Chapter One: Breaking the News

A/N: Do I need a beta reader? Please review and help me out!

Edward grinned excitedly as he placed his mother’s ring on my finger. I grimaced as he let out an exuberant laugh. “What’s so funny?” I asked him. “You look confused,” he said, “what’s wrong?”

“I can’t figure out whether to be excited or upset.”

“So, you’re excited then?” He asked. I smiled as I kissed him lightly on the lips and said, “Of course, I love you, and now you have no excuse not to change me.”

“So that’s the only reason you’re happy then?” he clarified as he slung me onto his back to take me home. “No,” I said as I buried my face into the crook of his neck. “I love you, and if this makes you happy, then it’s more than worth it.”

“Thank you,” he said as we arrived at the edge of the forest near my house. He set me gently on my feet, taking my hand as we walked at human pace towards the front door of my house. I was nearly hyperventilating as we got nearer. Edward rubbed soothing circles into the back of my hand as he said, “Relax, it’s going to be okay.”

“I know,” I said, my voice full of doubt at his words. He chuckled as he turned to face me, turning the full force of his eyes on me. I tried to remember how to breathe as I lost myself in the deep golden pools of his eyes. “Everything is going to be just fine, Bella,” he said, his breath fanning into my face. It was really unfair when he did that.

“Whatever you say,” I said, tearing my eyes away from his. “Let’s go,” he said, chuckling again. My heart was beating so loudly that I was sure Charlie could hear it as I walked toward the T.V. room, where I heard the sounds of a baseball game blaring from the speakers.

“Ch-Dad, we need to talk to you,” I said, walking into the room and settling myself on the couch next to Edward, who, for some reason, was totally relaxed.

“Oh, hello, Edward,” Charlie said coldly, “what is it, Bells?”

“Dad, Edward asked me to marry him,” I said carefully, watching as Charlie’s expression twisted into an expression that seemed to be a mix of confusion, anger, and shock.

“And I said yes,” I continued quickly, waiting for the yelling to start.

“Well, I-,” Charlie started, seeming to be at a loss for words. “Are you sure about this?” he asked me quietly.

“Yes, Dad, very sure; nothing would make me happier,” I said, shocked at his calmness about the whole situation.

“And you, Edward?” he asked, turning to look at Edward as he spoke.

“I love her, Charlie. Nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my life with her,” Edward said.

“Well, then, you have my blessing,” Charlie stated. I could hardly believe that he was okay with it. “Thanks, Dad,” I stammered, jumping up to hug him as Edward and I left the room.

“Its late, you probably want to get home now, Edward,” Charlie said, squeezing me back.

“Yes, sir, thank you,” he said politely as he started towards the door. I walked with him out to the Volvo, still stunned by Charlie’s reaction to the news.

“I’ll see you in a few minutes,” Edward said, kissing me quickly on the cheek.

“Okay,” I said, “I’ll be waiting.”

He smiled my favorite crooked smile as he hopped into his car. I went back up the stairs to my bedroom, changing quickly before crawling into bed. I was half-asleep when I felt a pair of cool arms wrap around me, and heard his angelic voice humming my lullaby softly into my ear.

“G’night,” I sighed tiredly.

“Sweet dreams, my angel.” He chuckled quietly as I drifted to sleep in his stone cold arms.