all I could do was stare at the cut of his jaw as it moved with his words. The muscles wrapped tightly there, straining as he spoke. I licked my lips again, unthinking, I wanted to lick him right there - over and over. Those were the only thoughts playing through my head because my brain had shifted into that place. The place where HB had full rule over the domain, and I had found it wholly impossible to override her - Edward had learned this too.

"Bella? Love?" He waved a hand in front of my unblinking eyes, gaining my attention momentarily. "Please, Bella, this is important."

"Sorry," I whispered, doing my best to reign in HB and keep my gaze off of his delicious jawbone. Instead, I focused on his eyes. My still heart blossomed inside my chest as our gazes connected. His expression was so deep - it went right through to my soul.

"Isabella Marie Swan, will you do me the utmost privilege of becoming my wife."

I stared at him, the words floating through my head, settling into my brain. How did I feel about what he was asking? It seemed absurd that I would be anything but elated by that question; after all, I did not intend to go anywhere. He was what I wanted - I knew I would be with him forever. So why did it set off red flags, an uneasy feeling rippling through me.

"I … ah, I … Edward," I breathed, my gaze falling to the small box cradled in his open palms. The tiny diamond sparkled bright under the light, and I fleetingly thought of the first time I had seen Edward in the sun. "What?" The word fell away from me before I could stop it, and I immediately regretted it. Slowly, I drew my gaze back up to his. He looked slightly pained, his eyes crinkling at the edges, his mouth set in a sad down-turned line.

"I'm sorry," I blurted, trying to recover what he had obviously intended to be an overly romantic moment. My bumbling had deflated it exponentially, and I felt horrible. "I just - I had no idea. Of course, I want to be with you forever, but I hadn't thought of marriage. I am so young, and - I just… Edward…" I trailed, failing miserably at redeeming myself.

To my surprise, a small smile tucked into the corner of his mouth. "Oh, Bella, you never seem to disappoint me. Always supplying me with the complete opposite reaction I am expecting from you." He chuckled lightly as he shook his head, and then tilted it to the side, momentarily appraising me.

"I understand if you are worried about appearances, and, to be honest, I hadn't really thought much about that. All I had thought of was that I love you. I want you to be mine in every sense of the word, as I want to be yours. I want you to be my life partner, my mate, my wife Isabella. Marry me."

Air caught in my throat, a lumpy sigh parting my lips. Did it really matter to me what others thought? I had never given it a second thought about moving to Anchorage and telling Renee that I was living with Edward. Anyone else may have considered that too soon, but I hadn't cared what she would think. So why did I care about telling her that I would be getting married? I tossed the word around in my head, trying to filter out whether it was my own unfounded fears causing the uncertainty or truly my fear of outsiders' opinions.

Edward's hand cupped my face, drawing my attention back to him. His expression was warm and full of love, he would not push me, but by the look in his eye, I could tell he was reading me like a book. Most likely, he understood my hesitance better than even I did.

"Don't over think it love, marry me."

Pulling my bottom lip in between my teeth, I glanced down at the small unoffending ring once more and then back to Edward's face. "Yes," I breathed, the word falling freely - a release, and I knew it would be fine; my tensions easing as soon as I made the decision.

The second oven beeped, pulling me from my memory. I turned fluidly, pulling the broccoli casserole out and placing it on top of the stove, shoving the corn pudding in and resetting the timer. I checked the clock on the wall, 12:15. Renee would be there in just under two hours. I was admittedly nervous about her arrival. I hadn't seen my mother in over a year - not since I left for Forks.

At first, I had only intended on keeping her at bay for a few months. Edward and I left Forks and were settled in relatively easily in Anchorage. We found a small house to rent, and it was heaven - just him and me, not a care in the world. Then classes started and Edward's tense demeanor began to resurface. He had been a wreck, sending me off to classes, all the while worried I would lose my composure and attack a fellow student.

I would simply roll my eyes at him each time he would lecture me of the importance of being meticulously careful. I had never given him cause to worry; in fact, I was surprised to find how easy it was to restrain myself around humans. However, that didn't stop Edward from worrying, but its Edward we're talking about - so I partly knew to expect as much.

Only one time did I have an issue, and I ended up storming out of the class, later feigning illness to the professor to explain my odd behavior. It was a chemistry lab; we were all busy at work when I heard glass bounce against the floor before it shattered into a thousand pieces. It was then the scent hit me like a bag of bricks across the face. The blood was thick in the air, inundating my senses and torturing me with its sweet smell. My throat burned like the fires of hell, flames lapping from my stomach to the back of my tongue.

