Inspiration for 'A Night to Remember'

Greetings! :)

As some of you may know, I participated in my first ever FAGE this year. For those who aren't familiar with this, FAGE is sort of like a Secret Santa story exchange amongst members of various fandoms. Everyone who participates provides prompts they'd like to see written and pairings they're comfortable with, and then those prompts are sent to another author, who then creates a story that's 5K words or less.

FAGE entries were posted publicly on Wednesday. My FAGE, which was for the lovely staceleo, can be found here. Thes tory is titled A Night To Remember and is a little slice of fluffy Edward and Bella goodness.

Lots of visual and some musical inspiration went into this piece. Being a visual person myself, I like to share the different things I use when writing with my readers, in hopes of painting a bit more of a vivid picture for everyone.

Bella and Edward met at a place called The Rustic Cafe. While the location in my story is purely fictional, this is what I picture the kitchen/counter area of the cafe looking like:

Source

When Edward and Bella visit the New York Botanical Gardens, they share a kiss in the forest. This photo from the NYBG website is what inspired the scenery in that particular scene:

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Edward and Bella exchange anniversary gifts at the end of the piece. Being their ten year, Bella goes for the traditional gift - one made of aluminum. Edward is a writer in this piece, so using typewriter keys in this gift seemed perfect. And this gift just sort of reminded me of these two immediately:

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Edward's gift to Bella was a bit more extravagant and not so traditional. This pendant is beautiful, truly from Cartier, and if you click the source link you can view this and the rest of their amazing jewelry collections (which I will probably never be able to afford, lol):

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And, of course, the pic that inspired the rooftop for the end scene (and the story banner, hehe):

Source

Last but not least, the song Bella and Edward dance to on the roof. Unbeknownst to many, Sinatra is one of my favorite musicians. This song is beautiful and fit things O/S perfectly:

Someone Like You

A/N: This is an O/S I wrote for a compilation in the fall of 2011. It's got a bit of angst, but some fluff and a slice of lemony goodness too. ;)

The Adele song 'Someone Like You' inspired this O/S (as you can tell by the title). The song belongs to Adele and simply gave me some inspiration from which this piece grew. It's a beautiful piece of music and if you haven't heard it I recommend you check it out.

This will eventually be part of a full-length fan fiction piece, but not until my current WIPs are complete.

Twilight belongs to SM. Everything else belongs to me.

Edward's POV

I put the small brown paper bag on the sidewalk and lit a cigarette. I made sure I was out of range of any of the streetlights before sitting down and leaning against the building. The last thing I wanted was for anyone to see me. I shouldn't be here. I wasn't invited and I don't belong here anymore. This city, these people – Bella especially – are all a part of my past now. There is no place for me in the present. The only connections I had to Chicago were Alice and our parents. I cut ties with everyone and everything else when I left six years ago.

Across the street, people were starting to spill out of the hotel doors. I saw Emmett and Rosalie and their two daughters pile into a Range Rover. They looked just as much in love now as they did when they first met. Jasper and a very pregnant Alice strolled out hand-in-hand followed by Mike Newton and Jessica Stanley. My heart ached more at the sight of each familiar face.

I reached inside the brown bag and pulled out the bottle of whiskey. Jack Daniels became my best friend shortly after I moved to Oregon. We'd stayed close ever since and he'd been there to help me on more than one occasion. I took a swig and cringed as the liquor burnt my throat and stomach. My eyes were wet with tears. I didn't even realize I was crying.

The group across the street had dwindled down and only five people remained. Billy and Charlie were busy chatting with one another, probably about sports or something of that nature. A few feet from them, Renee, Jacob, and Bella were standing together. Renee and Bella were doubled over in laughter, probably from something Jacob said. He always was a jokester, I thought bitterly. I watched as he slid his arm around Bella's waist and pulled her close to him, rubbing her shoulder and leaning in to kiss her lips. The way she looked up at him literally made me feel sick.

I could feel bile rising in my throat and I took another long pull of Jack to wash it down. I wiped the tears away furiously and looked at my burnt out cigarette. I pulled another one from the pack and lit it, inhaling the clove infused smoke and closing my eyes.

