Friday, December 18, 2009

Chapter 43

Edward POV


I sat in the living room with Jasper waiting for Bella to come downstairs. She was in our room getting ready for dinner. Tonight was a special occasion, although she wasn’t aware of that fact, and Alice was helping her get ready.


“Thanks for keeping the car at your place. I’m sure we’ll be by in the morning,” I chuckled. “I can’t see Bella waiting long to drive it once I give it to her tonight.”


Jasper shook his head at me joining in my laughter. “Don’t worry; I’m sure Alice will be up waiting for her to come over. You know Alice is going to want to go for a ride with her.”


“Oh, I’m sure they’ll want to spend the day together after tonight,” I smirked.


“Why is that?” Jasper asked.


“I’m proposing tonight,” I smiled. “I’ve already mentioned to Carlisle that he needs to get started on voiding her adoption.”


Alice walked in the room at my comment. She clapped her hands together, squealing and started jumping up and down.


Alice, baby,” Jasper laughed, rubbing his ear. “You nearly blew out my eardrum.”


“Who knew you could be so loud?” I laughed with him.


Alice put her hands on her hips and huffed at us. It was amazing to see the changes taking place in Alice; in all our women. They were growing in confidence and becoming more outspoken around us. I never thought it would be something I liked to see, but it was. The air of confidence actually made each of them sexier in our eyes. And believe me, Bella was very sexy now. She had a snarkiness to her I would have never seen. She loved to tease me and her laughter was music to my ears. She made me feel more lighthearted and I was learning to laugh with her.


“Very funny, you two,” she frowned. She turned toward me, “Are you really going to ask her to marry you tonight? Like…ask as in really ask?”


“What do mean?” I asked her, glancing to Jasper to see if he understood what she was getting at.


He just shrugged his shoulders, not knowing either. “Look,” I said, pulling the ring out of my pocket.


“I’ve got the ring right here.”


She took the little black box from me and stared at the ring for a moment before handing it back to me. “It’s really beautiful, Edward. I know she’ll love it.”


She smiled softly and brushed at the tears gathering in her eyes. Jasper pulled her into a gentle embrace and kissed the top of her head. He then stepped back and took her face between his hands, tilting it up to look in her eyes.


Alice? What’s wrong, baby?” he asked gently.


“Nothing. I’m sorry, don’t mind me,” she said waiving her hand dismissively.


Alice,” Jasper’s voice took on an authoritative tone. “Tell me what’s wrong.”


I stood watching their exchange and figured I should leave. “I’m just going to go get Bella for dinner.”


Alice turned toward me, tears still in her eyes.


“No, Edward, don’t go yet. You can hear this too,” she said softly. She turned back to Jasper and gave him a weak smile. “You know I love you, right?”


“Of course I do,” Jasper assured her. “I love you too. So very much.” He gave her a gentle kiss then said softly, “You’re my life, Alice.”


Alice stroked his cheek and smiled a little brighter at him. Her eyes were still glistening with tears, but were shining with so much love towards my brother that I felt like an intruder on their moment. Before I could slip out she turned toward me.


“I’m sorry for crying. It’s yours and Bella’s night and I’m very happy for you both. Really I am. It’s just hard not to be…” she paused. She took a deep breath closing her eyes before opening them again. There was so much sadness in her eyes I could almost feel her pain. “Envious.”


“Why would you be envious?” I asked, confused.


I was the one who was envious. Alice and Jasper loved each other. Jasper heard everyday the words I’ve yet to hear from my Bella. I was proposing tonight, but still didn’t know if she loved me yet. I was aching to hear those three little words from her. It would make everything perfect, but I knew I needed to give her more time. I knew she cared for me and we were getting closer all the time. She was coming out of her shell and beginning to glow. I loved the real Bella now that I knew her. How I could have ever thought what I felt before was love was beyond me. It paled in comparison to what I felt for her now. So why would Alice envy us? I don’t think either Jasper or I were ready for her answer.


“You’re asking her,” she answered softly.


Jasper took her shoulders and turned her back toward him. His face was full of confusion.


“Baby, what do you mean?” he asked.


She stepped away from Jasper. She turned and walked to the window, staring out for a moment before turning back to us. There was so much pain in her eyes as she looked at Jasper. I’d never seen that expression in her eyes before, not that I would have noticed before now. She stared at Jasper with her hands clenched.