I subconsciously let out a low snarl, every muscle in my body going ridged. Cool it. Jiminy spoke sternly in the back of my mind, her arms crossed tightly against her chest. You will hate yourself. My inner subconscious' voice grew softer as she spoke, eventually going dull and then replaced by a ringing in my ears. My mouth filled with venom, and I drank it back to prevent it from drooling down my face. I turned slowly to find a few students bent over, sweeping up the broken glass, and the professor examining a small girl's hand. The bright red caught my eye immediately as it oozed from the tiny gash on her pointer finger.

I licked my lips, my vision focused only on the red, everything else around me faded to muted grays. Just a taste, the thought surprised me as it bubbled to the surface - so innocently. It wouldn't harm anyone to just see what the difference is - I could clean her wound for her, that's all. Before I realized, I was on my feet, moving to the poor unsuspecting girl. She was small in stature, no more than 5'2", instantly reminding me of Alice. She looked small and weak with pale blonde hair. Her skin was pallid, almost translucent, and I could see the pulsing veins below her exposed wrist.

With every heart beat, the wiry cerulean lines pulsed - beckoning me to come closer - to taste. My eyes met with hers after lingering on her hand for what I'm sure was too long. She looked worried, her expression tentative and her fair eyebrows knit heavily together. I didn't speak much in class, and just as the kids at Forks high had avoided the Cullen's, they seemed to avoid Edward and me just the same. I was sure my behavior was being seen as odd and uncharacteristic, but I didn't think anything of the sort at the time.

"That looks deep," I spoke slowly, sounding hypnotized, as my gaze drew back to the beautiful red. The color was deep and vibrant against her pale skin, seeping through the pathetic tissue the professor had placed over top the cut.

"Uh, I - the beaker was chipped and I didn't realize," she fumbled for an explanation as if I deserved one, as if my presence was that demanding - as if I cared.

Without hesitating, I placed my hand under hers, lifting her fingers closer to me. She flinched at my touch, which I was sure felt like ice. The professor let go of the tissue, taking a step back. I glanced at his face momentarily, his features twisted worriedly, appearing nervous. Every single person in the room was feeling the tension. Their bodies were warning them, trying to tell them to flee away from me - a killer. That word lanced through my mind sharply, sending a chill quaking down my spine.

Leave! Jiminy's voice resurfaced suddenly, and I dropped the small girl's hand, turning my back and jutting for the exit, forgetting my bag in the process.

Thinking back, I conceded that perhaps Edward's trepidation was founded; especially when he found me curled in a ball that day, shaking - incoherent ramblings falling from my lips. I'll never forget his face when I admitted to what had transpired in Chemistry. He was horror struck for a fleeting moment, before his features melted with concern, and he cradled me in his long capable arms. It was enough of a glimpse to know that I never wanted to see the look on his face again. I would never let him down in that way - ever. From that time on, I found myself overly cautious, perhaps to a fault, even getting on Edward's nerves a few times when he felt I was being silly. Really!

After a few months we were able to find a good balance, I was able to maintain my careful closeness to classmates, and Edward eased up on his lectures. Things were going back to perfect. It was then I decided to call my mom and see if she would like to come for a visit. It was mid February, and I truly did miss her.

"Oh, Bella, sweetheart, I'm so sorry! I don't think I can travel anywhere for some time honey. Phil was in a car accident and -,"

"Oh my gosh, Mom, is he okay?" I interrupted, alarm filling me instantly.

"Yes, dear, he's fine. But he broke his leg in several places and has a few cracked ribs. Oh, baby, I can't leave him like this - I'm so sorry!"

"No. Mom, please its fine. I completely understand, you need to be there, take care of the big guy for me, okay?"

She laughed, a slight tenor of relief coloring its buoyant sound. "OH! But Bella, you and Edward are more than welcome to come visit us in Jacksonville!"

My stomach sank, there was no way I could go and visit her in the sunshine state. She would know something was up as soon as I refused to go out in the sun - I had always loved the warm rays and she knew that. "I don't know mom. Classes here are pretty demanding, we'll figure something out."

Phil's recovery had taken longer than she had expected, almost seven months before he was walking fully again, and by that time I was back in school again. We had decided Thanksgiving would be the perfect time for us to finally reconnect. The Cullen's had been kind enough to offer up their house so that Renee didn't have to travel quite so far. Although, I suspected she was slightly disappointed that she wouldn't be able to scope out my living conditions at school, despite the pictures I had sent her.

The soft click of the front door alerted me that someone was home; I took a deep breath, a small smile falling easily along my mouth. Edward.

