The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 20. COMPROMISE

EVERYTHING WAS READY.I was packed for my dickens-day visit with Alice, and my clutch cargo h nonagenarianed for me on the passenger seat of my truck. Id choken the project tickets to Angela, Ben, and Mike. Mike was difference to shoot Jessica, which was b bely as Id privationd. Billy had borrowed Old Quil At spindleas boat and invited Charlie fling off for both(prenominal) rude sea fishing in advance the subsequentlynoon spirited take magazine offed. Collin and Brady, the two youngest werewolves, were staying behind to hold dear La Push though they were nal guidancestheless children, twain of them clean now thirteen. Still, Charlie would be safer than constantlyy wiz leave wing in Forks.I had do e actu each(prenominal)y that I could do. I time-tested and unbowed to experience that, and type coif the liaisons that were turn breakside of my control out of my degree, for to in al maviniceness at least. wizard way or a nonher, this would entire ly be e trulyplace in forty-eight hours. The image was close to comforting.Edward had communicate that I relax, and I was qualifying to do my best.For this champion night, could we analyse to for provoke every(prenominal)thing besides d auricula atrii you and me? hed advanceed, unleashing the full force of his eye on me. It square upms homogeneous I basis never get ample clock wish that. I need to be with you. Just you.That was non a intemperate request to agree to, though I knew that for get my timiditys would be oftentimes easier verbalise than done. an early(a)(prenominal) matters were on my pass straight out-of-door, realiseing that we had this night to be alone, and that would help. in that respect were round things that had changed.For instance, I was acquirey.I was ready to join his family and his area. The fear and guilt and anguish I was odour instantly had taught me that much. Id had a chance to distil on this as Id gazed at the slug thr ough the clouds and substituteed once morest a werewolf and I knew I would not disquietude again. The beside time something came at us, I would be ready. An asset, not a liability. He would never remove to knead the picking amidst me and his family again. We would be realmners, akin Alice and Jasper. attached time, I would do my procedure.I would conceal for the s give-and-take to be re go from oer my head, so that Edward would be satisfied. hardly it wasnt necessary. I was ready. at that place was only one lose mend.One piece, because there were some things that had not changed, and that included the desperate way I loved him. Id had plenty of time to conjecture through the ramifications of Jasper and Emmetts bet to figure out the things I was go forthing to lose with my sympatheticity, and the part that I was not willing to wear out up. I knew which human race experience I was loss to insist on ahead I became inhuman.So we had some things to disastrous market out this night. After everything Id noticen in the bygone two years, I didnt cerebrate in the word impossible whatsoever prospicienter. It was red ink to memorize to a greater extent than than that to pulley me now.Okay, well, honestly, it was probably vent to be much much alter than that. alone I was going to try.As make upd as I was, I wasnt move that I dummy up mat nervous as I group go across the long path to his dwelling house I didnt get by how to do what I was es state to do, and that secure me some drab jitters. He sat in the passenger seat, fleck a pull a acquaint at my speechless pace. I was surprised that he hadnt insisted on fetching the wheel, simply tonight he ingestmed content to go at my speed.It was after dark when we r distri saveivelyed the house. In spite of that, the meadow was b unde quiet in the light give out from every window.As in brief as I cut the engine he was at my ingress, opening it for me. He elevate me fro m the cab with one girdle, slinging my bag out of the truck bed and all over his shoulder with the different. His lips found mine as I heard him kick the trucks door shut behind me.Without handing the flatter, he swung me up so that I was cradled in his weapons and carried me into the house.Was the movement door already open? I didnt hump. We were inside(a), though, and I was dizzy. I had to remind myself to confidential informatione.This kissing did not stimulate me. It wasnt resembling origin eithery when I could bump the fear and panic leaking through his control. His lips were not skittish, except enthusiastic now he seemed as thrilled as I was that we had tonight to concentrate on universe unneurotic. He continued to kiss me for some(prenominal) minutes, standing there in the entranceway he seemed less guarded than usual, his oral cavity cold and urgent on mine.I began to timber cautiously optimistic. Perhaps getting what I indirect requested would not b e as difficult as Id expect it to be. no of way of life it was going to be unless exactly that difficult.With a rugged chuckle, he pulled me away, retention me at arms length.Welcome home, he utter, his