Chapter 23- Open Arms/ Realize/ On Bended Knee

Chapter 23- Realize/ Open Arms/ On Bended Knee

Bella POV

I pushed open the door and stepped into the kitchen. My heart immediately fluttered and my breath was taken away from the sight before me. The room was entirely dark and it looked as if the whole bottom floor was dark as well. I gazed around the room and noticed all of the work that Edward had put into this night.

On the island there were red candles in the shape of a heart that were illuminating the room. The invigorating scent from the candles filled the room and surrounded me. The scent was heavenly. It wasn't over powering but it was the sweet smell of strawberries and cream. The counter tops were lined with more small candles. On the floor was a line made of pink rose petals. In the center of the heart was a small red envelope with a small blue box on top.

I let out the breath that I hadn't realized I was holding. My hand was covering my open mouth. I was in complete shock. I couldn't believe he had honestly done all of this. I had no idea that he could be this romantic. I knew that money was no object to him but if the rest of the house looked anything like this, I could only imagine how much money he had spent. I continued to look around the room. I was searching for him, for his face but I never saw him. Then I glanced back at the letter in my hand and remembered that he had asked me to follow the instructions. I had been so caught up in taking everything in that I hadn't even looked for instructions.

I shut the door behind me and slowly walked over to the island. I grabbed the blue box and envelope. Tiffany's. Nice. I opened the envelope first. Another hand written note.

Bella,

Everything I've done in this room is because of you. Every piece reminds me of you in some way. The strawberries and cream candles remind me of the smell of your hair. The heart formation is because you have my heart. You've always had it. The pink rose petals remind me of your beautiful cheeks when you blush. Open the box.

Love you,

Edward

My eyes started to tear up but I couldn't start crying already. It was too early to start that. I opened the blue box and saw a folded up note. I lifted the note to open it and saw a small silver heart shaped lock that said “I Love You.” I gasped at the sight of it. It was beautiful and I couldn't believe he had bought it. I didn't know when he had bought it. How long has he been planning this? He hasn't had time to buy it since he asked me to come over. He must have been planning this for some time.

I held the box in my hand and unfolded the note.

Bella,

I told you that you have my heart. Here it is. It's locked because only you have the key. No one else has been able to open it the same that you have. Please, follow the line of rose petals.

Loving you always,

Edward

I began to follow the line. I was breathing in the scents and taking in the room as I walked. I had never had anything like this done for me before and I didn't want to miss anything. I wanted to savor every moment.

I had a feeling that after tonight nothing between us would be the same.

The line led past the end of the island, through the hallway and into the living room. It stopped at the coffee table in the center of the room. There were more candles on the coffee table but these were white and smelled of vanilla. The candles formed a circle around another red envelope with another blue box on top.

I leaned down to grab the box and envelope. I opened the envelope first.

Bella,

I hope you like what you've seen so far. The vanilla candles are for the way your breath smells when your mouth is so close to mine. The circle is never ending and that is a symbol of my love for you. It will never end.

Love,

Edward

My eyes were seriously tearing up and it was hard to control my emotions. All of this was so thoughtful and loving. I took a few deep breaths to get my emotions in check. I opened the box. Inside was a note and small silver charm in the shape of a crown. I unfolded the note.

You are my queen. There's a ribbon on the other side of the table. Follow it please.

Loving you more,

Edward

I set down the boxes and envelopes. I didn't know where the ribbon was leading or what it was leading to and I didn't want to drop anything. I finally set down my purse on the couch as I walked over to the beginning of the ribbon. I followed it with my eyes first. I led up the stairs to the second floor. I walked up the stairs and curiously looked around for Edward. Where is he? How much more can there be?

Still, no Edward. I reached the top of the stairs and looked around. There was a line of the strawberry candles on the small table against the wall. Behind the line of candles was another blue box and red envelope. I reached for the envelope.

Bella,

The candles are standing in a line to represent the way that I will always stand here and wait for you.

So in love with you,

Edward

A single tear managed to escape after that note. I was just so surprised and never realized how much he really felt for me. Maybe, I never allowed myself to see it but I was definitely seeing it now.

I opened the box. Another note and this time it was a bracelet with a small silver heart with diamonds in it.

This bracelet reminded me of you. It's strong, delicate, classy, beautiful and the diamonds sparkle like your beautiful eyes.

Yours always,

Edward

He has put so much thought into every one of these gifts and I had no idea he even thought about things like this.