"Hey you," he threw me his dazzling smile as he strutted through the kitchen door. I couldn't help but return a toothy grin, wrapping my arms around his broad shoulders and pulling him into a quick embrace, my lips finding his automatically.

"Ah-hem," a throat was cleared from the doorway, and I pulled only slightly back, my lips still hovering against Edward's.

"Hey Dad," I said without looking.

"Bells," he muttered, obviously uncomfortable with our public display. I sighed and released Edward, who stepped back slowly with a wink.

"How was hunting? Find anything good?" I asked as I turned back to the stove, opening the first oven and peering in at the turkey, the smell hitting me in a thick, fragrant wall of heat.

"It was good, your Dad caught a huge black bear," Edward said, sounding like an excited little boy. "You should have seen it, it was pretty awesome. Emmett would have been jealous for sure."

I felt my face fall slightly at the mention of Emmett. I turned, giving Edward a small smile. "Are you sure your family doesn't want to join us for dinner? I feel bad kicking them out of their house for Thanksgiving."

From the doorway, Charlie scoffed and then snorted, trying to hold back a laugh. Edward didn't try, he simply laughed with a light smile, shaking his head as if I was missing the obvious. I looked back and forth between the two of them, narrowing my eyes in irritation.

"Firstly Bella, Thanksgiving was never really our thing. And secondly, I think any of us would pass up the opportunity to pretend to choke down cooked food, no matter how lovely your mother is."

Charlie stopped attempting to hold back the laughter and was chortling like an obnoxious drunk. I raised my eyebrows at him. What was in that bear? Tranquilizer? Then Edward joined in with the apparently infectious laughter.

"Oh, well - I, it's just suppose to be a family holiday," I began and then fell short, giving up entirely. Whatever, I thought, waving the two giggling idiots off and turning back to the food.

"Well, Bells, I'm gonna get going before your mom gets here. That's something I really don't think you'll want to explain, plus I don't think I'm up to choking down food," he finished with a soft chuckle, patting my shoulder. I glared at him, and he pulled me into a quick hug. My face immediately relaxed, I couldn't help but smile. Despite how annoying my father could be, I promised myself I would cherish every show of affection and truly appreciate them. I knew what it was like to regret, and I never wanted to feel that again.

"Alright Dad, love you."

"Love you too, Bells," he replied, giving Edward a quick pat on the back as he headed for the door.

Since everything that had happened, Charlie had assimilated well to the Cullen's way of life. He and Emmett loved to go hunting together; they were very competitive, which always made me smile to think about. He began living in his old house, although I told Renee I had found a renter. I truly had my Dad back, and it was wonderful.

We were all amazed with how well he did changing his diet over to a vegetarian one, although deep down, I hadn't doubted him in the slightest. Bree, on the other hand, didn't have it so easy. Edward and I weren't around to witness it, but Carlisle had relayed to us that she was having a rather hard time. She had tried though; she stayed with Esme and Carlisle for almost six months.

One evening, they all went out hunting; Bree said she didn't feel like going. As a rule, they tried not to leave her alone, but Carlisle said she had been doing so well - he thought it would be fine. They returned to an empty house and a note on the kitchen counter. Bree had thanked them for all they had done, but said she couldn't take it anymore; they hadn't heard from her since.

"B a b y." Warm breath fanned across my neck sending rippled shudders through my body, reminding me that we were now alone. My chest rose and fell in slow heavy breaths. I imagined my heart hammering against my ribs, a phantom shadow of the sensation - just a figment of my imagination - but I swore I could still feel it, he still made me feel that way.

"Yes?" I breathed, not turning, staring down at the small digital clock ticking off the minutes before the turkey would be ready.

"Will the food be okay for a few minutes?" He whispered, the tip of his nose barely making contact with my neck, causing me to jump slightly.

"I suppose, I'm just waiting for the turkey, it's got another twenty minutes -,"

My words were cut short as the room fell away from me in a blurry spinning motion. I was hanging over Edward's shoulder, watching the house flash by me in a flicker of lights and shadowed rooms. A short giggle bubbled into my throat, earning me a sharp smack on the ass, I yelped - thoroughly enjoying the slight sting left in place of his hand.

Edward used his foot and shut the door to his room with a thud, dropping me onto his bed. I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could get any words out he was on me. Over top of me, pressing my body deeper into the mattress, his lips finding purchase wherever they could as I squirmed below him, unable to control my laughter.

"Eddwaarrdd!" I squealed, his soft mouth tickling my flesh everywhere it landed. My skin buzzed, my limbs beginning to feel numb from the sensation.