I shouldn't have come here. I don't know what I was expecting. It's not like Bella would take one look at me and decide she was marrying the wrong man and run into my arms. It was no secret that I was a fucking mess, even to those who I hadn't seen in years. Sure, I'd finished college, graduated with honors, and landed a job that paid me a ridiculous amount of money. But since I left Bella six yeas ago, I'd erected an impenetrable wall around my heart. Somewhere along the road between then and now I'd managed to gain two ex wives and develop somewhat of a drinking problem, though I didn't think it was as bad as people (my sister) made it out to be. On the outside, my life seemed perfect. On the inside, I was miserable, slowly spiraling towards what would no doubt be my rock bottom.

I thought back to six years earlier when I'd left for Oregon. Bella and I had just celebrated our fifth anniversary, and in typical fashion she had to find a molehill to turn into a mountain and ruin the whole fucking night. In the months leading up to my departure, it seemed like there was always something wrong or I was always doing something wrong. I could never make her entirely happy and she reminded me of this on a daily basis. I wasn't innocent by any means, and every time she'd start nagging or complaining, I'd antagonize her or withdraw from her or disappear for a few days all together. I would do whatever I could to make her feel even a fraction of the amount of pain she continually caused me.

When our anniversary rolled around, I took extra care to make sure the night would be special for her. I made dinner reservations at her favorite restaurant, had an arrangement of her favorite flowers delivered to her office, and purchased her a pair of concert tickets to see her favorite band and a Tiffany & Co. necklace she'd been hinting about for six months.

The evening went off without a hitch … Until Bella got a few drinks in her and we were on our way home. About three blocks from our apartment she started what I liked to call her "Torment Edward" act…

"Did it really take you six months to figure out I wanted this necklace?" She ran her fingers across the key shaped charm and looked over at me in annoyance.

"I knew from the first time we went in the store you wanted that necklace. Plus Alice told me. I wanted it to be something special and tonight was a special night." I turned the car on our block and pulled into the parking garage. "Besides, that thing wasn't cheap. I had to save up a bit."

Bella rolled her eyes and slammed her door shut. "Christmas was a special day and that was three months ago! And if you would stop being such a childish, stubborn baby and accept the money your parents offer you all the time you wouldn't have to save for things."

Finances were always a touchy subject with her. My parents were quite wealthy. They paid Alice's and my tuition out-of-pocket each year and were constantly offering to give us each wads of cash to help pay with our expenses and leisure activities. Alice gladly accepted every penny; I, on the other hand, wanted to at least have the experience of being a poor college student, and had my parents put the money in a trust account while I worked to support myself. I wanted to build some character, and taking handouts from mommy and daddy didn't seem like a way to do that.

Bella came from a relatively poor family and thought I was crazy not to accept what my parents offered. She always told me I was "ungrateful" and "stupid" and that I'd never be able to fully understand what being poor was like because I'd always have Carlisle and Esme's "golden-lined nest" to fall back on if anything happened.

Needless to say, when she started in on me in the car I knew what to expect when we got home.

"Bella, look, we've been through this a thousand times before. I'm not taking any money from my parents." I tossed my keys on the kitchen counter and pulled off my tie. "I'm not a child, I'm a grown man and I don't need them to take care of me."

"God, you act like you have it so tough Edward." She unzipped her dress and let it fall to the floor at her feet. I felt my cock stiffen as I watched her remove her undergarments slowly. All I wanted to do was finish this night out with a good round of anniversary sex and go to bed. She continued her rant as she slipped on her pajama pants and a sweatshirt. "You don't know the first thing about tough. I didn't even get new clothes until I was twelve. I had to wear hand-me-downs from my cousin – a boy cousin at that!"

I hated it when she put words in my mouth. "I never said anything about my life being 'tough' Bella. I'm sorry if I didn't run across town and ask Carlisle for his gold card to buy the goddamn necklace. That's not who I am."

"So when you want something, I'm expected to drop everything and put my life on hold and make it happen overnight. But when I want something, I have to wait six fucking months while you fuck around and waste time?"

I took a deep breath in an effort to calm myself. "When have you ever had to drop anything for me?I'm the one that's constantly dropping everything for you! I've bombed tests for you, missed important family moments for you, sacrificed friendships for you … And what have you done for me? Absolutely nothing, except bitch at me all the time about what a shitty fucking boyfriend I am!"

"Ooooh, now you think I'm a bitch, huh Eddie?"

"I don't think you're a bitch, Bella – I know you're a bitch. I've spent the last five years dealing with your bitchy ass on a daily basis."

I was in the middle of putting on my own pajamas when something hard hit me in the back of my head. I turned just in time to duck as Bella's other shoe flew at me.