“You never asked me,” she stressed. “You just showed up in my hospital room with a minister and we were married three days after I laid eyes on you for the very first time. Emmett never asked Rose. They were married the day after he picked her up. Bella is the only one who is actually going to hear a proposal. Do you know how many times growing up I dreamed of having the perfect guy, the perfect proposal?” her voice cracked, “The perfect wedding?” She swiped angrily at the tears sliding down her face. Her breathing was shaky as she tried to keep it together. “Please understand, Jasper, I love you with all my heart and I love being your wife. But you never asked,” she said softly.


Alice, baby. I’m so sorry.”


Jasper walked over to hold her. I was shocked when she held her hand out to stop him, shaking her head. I think Jasper was also by the look on his face.


“No. I don’t want to hear an apology. It’s done now.” She turned toward me, some of the sadness gone from her face. She smiled at me. “Edward, I know this may not mean much to you, but I’m glad Bella is going to get to hear a real proposal from you. She deserves it. Please, give her a real wedding also. Let Rose and I live vicariously through her.”


Then she stepped into Jasper’s arms and let him embrace her. I met my brother’s eyes over the top of her head. There was so much pain in his eyes. I understood what he was feeling. He’s spent two years trying to give Alice everything and missed giving her the most important gift of all. A choice.


Alice, I promise to give her a real wedding,” I answered. “I’m sure Bella would love for you and Rose to help her plan it. Our home should be finished by the first part of June so she’ll be a June bride. Isn’t that some sort of wedding clichĂ©?” I laughed.


“Edward,” she asked hesitantly, “what if Bella says ‘no’? Not that she will,” she rushed to explain,

“but just, what if? What would you do then?”


I looked at her in surprise. “Bella won’t say ‘no’,” I said confidently. “I haven’t told you this before, but maybe Bella did. There was a situation in Phoenix when Bella had the opportunity to leave me. Bella and I have already had this talk. I gave her the chance to leave me and she chose to stay. She could have left and I would have let her. Bella made her choice; she wants to be with me. She knows we’re getting married. Tonight I’m just making it official. But,” I stressed, grinning, “if she did say ‘no’ then I’d ask her every day until she said ‘yes’.”


Alice was stopped from continuing by the sound of Bella’s footsteps on the stairs. I turned toward the door as her steps sounded on the hall tile outside the doorway announcing her entrance. She took my breath away. She was dressed in a black halter dress the stopped just above her knees and high heels. I smiled at seeing her wearing the diamond earrings I’d given her for Valentine’s Day along with the diamond pendant necklace I bought when I picked up her ring.


“Bella,” Alice gushed, “you look beautiful.”


I smiled as she came toward me. Alice took the words right out of my mouth,” I whispered to her.


“You really are beautiful.”


She smiled and leaned into me. “Thank you,” she answered softly. Her cheeks stained a beautiful soft blush.


“Well, my love,” I said, as I held my arm out to her, “your chariot awaits.”


She and Alice hugged each other before she took my arm and I led her out of the house. I smiled as I put her in the car, feeling the weight of the keys and ring in my jacket pocket. Tonight she would officially become my fiancĂ© and I couldn’t wait. I knew she would say ‘yes’. I felt just a twinge of guilt at the thought that I was hedging my bet with the gift of the car and house. They really weren’t mine to give. The changes she wrought in me taught me this. The car was her gift from her parents and it was her home. I was only giving back what was rightfully hers to begin with.

56 comments:

  1. Yay updaye! lol That was soo sweet...good point Alice. I dont think either guys would have figured out the importance of a proposal by themselves. Im still worried about Carlisle and his creepy ways...pretty sure he's not gonna make life easy for these two and that freaks me out :(

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  2. I'm so excited to see the changes in Edward. I can't wait for the proposal. Carlisle still creeps me out though. I can't wait for your next update!

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  3. Yes, Carlisle is still a looming problem. And now that Edward has asked for the adoption to be voided, Carlisle will know his time is running out. Not that he couldn't harass her when they are married, but when she is out of his house into Edward's it will be harder for him to do so.

    I am glad that poor Alice explained to Edward the significance of his proposal, and he said he was willing to take no for an answer, but would keep on asking until she says yes.

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  4. I have a bad feeling that Carlisle still has some heart break up his sleeve. I hope everything works out for the happy couple. I love this story and look forward to the updates.