"Hrm?" He grunted, sounding like a complete caveman.

"I have to cook, my mom will be here … any … she's … ahhh … fuuuuu …" I swallowed, trying to keep my train of thought lucid, but he had slowed his movements, focusing his energy on my neck just below my ear - little shit knew what got me.

My hands wound into his hair, pulling in an attempt to unattach him from where he had leeched himself onto my skin. I grunted against him, no longer stronger than he was, my newborn strength had been sufficiently weakened over the past few months. Oh how I had enjoyed those days.

"Ed - Edward, please," I whispered, my voice ragged and breathy. He finally pulled away, his lips making a loud smack was he unsuctioned himself. I rubbed the skin there, narrowing my eyes at him. "You are lucky we can't get hickies."

His devilish grin grew, exposing a row of perfectly white teeth, and then he fell to the side, a guttural laugh escaping him. "Lucky indeed," he guffawed lightly.

I tried my damndest not to smile, to be irritated, I really did. However, watching Edward like that - so light and carefree, and wanting nothing more than to ravage me - I was powerless to its effect on me. Instead, I let a mischievous smirk settle into my lips, taking advantage of his relaxed state as he laid back - eyes closed, laughing softly to himself. Oh, buddy, you're gonna get it now - that cuteness cannot go unpunished.

Silently, I lifted my body off the bed, taking advantage of the stealthy, ninja vampire skills I had inherited. I switched my slow movement, swiftly throwing my left leg over his hips, straddling him, both of my hands grabbing his wrists and pressing them up behind his head.

Edward's eyes flew open, all humor drained immediately from him; his pupils dilating, only a thin ring of gold lining the black. His mouth set in a straight line as his darkened orbs locked with mine. The smirk on my face grew as he attempted to move his hands. I may not have been stronger than him anymore, but I did have my own vampire strength to contend with. That, along with the leverage from my vantage point; I could hold him for at least a little bit.

"Why Mr. Cullen, it looks as though the tables have turned," I cooed seductively, his eyes narrowing slightly as they flicked to my lips, and then locking back onto my gaze.

"Why yes, Miss Swan, I believe you are correct," he breathed, barely a whisper.

Slowly and with purpose, I ground my body down into his. Edward's hip bucked up in reflex, his eyes rolling into the back of his head as he moaned loudly. Good Lord - the things those sounds do to me. I rode out the motion, like wadding through a slow wave, letting my hips swirl torturously down and then back up. Edward's eyes remained clenched tightly closed as he bit into his bottom lip.

Weakly, he tried to move his arms again. I pressed back harder, leaning my body down towards his, my breasts skimming along his chest, my nose grazing his cheek. "Mmmm, Edward," I drew out. "You smell so good. Much better than that dead bird down there," I hummed, bringing my tongue slowly along his jaw, pushing my hips into him again. "Tastier too."

"Ahhh," he hissed, his body rising to meet me again. "Fuck Bella, what you do to me…"

Pulling away, I blinked back at him innocently. "I don't know what you mean?" I emphasized by grinding into him harder and slower.

"Damnit Bella," he huffed, pulling feebly at his arms again, his lids clasped tightly closed. "More … I need more … please."

I chuckled at him, I was really driving him crazy, part of me felt bad - but I wasn't done yet. Taking further advantage of his weakened state, I pinned his two wrists between my left hand, trailing my right down his body. As I went, I popped open the buttons on the front of his shirt, my index finger dipping inside and barely brushing against his chest. He whimpered, sending a dizzying surge of power and lust through me - I was drunk on it.

My hand reached the top of his pants, a leather belt wrapped tight around his waist. HB got an evil glint in her eye, her hands rubbing together as she supplied me with a wonderful idea. Unlatching the belt, I slid it through his pant loops as Edward lifted his hips to help ease it along. Locking eyes with him, I wrapped the belt around his wrists, keeping my left hand clamped tightly around him still. I wasn't stupid enough to think the belt would hold him - but perhaps he'd play along.

Leaning my face down, my lips centimeters from his ear, I whispered delicately, "I know you're a big strong man and can break through this belt with no problem, but let's just say you can't," I paused, giving him a moment to soak in what I meant; he hummed against me.

Tightening the belt around his wrists, I tugged to make sure they were sufficiently held together. "Let's just say you have no control over this - you would have no choice but to just let me do what I want with you," I sighed, feigning pity. "Now, Edward, be a good boy and play along."

Tilting back on my heels, our gazes met again. He stared, wide eyed, his mouth hanging slightly agape before he nodded dumbly. Testing him, I gradually loosened my fingers from his arms, he didn't budge. A wide smile stretched across my face, as I was finally able to move my hands freely down his body.