There were no instructions in the note. I looked around the floor. To my left I saw another line of pink rose petals. I followed the petals to the door of Edward's bedroom. I opened the door and stepped inside. There were more of the vanilla candles on the dresser. They were in the shape of a star. In the center was the infamous red envelope and blue box I had come to love.

Bella,

This was the room where our relationship had advanced to the next level. This room will always be special to me because of that but I have a confession. This isn't my bedroom. I'm sorry I lied to you but I am promising to tell you the truth about everything tonight. You are my star.

Always my love,

Edward

I was a little upset that he had lied about something as trivial as his bedroom but we were starting on a new page tonight and as long as he told me the truth I wouldn't get mad him.

I opened the box. There was no note but a set of diamond earrings in the shape of a star.

I was getting so anxious to see Edward. I wanted to jump him and kiss him and hug him. Tell him that I love him too and thank you and I'm sorry.

I looked around the room for the instructions. I saw a note taped to the back of the door. I walked over and pulled it off the door.

Bella,

You are almost done. I promise. I wish I could see your face right now. I bet you look so beautiful.

Exit this room and go to the stairs leading to the the third floor. There will be a ribbon waiting for you.

Te Amo,

Edward

I did as he instructed. When I reached the stairs, I saw the red ribbon along them. I followed the ribbon to the top of the stairs. The area was dark just like the rest of the house but this time there were big three wick candles leading to a door on the left side of the hallway. I followed the candles to the closed door. There was another red envelope taped to the door. I pulled the envelope down and opened it to find another hand written note.

Bella,

Thank you for trusting me to guide you tonight. I'm happy that you still have a little faith left in me. This is the last note. I hope that you have seen a small glimmer of my love for you tonight. I don't know that I can ever fully express the depth of it but I promise to never quit trying. There's one last gift in this envelope. There is a silver key. It represents the key to my heart. I'm giving it to you. You've had it ever since I met you, you just never knew. I hope that you will take it and care for it. I'm just behind this door. I can't wait to see you.

Forever yours,

Edward

I looked in the envelope and pulled out the silver key with a heart at the top. It was beautiful. It was the key to his heart and he just handed it over to me. It meant more than he could imagine.

My heart began to race and my breathing was erratic, once again, with the thought of Edward standing on the other side of the door waiting on me. I had been looking for him in every room but knowing he was just that close to me, made me a little nervous. Seeing him after all of this, was going to be like seeing him for the first time. I was seeing him in a new light. I was seeing the Edward that wasn't afraid to show his love. The Edward that wasn't afraid to be vulnerable. He was putting himself out there tonight and was trusting me not to shut him down again. There was no way I could shut him down after all of this. I wanted to be here with him just as much as he wanted me. He just didn't know that yet.

I took a couple deep breaths and rolled my shoulders back. I grasped the door knob and turned it. I was going into this room to get my man. This was a new start for us and I wasn't going to let either one of us mess this up, again. I had pretty much already made my decision. I wasn't sure how I would do it but the fact that Em was cheating on me, only aided me in making the decision. I would end it with Em, as soon as possible.

I pushed the door open to the room. I stood still for a second taking in everything in the room. It was stunning and more than I could ever ask for.

Edward POV

My mind was racing as I sat on the edge of my bed. It felt like I had been up here waiting on her for days. I had only came upstairs when I saw that she was pulling in the driveway. In all actuality, it had only been about thirty minutes. I couldn't control my thoughts. Did I go too far with all of this? Was is too much too soon? Would she think I was trying to buy her love? Would she think that all I have is money to throw around? Would she think I was that shallow? Would she believe me when I told her all of these things tonight? Would she walk out on me again?

Until this night, I've never been insecure about anything in my life. I've never been so afraid of being rejected but the fact that she has rejected me twice before was killing my self esteem.

I need her to know how much she means to me. I need her to understand that I will do anything for her.

I need to her to know that I realize I was wrong and that I want to make it right. I want her. I want her all to myself. I want her without Emmett. I want to wake up with her everyday. I want to spend everyday showing her how much I love her.

I had to calm myself down. I knew she was here. I had heard the doors opening and closing and I knew she was following the notes. She hadn't given up on me yet.

I finally heard her footsteps getting closer to the door. My heart beat instantly raced when I heard her pull down the last note on the front of my bedroom door.

I stood up and closed my eyes. I inhaled a few deep breaths and attempted to relax. I needed to be calm when she opened the door. I needed to be able to say everything I wanted to say calmly.