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  5. Nice to see the update! :D

    “WHO KNEW YOU COULD BE SO LOUD?” I LAUGHED WITH HIM.
    Hahahah He really has to get to know Alice better. ;)

    “WHAT DO MEAN?” I ASKED HER, GLANCING TO JASPER TO SEE IF HE UNDERSTOOD WHAT SHE WAS GETTING AT.
    I bet she, Alice, never got asked. And she is wondering if Bella will actually be given a choice, if she will be truly proposed to, right?

    “NOTHING. I’M SORRY, DON’T MIND ME,” SHE SAID WAIVING HER HAND DISMISSIVELY.
    She must be thinking of her own wedding, but she doesn’t want to make Jasper feel bad about it after so long. She really does love him now. But their wedding was sad.

    SHE TURNED BACK TO JASPER AND GAVE HIM A WEAK SMILE. “YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU, RIGHT?”
    She just needs to reassure him before she brings out the sad truth of the past.

    “YOU NEVER ASKED ME,” SHE STRESSED. “YOU JUST SHOWED UP IN MY HOSPITAL ROOM WITH A MINISTER AND WE WERE MARRIED THREE DAYS AFTER I LAID EYES ON YOU FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME... DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY TIMES GROWING UP I DREAMED OF HAVING THE PERFECT GUY, THE PERFECT PROPOSAL?” HER VOICE CRACKED, “THE PERFECT WEDDING?”
    If I were Jasper I’d work on that pronto. Maybe a renewal of their vows? I think even he would appreciate a very willing Alice at the altar saying “I do.”
    Maybe after they finally get rid of Carlisle they can have a double wedding or separate, for Jasper and Alice and Emmett and Rose.

    Awww, short and sweet this one. :D I didn’t even get into one of my crazy angry Carlisle-inspired fits. :)

    Hope you enjoy the holidays with your family.

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  6. This was an awesome chappie....I love seeing how much Edward has changed for the better...When Alice was talking to Jasper and Edward I literally had tears in my eyes...I am like Jilly, I also have a bad feeling that Carlisle is about to put a halt in Edward and Bella's happiness....He is about to have his day and Esme is gonna be free of him....I HOPE!!!

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  7. Awww I love this story, just wish this chapter was longer. And not looking forward to Demetri's arrival in the story! Keep up the great work!

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  8. Edward has come such a very, very long way. I am so happy to see the changes in all of Esme's sons, none more so than Edward, because he was still so totally under Carlisle's thumb at the beginning of this story, while Emmett and Jasper had already begun to change.

    I still know that Carlisle will be his evil self and try to destroy things for them, but I have hopes that Esme's boys will be able to thwart him. And I dread having Demetri come to visit (I haven't forgotten about that, either).

    I, too, want to see a proper proposal and wedding for Alice and Rosalie - I'm glad Alice brought that up.

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  9. oh my gosh i know she says yes but i still get that anxious feeling of wanting more lol. I literally can't wait for your next update

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  10. I loved this chapter and I can't wait for more!!!!!!!!!!

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  11. U're the best u know that? It just frustrates me that was a short chapter, but doesn't matter u still the greatest!

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  12. I love you now, Edward!!! So freakin much! Ha ha... The part with Alice was sad but so needed. She and Rose didn't have a choice, and it was important for the men to hear that, and it was wonderful to see Edward actually give Bella a choice. Now Bella needs to jump him in the car on the way home from the restaurant, lose her virginity now to him (written in great detail for your pervy readers) and then spill the beans about Carlisle. Please and Thank You and Merry Christmas. Ha! =0)
    ~ Vicki

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  13. Sweet Alice, she got the worst abuse of all the girls. At least she landed up with the best guy.

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  14. Love this chapter. Cant help but feel sorry for the girls, to not have a choice, but i see them making it up to them! still worried about Carlisle tho...

    ~Tiffany

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  15. Good chapter. Good to see a bit of the before the proposal. Would have been interesting to see what he went through during dinner.

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  16. This chapter was so beautiful. I am happy that Edward and Jasper got to hear why Alice felt about Edward proposing. I hope that in the end all three of the brothers propose to the girls and that Rose and Alice get to have the weddings of their dreams. Even if they are already married. They could renew their vows with a real wedding.

    I am still really nervous about what Carlise has planned and with Demetri and Marcus coming. I know bad things will be happening. Thank you so much for updating.

    I hope that you have a great Christmas and New Years.

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  17. YAY, you updated!!!! I check EVERYDAY!!!!! lol

    I doubt that Carlisle is going to void the adoption. I hope he will, but i think he will find some way to keep her.