Skating the tips of my fingers under his shirt, I pushed the crisp fabric away from his body. Leisurely, I walked my fingers down the line that ran between his pecks and abs, meeting the light tuft of curly hair that formed a line into his waistband.

Edward's eyes fell closed as I bent toward my hands, lightly running my nose along his happy trail, nuzzling him, and then dropping feather light kisses along that same line. He moaned desperately, his head tilting up so that from my point of view all I could see was the delicious point of his chin jutting into the air. Mmmm, mine.

Snaking up his body, I bit lightly on his chin, catching him off guard, his head leaning down to me, his lips searching for mine. I pecked him lightly, before moving my mouth to his neck. Kissing and licking along his sweet skin, I drank in every nook and cranny. His arms lifted into the air trying to find contact, and I sat up immediately, narrowing my eyes at him. "Well," I sighed, throwing my leg over and lifting off of him. "If you don't want to play…" I allowed the sentence to filter into the air between us, hanging in question as I quirked an eyebrow at him.

Without saying a word, Edward's arm flopped back against the bed, his body going completely straight. I couldn't help but laugh as he smiled angelically at me. "That's better," I cooed.

Finding the hem of my sweater dress, I lifted it over my head, letting it fall to the floor. Reaching behind me, I flicked my bra open, allowing it to plop unceremoniously on top of the dress. Edward's eyes raked over me hungrily as he emitted a soft whimper that made me press my legs together instinctually. I wasn't sure who it was more agonizing for at that point, him or me, but something was making me move slowly - I had never been in complete control, and I was utterly enthralled by it.

I hooked my fingers into my panties, tugging them down my hips. "Bella, love … please," he released a haughty staggered breath. I smirked at him, shaking my head.

Moving back over top of him, I pressed my lips to his, ever so lightly. He leaned up, capturing my lips for a second, his mouth moving ravenous against mine, like a starving animal. I pulled away, raking my body down his. I made no show out of removing his pants and boxers; all that was left was his opened button down shirt, which I could live with. Edward lay gloriously naked below me, his erection straining painfully into the air.

Scooting down so that I sat atop his knees, I licked quickly along the head of his penis, making him jump with a choked yelp. "Bella!" he ground out through clenched teeth. "You are -"

Before he could continue I took him fully into my mouth, locking my lips around him, moving up and down swiftly. I saw from my peripheral his arms flinch and then press even harder into the bed, the mattress whining under the force. He hissed as I swirled my tongue along the top of his erection again, and then plunged him back inside my mouth, sucking harder and harder.

I could feel him becoming impossibly harder in my mouth, and I knew he was close. Smiling around him, I worked vigorously, pushing him toward the edge. It was an amazing sensation, to be driving him to that point - I loved it.

Beep…beep…beep

"Shit!" I sat up quickly, jumping up from the bed.

"Bella, what the fuck?" Edward growled.

I stared at him briefly, confused by his anger; he had never been aggressive about getting off before. Well, you've never tortured the pour boy before, Jiminy sneered. Then I realized he hadn't heard the timer, he must have thought it was part of the game. I grabbed my robe, waving my hand as I turned toward the door.

"Turkey - I'll be right back," I said hurriedly, and then stopped short halfway through the door. "And Edward, don't move," I said in as sultry a voice as I could muster. His head flopped back on the bed, and I ran down the stairs lightening fast, laughing the whole way as I pulled the turkey from the oven.

Glancing at the huge grandfather clock that was ticking off the time with each languid sweep of its pendulum, I saw we had little over an hour before Renee was due to arrive. Bounding up the steps with silent feet, I returned to Edward's room to find him in the exact same position I had left him. Oh, fucking delicious - I love this man.

Laughing lightly at his exasperated expression as I neared the bed, I dropped the robe from my shoulders, allowing it to sail to the floor. "Hey you."

"Hello," he replied, his tone belying his annoyed demeanor. His voice - low and husky - spiked slightly in excitement.

Now, where were we? I thought as HB eagerly reminded me of his 'bound' hands. Yes. Delicious indeed.

I climbed on top of him once again, repositioning over his body. Slowly, I drug my fingers down his torso, digging my nails in ever so slightly. He arched below me, his eyes pinching closed as he emitted a soft hiss between his teeth.

The air around us was instantly charged, all of the sexual tension from moments ago returning. My insides tingled with need, shooting lightning bolts of concentrated heat and electricity down my legs and back up to my stomach.