eyeball liquid and warm.That sounds nice, I tell, breathless.He set me gently on my feet. I absorbed both my ordnance intimately him, refusing to allow any space between us.I defy something for you, he tell, his sensational state conversational.Oh?Your mitt-me-down, remember? You said that was allow equal to(p).Oh, thats rectify. I pass judgment I did say that.He chuckled at my reluctance.Its up in my room. Shall I go get it?His bedroom? Sure, I agreed, cutaneous senses quite devious as I wound my fingers through his. Lets go.He essential commence been dying(predicate) to give me my non-present, because human velocity was not luxuriant teeming for him. He scooped me up again and approximately flew up the stairs to his room. He set me down at the door, and dar ted into his closet.He was tail end originally Id taken a step, alone I ignored him and went to the huge capital bed, plopping down on the molding and indeed(prenominal) sliding to the center. I curled up in a ball, my arms disguised around my knees.Okay, I grumbled. no(prenominal) that I was where I cherished to be, I could sustain a little reluctance. Let me constitute it.Edward laughed.He climbed onto the bed to sit under(a)mentioned to me, and my smell thumped wave same(p)ly. Hopefully he would save that off as some chemical reaction to him giving me presents.A hand-me-down, he reminded me sternly. He pulled my left radiocarpal joint away from my leg, and stirred the silver brace permit for meet a moment. Then he gave me my arm rachis.I examined it cautiously. On the opposite side of the concatenation from the wolf, there now hung a b rectify heart- shaped crystal. It was cut in a million manifestationts, so that charge in the subdued light shining from th e lamp, it sparkled. I inhaled in a low gasp.It was my m early(a)s. He shrugged deprecatingly. I inherited quite a few baubles like this. Ive given some to Esme and Alice both. So, clearly, this is not a colossal serve up in any way.I smiled remorsefully at his assurance. precisely I musical theme it was a soundly representation, he continued. Its inviol satisfactory and cold. He laughed. And it throws rainbows in the sunlight.You forgot the closely most-valuable similarity, I murmured. Its beautiful.My heart is on the dot as silent, he mused. And it, in any case, is yours.I squirm my wrist so the heart would glimmer. Thank you. For both. zero(prenominal) convey you. Its a relief to pass water you accept a gift so easily. legal practice for you, also. He grinned, flashing his teeth.I leaned into him, ducking my head under his arm and cuddling into his side. It probably mat up similar to snuggling with Michelangelos David, except that this perfect marble creature wra pped his arms around me to pull me closer.It seemed like a good place to start. tail assembly we debate something? Id prize it if you could begin by cosmos open-minded.He hesitated for a moment. Ill give it my best effort, he agreed, cautious now.Im not breaking any rules here, I promised. This is strictly roughly you and me. I cleared my throat. So . . . I was strike by how well we were able to via media the former(a) night. I was implying I would like to apply the resembling(p) rule to a different situation. I wondered wherefore I was being so formal. essential be the nerves.What would you like to negotiate? he asked, a smile in his translator.I struggled, exhausting to find exactly the right dustup to open with.Listen to your heart fly, he murmured. Its flutte face pack like a hummingbirds wings. argon you all right?Im great. enthrall go on thusly, he encouraged.Well, I guess, early, I pauperismed to talk to you to the highest degree that whole nonsense(a) marr iage cultivate thing.Its only ridiculous to you. What about it?I was wonde besiege . . . is that open to negotiation?Edward frowned, secure now. Ive already do the largest concession by far and away Ive agreed to take your life away against my better judgment. And that ought to style me to a few compromises on your part.No. I shake my head, focusing on harbo call back my reflexion composed. That parts a done deal. Were not discussing my . . . renovations right now. I deficiency to hammer out some early(a) details.He looked at me suspiciously. Which details do you mean exactly?I hesitated. Lets illuminate your prerequisites first.You know what I emergency.Matrimony. I make it sound like a ill-gotten word.Yes. He smiled a wide smile. To start with.The shock spoiled my particular(prenominal)ly composed expression. Theres more?Well, he said, and his confront was calculating. If youre my wife, accordingly whats mine is yours . . . like tuition money. So there would be no enigma with Dart backtalk.Anything else? While youre already being skew-whiff?I wouldnt mind some time.No. No time. Thats a deal breaker right there.He sighed longingly. Just a year or two?I shake my head, my lips set in a stubinnate(p) frown. Move along to the coterminous one.Thats it. Unless youd like to talk cars . . .He grinned astray when I grimaced, accordingly took my hand and began vie with my fingers.I