I heard the knob begin to turn and I turned to face the door. My pulse was racing as I waited to see her face. Once the door was fully open I could see what I've been missing for so long. The soft light from the candles in the room was just enough for me to see her striking features.

She hadn't seen me yet. She was looking around the room. She was looking at the dozens of red and pink roses that lined the room. She was seeing the huge candles that I had strategically placed in the room. She finally noticed the small table and two chairs I had set up towards the back corner of the room. There were two plates filled with honey glazed salmon on a bed of rice. There were two champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne in the center.

I stood behind the table with my hands clasped behind my back. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. It was like seeing her for the first time. She was so beautiful without even trying. She didn't need the fancy clothes or even make up. She was naturally stunning in a pair of jeans and a shirt.

She finally noticed me standing behind the table and I heard her gasp. I automatically wondered if it was a good gasp or a bad gasp. Her hand went to cover her mouth and the other hand went to her stomach. My eyes met hers and her eyes looked glassy. Like she had been crying. I didn't want her to cry. I was trying to make her happy.

I walked over to her without breaking our eye contact. I reached out my hands to her, hoping she would allow me to embrace her. At least, hoping she would hold my hands. After a few seconds, she removed her hands from her mouth and stomach and put her hands inside of mine. I immediately felt the electricity that I had been missing. It was amazing that something as simple as hand to hand contact could bring me so much comfort.

We continued to look into each others' eyes for a few moments. I didn't want to turn away from her. I didn't want to look at anything else. Nothing else compares to her. She is all I would ever need.

I gently rubbed small circles on the tops of her hands with my thumbs. I wasn't sure if I was trying to comfort her or myself.

I managed to finally start the speech I had been rehearsing in my head. “Bella, I can't thank you enough for coming tonight. You didn't have to give me another chance and I'm so grateful that you have.” I paused for a second. Continuing to gaze into her eyes. She was biting her bottom lip as if she was trying to restrain herself. I licked my lips and continued. “The gifts tonight were small tokens of my love. They all represent the beautiful and amazing woman that you are and all of your wonderful qualities. They say that you don't realize what you have until you've lost it and they were right. I took advantage of you. You were always honest with me and I lied to you out of fear of losing you. I'm sorry for that. I would take it back if I could. I would never have let her even into my house if I had known that I would lose you for one second. I was so in love with you that I thought I could make myself fall in love with her and be happy with her since I couldn't have you.” She closed her eyes and began to shake her head. I couldn't understand why. I wasn't done yet. There was still so much I wanted to tell her and she was shaking her head 'no' at me. “I.... am....” She interrupted me.

“Stop, Edward.” She said as she was still shaking her head at me. “Edward....” She started as she finally opened her eyes and looked at me. I saw a few tears escape from her eyes. “I know why you lied. I understand it. It doesn't make it right but I understand. This whole situation has been tough and we've both made mistakes. I'm sorry I didn't believe me when you told me you loved me. I realize now that you do love me. You don't have to explain it all to me.”

I released her hands from mine and brought them to the sides of her face. I held them there for a moment before I started to talk again.

“Thank you Bella. Thank you for understanding but I do need to explain a few more things. Will you sit down with me and allow me to finish?”

She brought her hands up to mine and nodded her head. I took her hand and led her to her seat at the table. She sat down and I went to my seat across the table but it seemed so far away now. I didn't want to be that far away from her. I picked up my chair and moved it to sit directly next to her. I turned towards her and took her hands in mine again.

“The first thing is that I lied to you about my bedroom. It was something so stupid to lie about but I didn't want you to see any of her things and they were in this room. That is why I wanted tonight to be in this room. I wanted to open it to you and show you everything. This is my bedroom. I've pretty much replaced everything so that there are no more reminders of her in here. I want to make new memories in here with you. I don't want anything to be off limits to you.” I swallowed hard. Her face seemed so understanding and loving. She didn't look angry at all.

“The second thing is something I want to share with you. It's something that no one else on this Earth knows. I don't want any secrets between us and if we are going to start fresh, then you should know all of this.” I stopped for a second and realized that she was now the one rubbing soothing circles on my hands. How could she know how hard this was going to be for me to tell her?