Sliding down his body, I went right back to where I had left off, running my tongue up his length. Working backwards, I kissed tiny touches of love along his happy trail and up his stomach, my breasts grazing either side of his erection. Edward growled, shifting his hips into me. Continuing my kisses, I pressed my body back against him, letting him feel me there.

"Shit, Bella…" he ground out, pushing his hips back into me again.

Reaching his nipples, I swirled my tongue around the soft pink skin, sucking it into my mouth. He was playing along very well, keeping his hands clasped together, pressing them over his head into the bed. I was pleasantly surprised; perhaps Mr. Cullen enjoys games?

Lifting up, my lips grazed his chin, Edward let out a small sigh, his mouth curling into a smirk. Tormentingly slow, I licked along his lips, pecking lightly before I pulled his bottom lip in between my teeth. He attacked my mouth, kissing me with such passion, my legs quaked against him. I moaned into his mouth, wanting more.

Pulling myself higher, our mouths separated for only a brief second. I lowered my hips, pulling him inside of me gently. The instant pressure filling me was euphoric, I gasped into his lips; the leverage from that position - absolutely amazing.

Moving away from his firm body, and crashing back into him, I began working against him - Edward's hips coming to meet mine in time. Slow and beautifully torturous. The heated sensation low in my stomach wound tighter, the intensity of it building as we moved in tandem. I was barely aware of a loud popping noise as Edward relinquished a feral snarl; suddenly his hands were on me - everywhere. Touching my hair, my shoulders, running down my back, Oh!, cupping my ass - moving me faster, harder into him.

I grunted against him, more than happy to allow him to control the pace, his movements felt unbelievable. I was spinning fast upward, my insides taut, and my moans becoming high pitched pants. Every muscle in my body tightened, the intense feeling growing more concentrated, furling into a tiny ball, and then I felt the spike. It felt as if I was being electrocuted, my body erupting around him - the aftershocks rocking through my body. Edward groaned into my hair, thrusting upward with such force - if I were human I would have feared broken bones. His body tensed as he released, exploding inside of me. Small tremors quaked through my limbs as I collapsed on top of him.

"Wow," I sighed, unable to verbalize anymore than that.

"Yeah," he breathed. "Wow."

We laid there for what seemed like hours, silently absorbing one another. Edward's hands ran soft paths through my hair, repeating the circuit over and over. I sighed against him, wondering if things could get any better.

Just as the thought flittered through my brain, the doorbell rang. Simultaneously, we both sprung up from the bed.

"Shit. Renee," I spewed as I grabbed my clothes from the floor, spinning in a circle as I threw them on. Edward laughed as he pulled his pants up. Watching me unravel was apparently hilarious to him, I hadn't given myself time to mentally prepare - although I thought I had. As I flew down the stairs, pressing my hair down onto my head, making sure I didn't have "sex hair", I found myself suddenly overly nervous to be face to face with my mother.

Taking a deep breath, I attempted to steal my nerves, pushing the anxiety out of my mind.

"Bella!" She screeched as I opened the front door. Without hesitation, she threw her body at me, engulfing me in her patented mom hug, and I couldn't help but smile. First worry: she would be naturally afraid of me - not a fact. Good.

"Oh, honey… you look so different," she said, incredulously, I stepped to the side to allow her and Phil to enter, my fists balling at my sides, nerves wrecking my insides. She knows - the next words from her mouth: 'Are you a vampire?'

"You look … like a woman, you look … hot!"

Oh, good lord. I exhaled a relieved sigh, smiling weakly at her. Turning to give Phil a small hand shake and a nod, I almost jumped out of my skin when Renee let out a loud scream. I whipped around to see Edward's concerned, confused expression as my mother stood frozen in front of him. Her back was to me, so I couldn't see her face, but thoughts of her horrified twisted features ran ramped through my mind as I stepped closer.

Before I could reach her side, Renee threw herself at Edward, wrapping her small arms around his large frame, and I choked back the laughter. He looked completely bewildered and uncomfortable; my mother picked up on none of that.

After she finally released Edward from her death grip, I moved in beside him, hooking my arm in his to ward off any further attacks.

"And you must be Edward."

"Yes, it's so wonderful to finally meet you." Edward bowed slightly, taking her hand and kissing it ever so lightly. Really turning on the charm, aren't we Cullen? I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help smiling as my mother was eating it up.

"Bella has told me so much about you," he said, releasing her hand.

Renee snorted, smacking him on the chest. "Oh, Bella, he is such a gentlemen … and such a hunk," she finished in an embarrassing stage whisper, winking at me.

I opened my mouth to respond when Renee froze, her eyes narrowing, her head tilted to the side as she seemed to study my face intently. Shit shit shit.