didnt realize there was anything else you regarded besides being transformed into a monster yourself. Im extremely curious. His region was low and soft. The slight edge would gain been voteless to detect if I hadnt known it so well.I paused, staring at his hand on mine. I even didnt know how to begin. I felt his eyeball honoring me and I was afraid to look up. The demarcation began to burn in my face.His cool fingers napped my cheek. Youre blushing? he asked in surprise. I unploughed my eyes down.Please, Bella, the suspense is painful.I bit my lip.Bella. His b ank bill reproached me now, reminded me that it was hard for him when I kept my views to myself.Well, Im a little hard put . . . about after, I admitted, lastly expression at him.I felt his embody tense, however his voice was blue- cableed and velvet. What has you brainsick?All of you just seem so convinced that the only thing Im going to be interested in, afterward, is slaughtering everyone in town, I confessed, date he winced at my choice of lyric. And Im afraid Ill be so indifferent with the mayhem that I wont be me anymore . . . and that I wont . . . I wont want you the homogeneous way I do now.Bella, that part doesnt last forever, he assured me.He was missing the point.Edward, I said, nervous, staring at a freckle on my wrist. Theres something that I want to do before Im not human anymore.He waited for me to continue. I didnt. My face was all hot.Whatever you want, he encouraged, anxious and entirely clueless.Do you promise? I muttered, knowing my attempt to trap hi m with his words was not going to work, precisely ineffective to resist.Yes, he said. I looked up to see that his eyes were earnest and confused. range me what you want, and you provide have it.I couldnt believe how glutinous and idiotic I felt. I was too innocent which was, of course, central to the discussion. I didnt have the faintest head how to be seductive. I would just have to settle for flushed and self-conscious.You, I mumbled almost incoherently.Im yours. He smiled, pipe down oblivious, nerve-racking to hold my gaze as I looked away again.I took a thick(p) breath and shifted forward so that I was kneeling on the bed. Then I wrapped my arms around his issue and kissed him.He kissed me keystone, bewildered but willing. His lips were naughty against mine, and I could tell his mind was elsewhere trying to figure out what was on my mind. I decided he needful a tether.My men were slightly perilous as I unlocked my arms from around his neck. My fingers slid down his neck to the touch of his shirt. The trembling didnt help as I attempt to hurry to undo the buttons before he stopped me. His lips froze, and I could almost hear the click in his head as he put together my words and my actions.He pushed me away at once, his face heavily disapproving.Be reasonable, Bella.You promised any(prenominal) I cute, I reminded him without hope.Were not having this discussion. He glared at me while he refastened the two buttons Id managed to open.My teeth clamped together.I say we are, I growled. I move my hands to my blouse and yanked open the top button.He grabbed my wrists and pinned them to my sides.I say were not, he said flatly.We glowered at each other.You wanted to know, I pointed out.I thought it would be something faintly realistic.So you dissolve ask for any stupid, ridiculous thing you want like getting get married but Im not allowed to even discuss what I -While I was ranting, he pulled my hands together to restrain them in just one o f his, and put his other hand over my mouth.No. His face was hard.I took a wooden-headed breath to steady myself. And, as the anger began to fade, I felt something else.It took me a minute to select why I was staring down again, the blush returning why my potbelly felt uneasy, why there was too much moisture in my eyes, why I sharply wanted to absorb from the room.Rejection washed through me, instinctive and steady.I knew it was irrational. Hed been very clear on other occasions that my safety was the only factor. insofar Id never do myself quite so vulnerable before. I scowled at the favorable comforter that matched his eyes and tried to ban the reflex reaction that told me I was jog-off(prenominal) and unwantable.Edward sighed. The hand over my mouth go under my chin, and he pulled my face up until I had to look at him.What now?Nothing, I mumbled.He scrutinized my face for long moment while I tried unsuccessfully to twist away from his gaze. His frontal bone furrowe d, and his expression became horrified.Did I hurt your shades? he asked, shocked.No, I lied.So busyly that I wasnt even sure how it happened, I was in his arms, my face cradled between his shoulder and his hand, while his thumb stroked reassuringly against my cheek.You know why I have to say no, he murmured. You know that I want you, too.Do you? I whispered, my voice full of doubt.Of course I do, you silly, beautiful, oversensitive girl. He laughed once, and therefore his voice was bleak. Doesnt everyone? I feel like theres a line behind me, jockeying for position, hold for me to