I licked my lips and started again. “I didn't know until after my parents' died that Esme wasn't my real mother. Carlisle had lived in Chicago to do his residency after he graduated from medical school. He was working at the University of Chicago hospital before he met Esme. He met a young nursing intern during his third year of residency. Her name was Elizabeth. They were very taken with each other and began to see each other romantically. The residents and interns were not supposed to date so they had to keep it a secret. They continued to see each other for quite some time. One day while they were still involved, Carlisle met Esme and immediately fell in love with her. He broke things off with Elizabeth at that point. He and Esme were married only a couple months after they met. Soon after the wedding Elizabeth told my dad that she was pregnant with me.” I stopped and tried to regain my composure. This was harder than I thought.

“Esme hadn't known anything about his relationship with Elizabeth. Elizabeth was young and had little to no money. She had used all she had on school. Carlisle told Esme about Elizabeth and the pregnancy and Esme took it surprisingly well. My mom and dad knew that dad was destined for greatness. He had been offered a great job in Atlanta when his residency was completed and knew that he would advance quickly. He didn't want to leave me behind. He wanted to raise me. Elizabeth knew she couldn't support me on her own. So, they made a deal. If Elizabeth agreed to keep quiet about their affair and to let Esme and Carlisle raise me as their child, they would send her a substantial amount of money each month.” I looked down at my hands as my eyes began to tear up at the thought of my mother basically selling me to my father. I knew she thought it was best for me but it still fucks with my head sometimes.

“Edward, it's okay. You don't have to tell me the rest.” She said lightly.

“No, I want to finish. I want you to know.” I looked back into her beautiful eyes. “When I was a few months old my mom and dad moved back to Georgia and away from Elizabeth. Elizabeth told the few people she knew that she had decided to give me up for adoption since she couldn't support me on her own. None of my family down here ever knew that Esme wasn't my mother. They continued to send Elizabeth a monthly check and pictures of me up until their death. When they died, I had to sort through all of their financial documents and wills. That's when I saw the bank statements and cleared checks with her name on them. I couldn't believe it when I first saw it. I had no idea who Elizabeth Masen was and why they would be sending her all that money. I did some research and found out where she lived. I called her and asked her about the money and my family. She told me about everything and I was completely stunned. I had a birth mother that I knew absolutely nothing about. She invited me to come see her and get to know her. When I got there she told me that she had saved fourteen years of the money for me. She hoped that I would find her one day and if not she had planned to leave it to me in her will. When I met her she had just been diagnosed with cervical cancer. I couldn't believe that I had just met her and was about to lose her also. I decided to stay with her and get to know all of her that I could.” I stopped again. Bella never faltered. She never interrupted me and let me tell this story at my own pace.

I took a deep breath and started again. “She told me all about her and how after she had finally gotten on her feet she didn't feel right using the money from my father and that's why she saved it for me. She never married or had any kids. She never felt like she deserved any more kids after she had let me go. She died a few months before I moved here. I didn't feel the need to stay there after she was gone. It was time to come back home. So that is where I've gotten my money from. Part of it was left from my parent's life insurance policies and the rest of it was what my mother had saved for me. It all added up to be about three million dollars. I took some of it to live off of and put the rest in to investments. Now, you know everything. No secrets.”

“Edward, thank you for telling me. I can't explain how much it means to me that you would trust me with this.”

“Bella, I just wanted you to know everything about me and how much you mean to me.” I said as I continued to gaze into her eyes. She took my face in her hands and pulled herself closer to my face. She licked her lips and closed her eyes and I closed the distance between our lips. I finally felt the warm gentle caress of her lips against mine. It felt so perfect. Our lips moved together and I felt her tongue slide against my lips.

I couldn't believe she was the one advancing our kiss. I was amazed in a good way. My heart swelled at the thought of her wanting me like I want her. I opened my mouth and allowed our tongues to dance together. The taste of her was so sweet and it was something I wanted to taste all day everyday.

We continued our kiss until we could no longer breath. She released my mouth and I pressed my forehead against hers as I panted. “Bella..... thank you.” I whispered.

“You don't have to thank me for doing what I wanted to do.” She replied.

My heart continued to grow with everything she said. I didn't think it was possible to love her anymore than I already did but she was proving me wrong.

I lifted my head from hers and looked into her eyes. “Bella. We should eat before it gets too cold.”

She chuckled a little. “I forgot all about the food. I guess we should eat. It looks so good.”

I moved my plate over to where I was now sitting. I opened the champagne and poured us both a glass. I held up my glass to her and started to talk. “To second chances and new beginnings.” She smiled as she clinked her glass against mine.

We took a sip of the champagne and began to cut into the salmon. I didn't even want to take my eyes off of her to cut my food. I felt like I hadn't seen her in years and I didn't want to look at fish. I wanted to look at the beautiful, forgiving woman in front of me. I managed to eat a few bites of the food but finally gave up. I sat my fork down next to my plate. I sat back in my chair and watched her take a bite of her food.