"Fuck you Edward!" She was throwing other things now too: her jewelry box, an empty wine glass, and a picture of us from our anniversary last year all whizzed by me before crashing into the wall behind me. "FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU AND FUCK YOUR HIGH HORSE AND FUCK YOUR FAMILY AND FUCK THIS NECKLACE!" She reached down and ripped the necklace off herself before throwing that at me too.

"Bella, stop!"

She didn't, and before I even realized what was happening, my own physiology and anatomy textbook hit the side of my head and split the skin above my eye open.

"You want me to fucking stop? I'll stop when I'm ready to stop! I'm just getting started with you, asshole!" She turned around and grabbed the lamp off the top of the dresser. I'd never seen her like this before and it was scaring me a bit. I crossed the room in three quick strides and pinned her against the wall, grabbing the lamp and setting it back on the dresser.

"Does this make you feel good, Bella? Does it make you feel like a better person to cut me down and throw shit at me and belittle me?" I was emotionally exhausted and tired of dealing with the continuous barrage of insults and guilt trips. I rested my forehead on hers and closed my eyes. She thrashed violently beneath me but I didn't care. I just wanted it to stop.

"This will make me feel better." She drew her hand back and hit me in the face. My head jerked to the side and my cheek felt like there were a hundred tiny needles poking into it. Her eyes filled with tears and she covered her mouth with both hands. "I'm so sorry Edward! I didn't mean to do that, I would never intentionally hurt you."

I shook my head and looked away from her. A dozen different emotions were surging through me but all I could focus on was the anger that was quickly making its way to the surface. "Don't ever fucking hit me again." My voice came out in a raspy hiss.

"Now you're going to tell me what to do Edward? FUCK YOU!" She hit me again with her balled up fist. Her other hand went to my hair and she started pulling at it violently. I reached up and pried her hands off of me, pushing her against the wall roughly. All I wanted to do in that moment was hit her back. I pulled my fist back and realized I was going to hit her. I closed my eyes and punched forward. My fist connected with the wall next to her head with a sickening crack. I felt a burning pain in three of my knuckles and when I opened my eyes she stood completely still, staring back at me with a mixture of anger and fear clouding her beautiful brown eyes.

"I'm sorry…" My words trailed off and I hung my head in shame. I backed away from her slowly and cradled my injured hand against my chest. This was too much. No relationship should ever reach this point and ours had a while ago.

"Edward," she whispered. She walked towards me and cupped my cheek with her palm. I leaned into her and closed my eyes. Hot tears streaked down my cheeks and I felt like my breath was caught in my throat.

"I can't do this anymore Bella." I opened my eyes and looked at her. Her eyes were filled with sadness and her body shook with silent sobs. I ran my good hand down her arm before going to our closet and pulling out my suitcase.

"Edward, no! What are you doing?" She ran across the room and grabbed the suitcase from me, tossing it back in the closet and sliding the door shut. "We can get through this baby, we always do. It's just an argument."

I dropped my head to my hands and twisted my hair between my fingers. "This is more than just an argument Bella. You hurt me. Physically. I tried to hurt you. This isn't healthy for either of us anymore. It hasn't been healthy for either of us for a long time."

She slid to her knees and buried her head against her chest. Her sobs were audible now and they broke my heart. I fell to my knees in front of her and wrapped my arms around her small frame. She clung to me, her tears wetting the front of my t-shirt.

"Please don't do this Edward. I can't exist without you. I don't know who I am without you."

I leaned back and cupped her face in my hands. She looked so vulnerable and for a second I was tempted to give in and tell her we could try and work things out. Unfortunately my heart ruled me and it was telling me it was time to let go.

"Shhh." I kissed her forehead softly. "You're a strong woman Bella. You can exist with or without anyone. And maybe it's time for us both to figure out who we are without each other."

I stood up and watched as she crumpled into a ball on the floor. I trudged back to the closet, pulling out my suitcase and shoving clothing into it. There was more I'd have to send for from the apartment, but I would do that after I got to Portland. Right now I just needed to get as far away from Bella as I could. It was for the benefit of us both.

I got dressed silently and grabbed my bags. I stopped and turned around in the bedroom doorway. Bella was sitting up now, leaning against the bed and staring at me with silent tears coursing down her cheeks. It took every ounce of strength I had not to run and take her in my arms.

"Goodbye Bella," I said softly. "I will always love you." She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head back and fourth. A loud sob escaped her and a fresh round of tears coursed down her face. I swallowed my pain and walked away, closing the door on the previous five years and leaving behind the love of my life.