    I wonder how many chapters are left.

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  18. sooooooo Loving eddie right now, but am REALLY worried about carlisle. The adoption thing could really be an issue.

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  19. I love your story ! I'm always glad when an update arrives ;-) It's nice to see the progress most Cullen boys are having. I figure Carlisle is not going to give up Bella so easily.

    Can't wait for more !

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  20. It's a great chapter again
    hope you'll update soon

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  21. Oh, that was a sweet chapter. I like it.

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  22. Poor Alice! I loved what she said. Edward is giving Bella a choice, something her and Rose were never given. It worked out in the end...but Alice never got the pre wedding romance and love. Nicely done! Edward sees what Alice is saying and sees the pain in his brothers eyes. I love how Edward is changing, saying if Bella said no, he would ask her everyday until she said yes. Thank you for writing.

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  23. I loved it! Poor Alice, she is so right that she was never asked... maybe Jasper can make that up to her one day... This chapter showed no Carlise and I am still very uneasy about him. lol

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  24. wow!
    uh, poor, ally, but i love her, i`m feel so sorry for her, i mean it`s understanding, but jazz is the only one, who was a good guy from the beginning ... ♥
    ahhh, i love jasper *smile*
    and eddi, it`s going up ...!!!!!

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  25. Wonderful, as always. I am still nervous about Carlisle. I think it was so sweet how you handled Jasper and Alice...I always look forward to your updates and can't wait to see where the story goes! Happy Holidays!

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  26. I loved this chapter. It was really great to have more interaction between everyone:) I can't wait for the next chapter.

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  27. Loved it but it was way short! Can't wait for the next update.

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  28. Thanks for the update it was awesome to see Edward this way, he's really maturing into te person we know he can be.:)
    I felt so sorry for Alice, in her declaration of envy. Maybe Jasper should consider fixing that glitch with a proper wedding to renew their vows perhaps?!
    All ths happiness and I can't help be worried that this is a calm before the storm.
    With Carlisle in the picture, something terrible is bound to disrupt their lives.
    The normal life their working so hard at...
    Until th next chapter...
    Happy Holidays to you and yours......

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  29. This was a very heartfelt, meaningful chapter. Alice was wonderful and I now understand where she is coming from. "You never asked".
    It was very important and thoughtful that you put it out there for us to comprehend.
    Man, you're good.
    Now let's get to killing Carlisle, shall we?
    After all, he's too set in his ways to change. lol

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  30. i feeel really bad for alice... but in a way alice was the one reason bella got a real proposal

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  31. I'm wondering how these boys are thinking that there will be no repercussions from Carlisle - they know how truly evil he is. OR they are just so loved up they can't imagine anything coming between them. I for one am afraid.... very afraid....

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  32. I cannot wait to see what Carlisle has up his sleeve...I am so happy for Edward and Bella, and I really hope that she tells him about Carlisle on the ride home because I have a feeling that once they get back, they are in deep shit. I agree with JED above that they are naive to think that there won't be any consequences...

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  33. This chapter was filled with important things. Edward's proposal a very important one, yes, but not the biggest. Alice's words were harsh, but true. Both her and Rosalie were given few choices, they were told what to do and afterwards they had to find the way to figure who they are and what they wanted. Now things are better for them, yes, but that doesn't mean they don't feel sad for the past. Jasper was more than surprised with it, unfortunately, there's not much he can do now.
    What will Bella say? How will she react? And what about Carlisle? What will he say about it?

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  34. nawww that was soo sweet
    loved it
    UPDATE SOON

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  35. this chapter was amazing!! Edward is so much better as a whole person now than he was prior and I love seeing the change and the efffect it has to his loved ones.

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  36. loved the update! i guess i didn't consider how alice and rose would feel about the changes with how edward treats bella in comparison to things they never got (like being proposed to)..

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  37. I'm waiting for the storm to come in on the horizon (Carlisle and Demetri). :(
    I hope she says yes (wishing that will help protect her -- even though it won't mean anything to Carlisle...)

    Thanks for the update!
    Merry Christmas!

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  38. YAY! I hope Bella says yes. I mean I'm with Edward all the wey, she will say yes but I hope she will

    Also I'm a bit worried about what they'll meet when the go home in the way of Carlisle and Demetri. We haven't even met Demetri yet and I hate him! Ugh DAMN YOU TPWCARLISLE DAMN YOU TO HADES!!!