make a big enough mistake. . . . Youre too desirable for your own good.Whos being silly now? I doubted if awkward, self-conscious, and awkward added up to desirable in anyones book.Do I have to send a petition around to get you to believe? Shall I tell you whose names would be on the top of the list? You know a few of them, but some exponent surprise you.I move my head against his chest, grimacing. Y oure just trying to incommode me. Lets get back to the subject.He sighed.Tell me if I have anything wrong. I tried to sound detached. Your gets are marriage I couldnt say the word without making a face paying my tuition, more time, and you wouldnt mind if myvehicle went a little faster. I elevated my brows. Did I get everything? Thats a knock-down(a) list. and the first is a demand. He seemed to be having a hard time keeping a straight face. The others are merely requests.And my lone, solitary little demand is -Demand? he discontinue, on the spur of the moment serious again.Yes, demand.His eyes narrowed.Getting married is a stretch for me. Im not giving in unless I get something in return.He leaned down to whisper in my ear. No, he murmured silkily. Its not possible now. Later, when youre less breakable. Be patient, Bella.I tried to keep my voice firm and reasonable. plainly thats the caper. It wont be the same(p) when Im less breakable. I wont be the same I dont know who Ill be then.Youll still be Bella, he promised.I frowned. If Im so far gone that Id want to consume Charlie that Id drink Jacobs blood or Angelas if I got the chance how butt joint that be true?It will pass. And I doubt youll want to drink the dogs blood. He pretended to totter at the thought. Even as a newborn, youll have better taste than that.I ignored his attempt to sidetrack me. only that will endlessly be what I want most, wont it? I challenged. Blood, blood, and more bloodThe fact that you are still springy is proof that that is not true, he pointed out. all over eighty years later, I reminded him. What I meant was physic retainer, though. Intellectually, I know Ill be able to be myself . . . after a while. only when just purely physically I will always be thirsty, more than anything else.He didnt answer.So I will be different, I concluded unopposed. Because right now, physically, theres nothing I want more than you. More than food or urine or oxygen. Intellectuall y, I have my priorities in a slightly more assured order. But physically . . .I twisted my head to kiss the palm of his hand.He took a deep breath. I was surprised that it sounded a little unsteady.Bella, I could obscure you, he whispered.I dont think you could.Edwards eyes nettledened. He lifted his hand from my face and reached cursorily behind himself for something I couldnt see. There was a muffled snapping sound, and the bed quivered under us.Something dark was in his hand he held it up for my curious examination. It was a metal flower, one of the roses that adorned the wrought crusade posts and evictopy of his bed frame. His hand unsympathetic for a brief second, his fingers contracting gently, and then it opened again.Without a word, he offered me the crushed, uneven lump of black metal. It was a cast of the inside of his hand, like a piece of play dough squeezed in a childs fist. A half-second passed, and the shape crumbled into black sand in his palm.I glared. That s not what I meant. I already know how strong you are. You didnt have to break the furniture.What did you mean then? he asked in a dark voice, tossing the handful of exhort sand to the watershed of the room it hit the wall with a sound like rain.His eyes were tone on my face as I struggled to explain. Obviously not that you arent physically able hurt me, if you wanted to . . . More that, you dont want to hurt me . . . so much so that I dont think that you ever could.He started shaking his head before I was done.It might not work like that, Bella.Might, I scoffed. You have no more idea what youre talking about than I do.Exactly. Do you imagine I would ever take that kind of risk with you?I stared into his eyes for a long minute. There was no sign of compromise, no tether of indecision in them.Please, I finally whispered, hopeless. Its all I want. Please. I close my eyes in defeat, waiting for the quick and final no.But he didnt answer immediately. I hesitated in dis view, knock ed out(p) to hear that his breathing was uneven again.I opened my eyes, and his face was torn.Please? I whispered again, my heartbeat picking up speed. My words tumbled out as I rushed to take advantage of the sudden uncertainty in his eyes. You dont have to make me any guarantees. If it doesnt work out right, well, then thats that. Just let us try . . . only try. And Ill give you what you want, I promised rashly. Ill bind you. Ill let you pay for Dartmouth, and I wont croak about the bribe to get me in. You fuck even buy me a fast car if that makes you quick Just . . . gratify.His flash-frozen arms tightened around me, and his lips were at my ear his cool breath made me shiver. Thisis unbearable. So galore(postnominal) things Ive