"Bella, honey, your eyes are different. Did you get contacts?"

I swallowed back the lump that instantly formed in my throat. I had prepared myself for that exact question, and, even if I hadn't, she had already given me an out with the way she asked it. But staring her dead in the face, I was convinced my response would tip her off - I was a horrible liar.

"Uh, yes. Ah, er… they are sort of a hazel color, but my stupid brown eyes seemed to want to overrule them, so they come out this strange … golden brown…" after bumbling through my sentence I trailed off, fighting the urge to rake my fingers over my face. Her eyes stayed slanted, I could see her mind churning as she took in my answer. Shit shit shit.

Her gaze shot swiftly between Edward and me, and then her eyebrows raised, her face softening. She clapped her hands together before she lifted them to her mouth. "Oh, you two are adorable. Phil, look, they have matching contacts - we should do that do babe!" She gushed, turning and pulling Phil by the arm.

I pushed out a loud breath of air, hair puffing out around my face. "Well, Mom, dinner's ready. I'm sure you guys are hungry after your trip. Shall we eat?"

"Oh, yes dear, it smells wonderful! We are famished. All we had on the plane was that lousy bag of peanuts!"

I smiled widely at her, motioning for them to head to the dining room where Alice had decked the table out. She truly never disappoints, with full table settings, four different types of forks, three different types of crystal glasses, a breath taking center piece that looked like it belonged on a real pilgrim's table - all of it real. Real corn, squash, pumpkins, various fruits, and a cornucopia that I was sure Alice wove herself.

The lights were turned to their lowest setting, and the candles flickered warmly against the deep gold's and reds of the table cloth. Hm, Edward must have lit the candles.

"I'll just go and get the food, I'll be right back. Please, sit down." I smiled at them, and my mother was bouncing with excitement, her eyes washing over every detail.

It took two trips to get all of the food on the table, but once that was done, I settled into my seat, and Renee led us in grace. Dinner moved along, our conversations were surprisingly light and easy. I was relieved that there was no grilling about my changed appearance, which had been my main concern.

We found ourselves lost in stories of college life, as I told Renee about my classes and my professors. I told her more about where we were living, telling her she really should come and visit; it was truly beautiful there.

Edward and Phil talked at length about baseball; I was surprised to learn he had such an interest in it. With as much time as we spend together, I had never seen him watch a game on TV. Dinner was done, and Edward and I had successfully pushed the food around on our plates enough, only having to actually swallow a few small bites. It was the first time I had been forced to do such a thing, and it was the grossest thing ever. It felt like a wet lump of cement, slowly moving its way down my throat.

We moved to the living room, Phil becoming even more animated when Edward turned the football game on. I sat with my mother, quietly talking for several hours as the guys watched the game. After a while, I served the pumpkin pie, which had always been my favorite, so my mom was shocked when I didn't help myself to any.

"Bella, it's your favorite baby. OH, remember the time I tried to make a special version for your birthday, using peanut butter and chocolate," and with that she launched into another tale of my childhood, saving me from having to make excuses.

Edward seemed enthralled with all of her stories from my youth, asking the craziest questions about me. To my complete irritation and embarrassment, Renee was all too eager to share.

The grandfather clock struck the hour, chiming eight times, before I realized how late it had gotten. "Oh, mom, you two must be exhausted. Edward can show you where you're sleeping, and I'll clean up. You guys go ahead to bed."

"But Bella, honey, you did all the cooking. Let me help you clean up at least," she replied, stifling a yawn in the process.

Shaking my head, I rose, "No, Mom, I insist. You guys are the guests, please, it's fine really."

She glanced at Phil, who looked near comatose slumped down in the couch. "Well, alright, but I'm making breakfast!" Oh joy.

I smiled lovingly at my mother as she pushed her small frame off the couch. Pulling her into a quick huge, I breathed in her sweet perfume, clean sheet and lavender - the same it had always been, it smelled like home. "I missed you mom," I whispered.

"I missed you too baby," she replied, her voice cracking, and I realized there was a double meaning to her words. It hit me that the last time she saw me I was still in a pretty dark place. I hadn't smiled a true smile in years; that was the Bella she had grown use to. How easily I had forgotten that Bella. She was seeing, for the first time in years, the real me, and I could read the emotion behind her wide eyes as she regarded me.

"Tomorrow, we'll have a girl's day - just you and me, okay?"

"I'd love that," I replied honestly.

"Renee, I can show you to your room, if you'd like?" Edward spoke, pulling her gaze to him.