That was the last time I'd seen or spoken to her. She'd tried to call and email me in the first few months after I was gone, but eventually she stopped. A year later I met Tanya and eight months after that we were married. Six months into it I found out she was cheating on me and divorce number one followed. I played the field for a while and then I became involved with Kate. I honestly thought Kate was the one, so I proposed and we had a big, fairytale wedding. Of course it was only after we were married that I realized Kate wasn't Bella and never would be, and so came divorce number two. I resigned myself to the fact that I would never fall out of love with Bella, and not wanting to break any more hearts, I'd been single for a little over a year now.

My friends in Portland always asked me why I didn't try to get Bella back after things fell apart with Kate. The thought had crossed my mind plenty of times, but I knew she was happy with Jake and I didn't want to screw that up for her. He'd been there for her after I'd left, soothing her, drying her tears, and supporting her emotionally. Alice always kept me updated, telling me how Jake made Bella laugh and how their relationship ebbed and flowed naturally. In the back of my mind I always thought things would be different for Bella and I if we tried again, especially since we were both older, more mature, and different people in general. Knowing that she was already in such a good place with Jacob was the only thing that stopped me from trying to find out.

The sound of a nearing police siren brought me back to reality. When I looked up the hotel lobby was empty. It's now or never, I thought to myself. I screwed the cap on the Jack and stuffed it back in the paper bag before slipping it in my pocket. I took a deep breath and jogged across the street. I glanced around the lobby once more before heading inside and straight for the elevator.

I took a risk staying in the same hotel where Bella and Jake were having their wedding reception. Of course I had no idea they were also having the rehearsal dinner here tonight until I almost ran right into Renee in the elevator earlier.

I unlocked the door to my room and slipped inside. I kicked off my shoes, undid the first few buttons on my shirt and flopped down on the bed. I grabbed my cell off the nightstand and held it in my hand. As much as I tried to pretend, I didn't travel halfway across the country just to watch Bella from a distance. I wanted to see her. I needed to see her, to feel her one last time before she belonged to someone else forever.

I flipped the phone open and punched her number in the text message box. Six words later I hit the send button and exhaled.

I leaned back on the pillows and stared at the ceiling, waiting on a woman who might never come.

---

Bella's POV

I hugged Jessica tightly and watched as the last of the wedding party left the hotel. Jake and I were spending the night here along with our parents and his brother. Charlie and Billy were talking about some fishing trip they had planned in a couple of weeks and Renee was busy listening to Jacob tell her about a trip we'd taken to Michigan City a few weeks earlier. Jake got to the part about me falling in Lake Michigan and this caused my mother to erupt into a fit of laughter. Seeing her laugh made me laugh, and soon we were both clutching our stomachs and straining for air.

"Such a klutz, my beautiful Bella." Jake wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me towards him. I looked up at him and smiled as he pressed his warm lips against mine. Renee sighed and covered her heart with her hands. Mothers, I thought to myself.

If only she knew that every time Jake kissed me it was Edward's face I pictured when I closed my eyes. Jacob had yet to give me a single kiss that came anywhere near the caliber of Edward's kisses.

"Alright, alright, that's enough. We're going to have to watch you two kiss enough tomorrow, we don't need a show tonight." Charlie winked at me and grabbed Renee's hand. "I do believe your mother and I are going to retire for the evening."

"We should probably get some sleep too. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." Jake kissed the top of my head and squeezed my shoulder affectionately. A pang of guilt pulsed through me and I wrapped my arms around my chest protectively. I was getting married tomorrow. This was supposed to be one of the happiest moments of a woman's life. After tomorrow I would belong to Jacob, and he to me, as husband and wife, forever. I should feel like a princess on the verge of entwining herself to her best friend, lover, and lifeline.

Jacob was none of those things to me though. Well, he was my lover, but he didn't know me well enough to be my best friend, and I knew that if he walked out the door tomorrow I could live just fine without him.

My best friend, lover, and lifeline had left me six years earlier. With good reason, I chided myself. I cringed when I thought about our last argument. I couldn't believe how I'd behaved. I would have left me too in that moment.

If only he would give me the chance to show him how much I'd changed. I knew he was still in Portland, Alice told me that much, but I didn't know how to contact him and I didn't dare ask anyone. Everyone in Chicago was convinced I was happy with Jake, and I didn't want to put any cracks in my delicately constructed façade.

I pushed the intruding thoughts aside and hugged my parents goodnight.