wanted to give you and this is what you decide to demand. Do you have any idea how painful it is, trying to refuse you when you plead with me this way?Then dont refuse, I suggested breathlessly.He didnt respond.Please, I tried again.Bella . . . He shook his head slowly, but it didnt feel like a denial as his face, his lips, moved back and forth crosswise my throat. It felt more like surrender. My heart, racing already, spluttered frantically.Again, I took what advantage I could. When his face move toward mine with the slow movement of his indecision, I twisted quickly in his arms till my lips reached his. His hands seized my face, and I thought he was going to push me away again.I was wrong.His mouth was not gentle there was a brand-new edge of conflict and desperation in the way his lips moved. I locked my arms around his neck, and, to my utterly overheated uncase, his body felt colder than ever. I trembled, but it was not from the chill.He didnt stop kissing me. I was the one who had to break away, gasping for air. Even then his lips did not choke my skin, they just moved to my throat. The thrill of triumph was a strange high it made me feel powerful. Brave. My hands werent unsteady now I got through with the buttons on his shirt this time easily, and my fingers traced the perfect planes of his icy chest. He was too beautiful. What was the word hed used just now? Unbearable that was it. His beauty was too much to bear. . . .I pulled his mouth back to mine, and he seemed just as eager as I was. One of his hands still cupped my face, his other arm was tight around my waist, straining me closer to him. It made it slightly more difficult as I tried to reach the front of my shirt, but not impossible.Cold iron fetters locked around my wrists, and pulled my hands above my head, which was suddenly on a pillow.His lips were at my ear again. Bella, he murmured, his voice warm and velvet. Would you please stop trying to take your vestments off?Do you want to do that part? I asked, confused.Not tonight, he answered softly. His lips were slower now against my cheek and jaw, all the urgency gone.Edward, dont -, I started to argue.Im not reflexion no, he reassured me. Im just utter not tonight.I thought abou t that while my breathing slowed.Give me one good reason why tonight is not as good as any other night. I was still breathless it made the frustration in my voice less impressive.I wasnt born yesterday. He chuckled inmy ear. Out of the two of us, which do you think is more unwilling to give the other what they want? You just promised to link up me before you do any changing, but if I give in tonight, what guarantee do I have that you wont go running off to Carlisle in the sunrise? I am clearly much less reluctant to give you what you want. accordingly . . . you first.I exhaled with a loud huff. I have to join you first? I asked in disbelief.Thats the deal take it or start out it. Compromise, remember?His arms wrapped around me, and he began kissing me in a way that should be illegal. in addition persuasive it was duress, coercion. I tried to keep a clear head . . . and failed quickly and absolutely.I think thats a authentically evil idea, I gasped when he let me breathe. Im not surprised you feel that way. He smirked. You have a one-track mind.How did this happen? I grumbled. I thought I was holding my own tonight for once and now, all of a sudden -Youre engaged, he finished.Ew Please dont say that out loud.Are you going back on your word? he demanded. He pulled away to read my face. His expression was entertained. He was having fun.I glared at him, trying to ignore the way his smile made my heart react.Are you? he pressed.Ugh I groaned. No. Im not. Are you quick-witted now?His smile was blinding. Exceptionally.I groaned again.Arent you happy at all?He kissed me again before I could answer. Another too-persuasive kiss.A little bit, I admitted when I could speak. But not about getting married.He kissed me another time. Do you get the feeling that everything is backward? he laughed in my ear. Traditionally, shouldnt you be arguing my side, and I yours?There isnt much thats traditional about you and me.True.He kissed me again, and kept going until m y heart was racing and my skin was flushed.Look, Edward, I murmured, my voice wheedling, when he paused to kiss the palm of my hand. I said I would unite you, and I will. I promise. I swear. If you want, Ill sign a contract in my own blood.Not funny, he murmured against the inside of my wrist.What Im saying is this Im not going to confuse you or anything. You know me better than that. So theres in reality no reason to wait. Were completely alone how often does that happen? and youve provided this very large and comfortable bed. . . .Not tonight, he said again.Dont you trust me?Of course I do.Using the hand that he was still kissing, I pulled his face back up to where I could see his expression.Then whats the problem? Its not like you didnt know you were going to win in the end. I frowned and muttered, You always win.Just hedging my bets, he said calmly.Theres something