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  39. loved it can't wait for more
    isn't that cousin comming to try to take bella away edward is going to kill them if they try

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  40. While it was short, this was the perfect length. The second Alice asked the question, I knew what she was thinking of. They weren't asked, it just happened. And I can appreciate her feelings of envy, yet happiness, that Bella will be asked.

    I felt for Jasper, who has just realized what he neglected to do, and that it was something within his power to do right. But it's in the past, and he needs to realize that.

    I am not looking forward to Carlisle. I know he's working on his plans, and I'm just so tense, waiting for him to strike...

    Great job, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

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  41. This update was short and sweet. A further testament of how much the 3 men have changes. It was an after thought, but this whole thing can still hinge on Carlisle. He had that other plan with Demetri. What is he doesn't undo the adoption of Bella. That would be a sure way to unable them to get married wouldn't it. Edward would have to leave his little bubble of a life. I'd like to think that he would do that and not revert back or something damaging. I just feel like Carlisle is just waiting for his perfect time to pull his card from this castle of cards and send this whole bit of all progress that has been made tumbling down. He still has so much power of all their lives no matter what they choose to do. A break from him would be far more life changing than serving themselves some eggs and coffee. But for now this was cute. Well, Alice's words nearly made me cry. You just don't think about how much we do think about the whole perfect proposal and amazing wedding until that whole thing that whole choice is taken from us. Like all the others this chapter was amazing. I loved it. I can't wait for your next chapter.

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  42. I was upset when that other sight took this story off. I am SO glad I found this!

    This story is really good...I have a terrible feeling about Esme dying as well...and I have a terrible feeling that Bella is about to find out just how ticked Carlisle really is...

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  43. Edward really has grown quite a bit. I'm glad, but I'm nervous about Marcus and Demetri coming and ruining everything. I wonder how Edward will deal with it. Especially when Carlisle tells Edward what he expects, as far as sharing Bella. That's just sick. Looking forward to another update. I really do love this story.

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  44. i love it!!! I always wondered what u did with this story cuz I never saw it on Fanfic again!!! And i really got hooked since the beginning!!! I just really want to figure a way to know when u are going too Update!!! I just cant believe Carlisle taking it all out on poor Esme!!!

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  45. Great chapter! Can't wait for the next one. I absolutely love this story...always look forward to getting updates!

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  46. Edward really has come a long way and its nice to see that he and Jasper are still growing. :D

    Poor Alice, every little girl dreams of being asked a certain way and having that dream wedding that fits them and Carlisle took that from her. I blame Carlisle because I don't think Jasper really knew what he was doing.

    Because of Alice and Jasper Bella will get that proposal and that wedding, and the car and home her parents meant to give her. :)

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  47. Thank you for this story. I hope Edward is able to keep Bella's love & trust.

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  48. This story is so amazing. I was a little reluctant in the way it started with Charlie and James but I couldn't stop reading and i definitely do not intend to. You wrote this story so well it amazes me I cannot wait to see how it ends. I'm very worried about Carlisle though I am almost dieing of anxiety. I know you promised a happy ending but you've written so well that i'm still unsure what to expect.
    Thank you so much for this story its freaking awesome.

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  49. short chapter make me sad :( because I love this fic sooo much & I want more! :) its all so lovely and loving right now, and I hope Bella tells Edward about Carlisle soon, and I hope Edward loves Bella enough to step up to the plate for her when Demitri comes and when sh*t goes to hell (and when its time to murder Carlise and plant his body in the garden! just saying...) lol

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  50. Short and sweet. Alice pulled at my heart, I must say. And I know that had to kill Jasper to hear her say that. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I hope Bella realizes how lucky she is that Edward has some guidance whereas Jasper and Emmett did not.

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  51. Just caught up on this story! I've been planted in front of my computer all day! I have been thru so many emotions w/this story! You tell it like it is, no holds barred....thank you for that! I hope that Bella doesn't haven't to bow down to yet another monster. She has been thru so much and came so far. They all have, except for Carlisle. Someone needs to take his ass out and put it six-feet under! Would love to see Esme get to experience some love and happiness beyond her children! You are absolutely brilliant and so glad to have had the opportunity to experience your words! You have turned Edward into BEAUTIFUL!

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  52. please update, please don't let Carslile hurt Bella =[ can't he just die?

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  53. Great Chapter! I can't read the forum though. it says "you are not authorized to view this forum" what am I doing wrong?

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