4,967Ms. Sue happily gives me thirty-five hours a week, which is perfect. I decide that's stable enough to finally buy a car, so Edward and I head to Seattle to start looking. He insists on a four-wheel drive SUV, so we wind up at a Subaru dealership, and I drive off behind him in a brand new Outback. It's pearl white with all the bells and whistles. Plus, it's supposed to be incredibly safe, which Edward is happy about.
When we get home, we cook chicken breasts for dinner, and then settle on the couch for some Netflix and chill.
"Do you feel more independent now?" Edward asks, and I nod.
"I do. It feels good. I'm strong and healthy, have a decent job, my own car, and live with the love of my life. I'm a real adult now." I giggle.
"I'm proud of you."
I smile, tilting my head up to kiss him. "Thanks, handsome. So, we're both off again tomorrow. What do you want to do?"
"It's getting warmer, so I thought we could go to the meadow if you're up to it."
I nod. "I'd love that. I'll make us a picnic."
"Allow me to do it. I want to pamper you."
"I could get used to that."
He smirks. "I want you to. I'm going to take care of you every day for the rest of our lives."
I smile and sink into his arms. I am so in love with this man. He's not perfect. For instance, he doesn't wash the sink out well after he shaves, and sometimes, he leaves the toilet seat up, but I still love him with every fiber of my being.
I can't believe I found the one.
We sleep until almost eleven after being up half the night fooling around. It's like we're teenagers and can't keep our hands off each other, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Edward fulfills his promise of making us a picnic lunch, and then we head out to our meadow. It's a much easier walk now, and I don't need to stop and rest.
When we arrive, I unfold the blanket and spread it out before he pulls things out of the basket.
"You brought sparkling grape juice?" I ask, laughing. I can't have any alcohol, so I guess this is his alternative to champagne.
He grins, nodding. "We're celebrating."
I sit down next to him and smile. "It's just more hours and a car; hardly worth celebrating."
"That's not what we're celebrating." He smirks, sits up on his knees, and digs something out of his back pocket. He puts one foot on the ground as he holds a box in his hands.
"Oh my god," I whisper as he grins.
"Isabella Swan, I am madly in love with you. You've changed my life in so many ways. Before you, I didn't realize how love can change a person. All I want is to keep you safe and make you happy every day for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?"
He opens the box, revealing a beautiful halo-style diamond ring. It's rose gold—my favorite. I put my hand out and nod feverishly.
I see our future.
Coming home to him daily, exploring this world together, and navigating anything life throws at us. He's all I need. He's everything I need.
"Yes," I say, grinning like a fool, mirroring him. He slides the ring on my finger, and I pounce on him, kissing him passionately.
I have been through hell.
I stood in front of death and said no.
I fought harder than I thought I could.
And I'm still here.
I'm living.
"So, how fast can we get married?" I ask, wanting to run to the courthouse in Port Angeles.
He chuckles and holds me close. "Pick a day, and I'll make you mine forever."
Thanks to May, Nole, Brier, and for prereading and Sally and Fran for Beta'ing.
This is it. There's an epilogue to follow at some point, but this is when I hit the complete button. This has been an amazing ride with you all and I can't thank you all enough for coming with me. Thank you for reading and reviewing.