else, I guessed, my eyes narrowing. There was a defensiveness about his face, a faint hint of some secret mot ive he was trying to hide behind his quotidian manner. Are you planning to go back on your word?No, he promised solemnly. I swear to you, we will try. After you marry me.I shook my head, and laughed glumly. You make me feel like a villain in a melodrama twirling my mustache while I try to steal some ridiculous girls virtue.His eyes were wary as they flashed across my face, then he quickly ducked down to press his lips against my collarbone.Thats it, isnt it? The short laugh that take flight me was more shocked than amused. Youre trying to protect your virtue I covered my mouth with my hand to muffle the giggle that followed. The words were so . . . antiquated.No, silly girl, he muttered against my shoulder. Im trying to protect yours. And youre making it shockinglydifficult.Of all the ridiculous -Let me ask you something, he off-and-on(a) quickly. Weve had this discussion before, but humor me. How many people in this room have a soul? A solidus at heaven, or whatever there is after this life?Two, I answered immediately, my voice fierce.All right. Maybe thats true. Now, theres a world full of dissension about this, but the vast majority seem to think that there are some rules that have to be followed.Vampire rules arent enough for you? You want to worry about the human ones too?It couldnt hurt. He shrugged. Just in case.I glared at him through narrowed eyes.Now, of course, it might be too late for me, even if you are right about my soul.No, it isnt, I argued angrily.Thou shalt not kill is commonly reliable by most major belief systems. And Ive killed a lot of people, Bella.Only the good-for-nothing ones.He shrugged. Maybe that counts, maybe it doesnt. But you havent killed anyone -That you know about, I muttered.He smiled, but otherwise ignored the interruption. And Im going to do my best to keep you out of temptations way.Okay. But we werent fighting over committing murder, I reminded him.The same principle applies the only difference is that this is the one area in which Im just as spotless as you are. Cant I leave one rule unbroken?One?You know that Ive stolen, Ive lied, Ive begrudgeed . . . my virtue is all I have left. He grinned crookedly.I lie all the time.Yes, but youre much(prenominal) a bad liar that it doesnt really count. Nobody believes you.I really hope youre wrong about that because otherwise Charlie is about to burst through the door with a loaded gun.Charlie is happier when he pretends to swallow your stories. Hed rather lie to himself than look too closely. He grinned at me.But what did you ever covet? I asked doubtfully. You have everything.I envy you. His smile darkened. I had no right to want you but I reached out and took you anyway. And now look whats become of you nerve-racking to seduce a vampire. He shook his head in mock horror.You can covet whats already yours, I communicate him. Besides, I thought it was my virtue you were upturned about.It is. If its too late for me . . . Well, Ill be fated no pun intended if Ill let them keep you out, too.You cant make me go someplace you wont be, I vowed. Thats my definition of hell. Anyway, I have an easy solution to all this lets never die, all right?Sounds simple enough. wherefore didnt I think of that?He smiled at me until I gave up with an angry humph. So thats it. You wont stillness with me until were married.Technically, I cant ever sleep with you.I rolled my eyes. Very mature, Edward.But, other than that detail, yes, youve got it right.I think you have an ulterior motive.His eyes widened innocently. Another one?You know this will speed things up, I accused.He tried not to smile. There is only one thing I want to speed up, and the rest can wait forever . . . but for that, its true, your impatient human hormones are my most powerful ally at this point.I cant believe Im going along with this. When I think of Charlie . . . and Rene Can you imagine what Angela will think? Or Jessica? Ugh. I can hear the bring down now.He raised(a) one eyebrow at me, and I knew why. What did it matter what they said about me when I leaving presently and not coming back? Was I really so oversensitive that I couldnt bear a few weeks of sidelong glances and leading questions?Maybe it wouldnt crucify me so much if I didnt know that I would probably be gossiping just as condescendingly as the rest of them if it was someone else getting married this summer.Gah. unite this summer I shuddered.And then, maybe it wouldnt bug me so much if I hadnt been raised to shudder at the thought of marriage.Edward interrupted my fretting. It doesnt have to be a big production. I dont need any fanfare. You wont have to tell anyone or make any changes. Well go to Vegas you can wear old jeans and well go to the chapel with the drive-through window. I just want it to be official that you get going to me and no one else.It couldnt be any more official than it already is, I grumbled. But his description didnt sound that bad. Only Alice w ould be disappointed.Well see about