We cuddled together a few moments exchanging chaste kisses. Our legs were tangled together, flesh against flesh. For a while, neither of us said a word. He gently brushed my hair from my face. As sweet as this moment was, I still wanted more of him.

"Edward…?" I broke the silence.

"Yes?"

"Are we going to…? Do you still want to…make love?"

"Very much so. I mean, if you do."

"Then what are you waiting for?" I instantly regretted the tone of my voice. I hoped it didn't sound as harsh as I thought. "I'm sorry. That came out wrong. I just meant – "

"No, it's ok. Honestly, I don't know. I was waiting on you. I think. I don't have the slightest idea how to proceed without being awkward."

"Edward, just kiss me." And that's all it took. His mouth covered mine and once again, I felt his arousal pressed against my thigh. He hovered above me, holding his weight with his arms. He gently spread my legs and settled between them. Nothing would help me now – not movies, not books, not the stories Jessica had shared with me. Okay, maybe the fact that it was Edward here, maybe that would help.

"I will be as gentle as I can love," he said and I knew it was true.

He pushed into me slowly, inch by inch. My whole body smoldered as I realized that he was really inside me. I had never imagined anything so intimate before. I felt the pressure as my body expanded to accommodate him. It didn't hurt, yet. It was just uncomfortable. He searched my eyes for any sign of regret and then quickly pushed through my innocence. I grimaced and a low cry of pain exited my lips.

"I'm sorry, love," he whispered immediately.

"It's okay. I'm okay. Just give me a moment."

After a few moments, my body adjusted and the pain subsided. I moved my hips a little, trying to signal to Edward that I was ready. Soon he began to move with me. Instinct took over from there and we were moving together in rhythm. It was the very best feeling I ever had. I couldn't have dreamed of a connection so intimate. He reached his hand between us and caressed me between the legs again. The familiar fire was building again and I knew it wouldn't be long before the eruption of pleasure returned. The throbbing between my legs increased in intensity with every stroke of his finger and thrust of his hips and I fell over the edge, pulling him with me. We moaned together in ecstasy as our bodies convulsed uncontrollably in erotic pleasure.

Edward collapsed beside me. I rolled over and rested my head on his chest. He put his cool arm around me and stroked my hair. I was completely overwhelmed at the intimacy of what we just shared. A few moments passed in silence and then he…laughed? Not really a response that I thought was appropriate at the time.

"What's funny?" I asked.

"Nothing is funny really. I'm just…overwhelmed. Some people cry, I laugh…apparently."

"So…it was…you…enjoyed it?" I asked, the blush rising to my cheeks.

"What an absurd question! Of course I enjoyed it! Are you okay? I didn't hurt you?"

"No, of course not. I would have told you." I looked around briefly. "Though I can't say the same for your bed," I commented, noting the cracked headboard and the ripped sheets. He laughed.

"Replaceable," he answered.

"Was it…difficult?"

"Not as difficult as I expected. I did have to remain conscious of how I was touching you. And I had to concentrate on where to displace the residual energy. But I think it helped that you…touched me first. I knew what to expect." Feeling completely content, I crawled under the sheets and curled up against him.

"I love you, Edward," I whispered.

"As I love you, Bella. My wife." He smiled my favorite crooked smile and began to hum my lullaby. I knew sleep would take me soon.