She smiled shyly and said “What are you doing, Edward? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I took looking at you for granted and I promise not to ever again. Finish eating. I just want to look at you.” I said as I grasped my glass and took a sip of the champagne.

She swallowed her food and licked her lips. She turned in her seat to face me. “Edward, tonight has been so amazing. I had no idea that you had it in you to do all of this. Thank you.”

I sat my glass down and reached for her hands. She placed her hands inside of mine and I looked into her eyes. “Bella, you are more than welcome. The night isn't over yet, though. This is just the half time show.” I leaned in to her to kiss her lips again. I couldn't get enough of her.

“Edward” she started. “Can I ask you something?”

“You can ask me anything.”

“When did you get all of the gifts? You didn't have time after you texted me to set everything up and buy all the gifts.”

I looked at her for a second. It was a good question. It was true, I hadn't had time to do all of it.

“Bella, I've been collecting these things ever since I met you. I was just waiting on the right time to give them all to you. There was never an appropriate time until now. The last one I bought just a few days ago, the key. I saw it and knew that if you ever gave me a second chance, that I would give it to you.”

Her eyes started to become glassy again. “Edward, they are all so special. I can't believe you never gave up.”

Could she really think that I would just give up on her?

“I would never give up on you or us. I told you before, I've never felt this way about anyone and I wasn't going to let you go so easily. I love you, Bella.” I said sincerely as I took her face in my hands.

A few tears escaped her eyes and she sighed. “Edward I'm so sorry. I've not been the same since we've been apart. I didn't realize how much I loved you until you weren't there.”

“Bella, don't apologize to me. I was the one that lied to you. I'm the one that's sorry.”

“You don't have to apologize anymore. I know that you are sorry and I know that you love me. It's time to move forward. We can't dwell on the past.”

She was completely right and I was happy that she understood me. I leaned into her for another kiss. I pressed my lips against her and her hands went to my neck. I could feel the urgency between our lips. I slid my tongue against her lips and deepened our kiss. Our tongues danced and swirled around each other in perfect harmony. This woman was everything I could ever dream of having.

We finally broke our kiss after what seemed like hours. I pulled back and looked in to her eyes.

“Fuck the food.” She said simply.

I chuckled a little. “I couldn't agree more.”

We stood up together and I took her hand again. I led her over to the bed and turned around to face her. She looked up at me with those beautiful brown eyes and lifted up on her toes to kiss me. I met her halfway and pressed my lips to hers. I grabbed her waist as she weaved her fingers into the hair at the nape of my neck. I picked her up and she wrapped her legs around my waist, never breaking our kiss.

I sat down on the bed, still holding her against my waist. We continued to kiss as I felt her hands grasp the hem of my shirt and begin to pull. I hadn't imagined having sex with her tonight. I definitely wasn't going to argue with her about it though. I released her waist and lips long enough to allow her to lift my shirt. I didn't want to break our kiss again so, I went ahead and removed her shirt.

Our lips immediately found each other again. It was like they were magnets drawn to each other. I reached behind her back and unclasped her bra. It fell from her arms and I could feel her breasts pressed against my chest. The skin to skin contact was almost too much to bear. My erection felt like it would explode at any second. I had been without her for so long.

I lifted us from the bed and turned around. I laid her on the bed and continued to assault her mouth with mine. My hands grasped the button on her jeans and quickly unbuttoned them and the zipper. I grabbed the sides of her jeans and gently pulled them down and off of her. She opened her legs again to allow me to rest in between them. As I lowered myself back on top of her I felt her hands go to the button on my jeans. She removed them as quickly as I had removed hers.

Once they were gone, I finally situated myself on top of her. It felt so right to have her legs wrapped around my waist. The only thing separating us now was our underwear. I couldn't control myself with her as I began to grind my hips against her center. I wanted her so badly.

I felt her hands on the waistband of my boxers as she began to slide them off. I allowed her to slide them off of me and I quickly went to remove her panties. There were no barriers now.

I pulled back from our kiss and looked into her eyes as I stroked her cheek. Her eyes looked so warm and open. I could feel her warm, sweet breath against my face. I could feel the rhythm of her heartbeat against my chest. This was where I belonged. We were made for each other.

“You know we don't have to do this tonight. I love you and I will wait.”