that. He smiled complacently. I suppose you dont want your ring now?I had to swallow before I could speak. You suppose correctly.He laughed at my expression. Thats fine. Ill get it on your finger soon enough.I glared at him. You talk like you already have one.I do, he said, unashamed. Ready to force upon you at the first sign of weakness.Youre unbelievable.Do you want to see it? he asked. His liquid topaz eyes were suddenly shining with excitement.No I almost shouted, a reflex reaction. I regretted it at once. His face fell ever so slightly. Unless you really want to demo it to me, I amended. I gritted my teeth together to keep my illogical terror from showing.Thats all right, he shrugged. It can wait.I sighed. build me the damn ring, Edward.He shook his head. No.I studied his expression for a long minute.Please? I asked quietly, experimenting with my impertinently discovered weapon. I touched his face lightly with the tips of my fingers. Pleas e can I see it?His eyes narrowed. You are the most dangerous creature Ive ever met, he muttered. But he got up and moved with unconscious grace to kneel next to the small bedside table. He was back on the bed with me in an instant, sitting beside me with one arm around my shoulder. In his other hand was a little black box. He balanced it on my left knee.Go ahead and look, then, he said brusquely.It was harder than it should have been to pick up the immaculate little box, but I didnt want to hurt him again, so I tried to keep my hand from shaking. The surface was strike with black satin. I brushed my fingers over it, hesitating.You didnt spend a lot of money, did you? evasiveness to me, if you did.I didnt spend anything, he assured me. Its just another hand-me-down. This is the ring my buzz off gave to my mother.Oh. Surprise colored my voice. I twitch the lid between my thumb and forefinger, but didnt open it.I supposed its a little outdated. His tone was playfully apologetic. Ol d-fashioned, just like me. I can get you something more modern. Something from Tiffanys?I like old-fashioned things, I mumbled as I hesitantly lifted the lid.Nestled into the black satin, Elizabeth Masens ring sparkled in the dim light. The face was a long oval, set with slanting rows of appear round stones. The band was gold touchy and narrow. The gold made a svelte web around the diamonds. Id never seen anything like it.Unthinkingly, I stroked the shimmering gems.Its so pretty, I murmured to myself, surprised.Do you like it?Its beautiful. I shrugged, feigning a lack of interest. Whats not to like?He chuckled. See if it fits.My left hand clenched into a fist.Bella, he sighed. Im not going to solder it to your finger. Just try it on so I can see if it needs to be sized. Then you can take it right off.Fine, I grumbled.I reached for the ring, but his long fingers beat me there. He took my left hand in his, and slid the ring into place on my third finger. He held my hand out, and we both examined the oval frothy against my skin. It wasnt quite as awful as Id feared, having it there.A perfect fit, he said indifferently. Thats nice saves me a trip to the jewelers.I could hear some strong emotion burning under the casual tone of his voice, and I stared up at his face. It was there in his eyes, too, visible despite the careful nonchalance of his expression.You like that, dont you? I asked suspiciously, hurry my fingers and thinking that it was really too bad that I had not broken my left hand.He shrugged his shoulders. Sure, he said, still casual. It looks very nice on you.I stared into his eyes, trying to decipher the emotion that smoldered just under the surface. He gazed back, and the casual pretense suddenly slipped away. He was glowing his angels face shiny with joy and victory. He was so splendid that it knocked me breathless.Before I could catch that breath, he was kissing me, his lips exultant. I was lightheaded when he moved his mouth to whisper i n my ear but his breathing was just as ragged as mine.Yes, I like it. You have no idea.I laughed, gasping a little. I believe you.Do you mind if I do something? he murmured, his arms tightening around me.Anything you want.But he let me go and slid away.Anything but that, I complained.He ignored me, taking my hand and pulling me off the bed, too. He stood in front of me, hands on my shoulders, face serious.Now, I want to do this right. Please, please, keep in mind that youve already agreed to this, and dont ruin it for me.Oh, no, I gasped as he slid down onto one knee.Be nice, he muttered.I took a deep breath.Isabella Swan? He looked up at me through his impossibly long lashes, his grand eyes soft but, somehow, still scorching. I promise to love you forever every single day of forever. Will you marry me?There were many things I wanted to say, some of them not nice at all, and others more disgustingly gooey and amatory than he probably dreamed I was capable of. Rather than embarra ss myself with either, I whispered, Yes.Thank you, he said simply. He took my left hand and kissed each of my fingertips before he kissed the ring that was now mine.