"Thank you, Edward - for everything," she said softly, glancing back at me.

He smiled, nodding, "My pleasure," he replied, his eyes falling to mine, the love there a bottomless well - deep and unwavering.

I watched them follow Edward up the stairs, before moving to the dining room. As soon as I was sure they were out of ear shot, I moved at my full speed and cleared the table. The kitchen was relatively clean as I had done dishes as I cooked. I quickly did the dishes from dinner and dessert, finishing just as Edward returned.

He pulled me into a soft embrace, cradling me in his arms. "I think you made a good impression. She really loves you, ya know?" I asked.

"Yeah, she seemed pretty fond of having her daughter back, I think that's what she loved more than me - per say."

I arched an eyebrow, "So you caught onto that?" My gaze drew to the large windows, blackened by the November evening, only a light sheen of pale moonlight tickling the surface of the trees. "I only just realized…"

"Bella, I've told you before, you don't see yourself very clearly. She lost you when you were overcome by such sadness. Even when you were getting better - it still wasn't you. And you - you are a precious, precious thing. To lose that, to lose someone who you love so much, that brings such light to your life, it was devastating to her. All she kept thinking all night was that she had her light back."

I was stunned by his words. I had never given it much consideration. I knew when I was utterly depressed and she had tried to snap me out of it, that it was bad. But I never considered that it had altered me wholly as a person, so much, never thought of what it did to my mother. I made a promise to myself right then and there to keep my mother in my life as much as possible - which would mean telling her the truth about us - about Charlie. I would have to, in due time. For now, I will just be selfish and enjoy having her with me.

"Thank you, for telling me all of that."'

"Of course, love. I will always tell you everything, and that, especially, you deserved to know."

I smiled at him, laying my head on my chest.

"Which reminds me, there's something else you deserve."

I knitted my brows together, confused. "What? What else do I deserve?" I questioned, leaning my head back up.

Edward's eyes shone brightly, fire igniting within them. His mouth curled into a slow, lop-sided sexy grin. "Payback."

Oh shit.

I took a step back, raising my hands defensively. "Now Edward, be reasonable… my mom is right up stairs." I continued to back up slowly as Edward stalked toward me, resembling a ferocious cat, sizing up his prey.

"Oh, don't worry, love, I intend to be very quiet. And you?…" he reached in his pockets simultaneously pulling out a new belt and a scarf. Scarf? "You are going to be absolutely silent."

His wicked smile grew wider as I turned, dashing around the kitchen island. He caught me within seconds, I stifled a squeal as he pulled me with him to the floor. Capturing my lips in his, I melted into him, my hands moving along his arms, pulling him into me.

Pulling back momentarily, he smiled down at me once more, tossing the belt and scarf to the ground. "I was just kidding b a b y, I would never gag you - I love the sounds you make."

I laughed at his confession, his eyes lighting up at the sound. He looked like that playful little boy again, so happy. He mirrored precisely how I felt, and I hoped he could read my happiness too.

"Edward, you make me happy."

"You make me ridiculously happy," he replied.

I brought my hand up, caressing his cheek, thinking back on the last year, in awe at how things happened. "How did I get so lucky - how did I find you?

He chuckled softly, reaching down and tucking a loose tendril behind my ear. "We found each other, even when we weren't looking, even when we didn't know it. We've always been drawn together."

Breathing in a contented sigh, I grinned back. He always had a way with words, my EM109. "I love you Edward."

"I love you to Bella."

Leaning in, our lips met once again, sparks of light and color flashing behind my closed lids - our own personal fireworks as we tangled together on the kitchen floor, our souls melding into one entity. We had all we would ever need, all we were ever looking for right there inside one another, and we were both truly happy.

The End

A/N: Alright lovies, this is gonna get mushy. A want to give my undying devotion and thanks to Kat, who was the one and only person to speak up… I think it was around the second chapter, volunteering her services to me. (It was painfully obvi that I needed a beta something fierce.) I pounced on the offer, and I am soooooo glad she spoke up b/c she has been my rock whilst writing this. Thank you Kat, I love you tons!

Now to my loyal readers/reviewers - you have no clue the elation and fucking high I get when I read your reviews. It's really like my crack, (all together now,) my own personal brand of heroin. Thank each and everyone of you for reading this and showing support - I love you all! To you lurkers, I love you to. Just knowing people have read this little story that was a simple way to feed my addiction to all things twilight, just knowing that I had one reader - was all I ever hoped for. I cherish you all! Thanks for taking this ride with me! Please leave me your thoughts and comments because I really poured a lot into this epi, and I am dying to know what you think.

Love, Buff