She shook her head at me. “No. I don't want to wait anymore. Being with you is what I want. Don't make me wait. Please.” It almost sounded like she was pleading with me. She didn't have to plead. I just didn't want her to feel pressured.

“Your wish is my command.” I replied simply before pressing my lips to hers.

Bella POV

I could feel his erection pressed against my entrance and I just wanted him inside of me. I wanted to feel all of him. Our kiss continued and I grabbed his butt with my hands and pulled him into me. His cock slid inside of me with ease.

This was where I belonged. How did I not see it before? How did I not see that I was with the wrong person? How did I think I could deny myself this amazing man?

Being with him was so right and made me feel so complete. My body had been aching for him and I knew that it wouldn't take me long to reach my orgasm. He slid in and out of me in a wonderful rhythm. I was so close.

He wouldn't release my lips from his assault long enough for me to tell him I was about to come. All I could do was murmur it into his mouth. He pulled back from my mouth just as my orgasm began to over take my body.

My whole body began to writhe and shake underneath him. “Edward...... oh......God......Edward!” I shouted. I opened my eyes to see him gazing at me like he usually did.

“You are more beautiful every time you come.” He said before he began to kiss my lips again. He continued his rhythm for a little longer until I could feel his body begin to tense up.

A few more strokes and I felt his body go rigid.

He finally rested on top of me as he panted. I stroked his hair and looked into his eyes.

“That gets more amazing every time.” He whispered into my ear.

“I know.” I said before I lightly kissed his lips.

He rolled over on to the bed and continued to gaze into my eyes. I didn't want to get up. I didn't want to leave the bubble we had created. Everything was so perfect. We laid still for a few moments. I was relishing in every moment.

He finally got up and went into the bathroom. I followed behind him and found him standing at the sink. I walked up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. I didn't want to ever let him go.

“What are you doing in here?” He asked. I was confused. I had to clean up. “You know you are supposed to let me come and clean you up.”

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders. “I forgot. I missed you.”

He turned around to face me and lifted me up. He swung me around and sat me on the vanity. He pressed his lips against mine once more. I could never tire of tasting this man.

He wet the rag with warm water and proceeded to wash me off before he washed himself off. I watched him clean himself off like a little girl watches her father shave. Nothing but love and adoration in my eyes.

Once he was completely clean, he situated himself in between my legs as he rubbed my thighs.

“Bella, I have a request.” He asked timidly.

I would give him anything. He didn't need to be apprehensive about asking me.

“Anything.” I replied.

“I don't want to live without you anymore. I want to be with you every day. I don't want to share you. I love you too much to share. Will you leave Emmett? Will you stay with me?” He asked as his eyes dropped to his hands.

I placed my hands on the sides of his face and lifted it to look at me. “You don't even have to ask. I was already going to leave him. I am all yours. You don't have to share any longer.”

His face lit up as he smiled. It was the biggest smile I've ever seen on his face. He pulled me into him and kissed my lips.

“That's the best news I've ever heard. Thank you.”

“You don't have to thank me.”

“Let's get out of the bathroom.” He said as he grasped my waist and lifted me off of the vanity. He carried me into the bedroom and laid me down on the bed.

He laid next to me and we simply laid there gazing at each other, as if this was all new. I had forgotten all about Em until he mentioned him. I knew that after the stunt Em pulled and after tonight, there was no way I could go back to him.

“I don't know how to end it with Em.” I started. “I can't tell him about us. It will only cause more drama and pain. I'm sure he's cheating on me. What should I do?”

He stroked my cheek before he answered. “Don't tell him about us, you're right. Just tell him that you know he's cheating on you and that you don't want to be with him anymore.”

It all sounded so simple but I knew it was definitely not going to be easy. “I hope it will be that easy. I don't have anywhere to live though. The house was his first. I'm gonna have to find a new place. That's gonna be fun.” I said sarcastically.

“Bella, don't worry about a place to live. This house is too big for me. You can stay here with me. Didn't you just hear me ask you to stay with me?”

“I did hear you but I didn't think you meant for me to stay in your house with you. I don't know about that.” I wasn't sure that I was ready to move in with him yet.

“Bella, what is there to not know? I love you and you love me. I don't want to be without you any more. It would be my honor to have you live with me.” He sounded so sure of himself and what he was asking me to do.

“I'll think about it. Is that okay?” I asked him.

There was small bit of disappointment in his eyes. “It's okay. I understand. Just please know that I want you here, always.” He said as he leaned in to press his lips to mine, again.

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