"I can't believe the wedding is tomorrow. It feels like I just proposed yesterday." Jacob unlocked our room and I followed him inside.

"I know. Time flies so fast." Our engagement lasted almost two years, at my request, even though we'd been together for three before he proposed. After everything that happened with Edward I didn't want to rush anything with Jake. Even though my relationship with Jake was nothing like my relationship with Edward, I couldn't help but fear that things would end in disaster for us. There was a point in my life where I'd been sure Edward and I would get married too and look where that got me.

Oh, stop trying to fool yourself Bella, my subconscious scolded. You waited as long as you could to get married on the off chance that Edward would come back to Chicago.

"I'm going to take a shower. Want to join me?" Jake winked suggestively and ran his fingertips along the waistline of my dress pants. I bit my lip and shook my head. I was too nervous to do anything of a sexual nature tonight.

"I think I'm just going to head to bed. I have to meet the girls downstairs at seven tomorrow morning for our hair appointment." Jacob smiled and pulled me into his arms. He pressed his lips against mine and dipped his tongue into my mouth. I wrapped my arms around the back of his neck automatically and pulled him to me, deepening our kiss. I put on a good act when I tried.

"I love you," I whispered when he pulled away. Boy, that sounded awfully convincing. He smiled and planted one final kiss on the tip of my nose.

"I love you too."

I wandered over to where my suitcase sat and changed into a pair of cotton shorts and a t-shirt. I pulled my hair up in a ponytail and smoothed some lotion over my legs. Across the room my cell phone dinged, alerting me to the fact that I had a new text message.

"What the…" My breath caught in my throat, cutting off my words. I sank onto the bed, my eyes not leaving the screen. Six years later and I still knew his number by heart.

Room 731. The door is unlocked.

I took a deep breath but it did nothing to calm my nerves. It had been six years since I last saw him, since I last heard his voice or felt his touch. He never made any effort to keep in touch with me or to keep our friendship alive after our love died.

That's because our love never died.

I trembled involuntarily and blinked back tears as the realization that he was in the hotel sank in. Alice must have told him about the wedding. That was the only way he could possibly know I was here in this hotel. Leave it to Edward to swoop in when I thought I finally had things under control.

I contemplated sending him a message back but decided against it. Instead, I grabbed my hoodie and stuck my head inside the bathroom.

"I'm going to take a walk," I shouted over the sound of the water. Jake's head appeared around the edge of the shower curtain. He looked so cute with shampoo suds clinging to his hair and water dripping off his face.

"Want me to come with you? I'm almost finished."

I shook my head. "No, that's fine. You go ahead and finish your shower and relax. I'll be back in a bit." I eased the door shut behind me and skipped towards the elevators. The only sound I could hear was my heart pounding furiously in my chest. When the doors opened on the seventh floor, I started hyperventilating. I leaned against the wall and took a few deep breaths. I shouldn't be doing this. Jake was so happy with me, and I owed him this wedding, especially after all he'd done for me following my breakup with Edward. I didn't want to do anything to jeopardize what I had with Jake or to throw it away.

You aren't throwing anything away, silly girl, I chastised myself. You're going to say hi and ask him what he's doing here. And if that goes well, you can catch up with him like old friends would.

Yeah, right. Who the hell was I kidding?

A few minutes later I composed myself enough to get down the hall. The terror returned, however, as soon as I found myself standing outside his room. I debated running away and going back upstairs, but my legs wouldn't move. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

He was lying on the bed in a pair of dark wash jeans and a long-sleeved button down shirt. His green eyes were bloodshot and his chin was colored with a five o'clock shadow that looked incredibly sexy. His unruly bronze hair stood out in all directions, just like it always had when we were together. I felt tears stinging my eyes and I gently pushed the door shut. His eyes met mine and I wasn't sure what I saw. Joy? Pain? Anger? Regret? Or maybe it was a combination of all four?

"Bella…" He stood up and ran a hand through his hair, tousling it even more. A sob escaped my lips and I felt my knees grow weak. So much for staying composed, I thought. I couldn't believe that after all these years he still had this effect on me.

He walked around the bed and stopped a few feet in front of me. He cocked his head to the side and looked at me. His green eyes blazed into mine and, against my better judgment, I launched myself forward and into his arms.

"Oh Edward." My tears flowed freely down my cheeks. I buried my head in his chest and clung to him. He wrapped his arms around me protectively and rested his chin against the top of my head.

"Shh, it's okay." He smoothed my hair and hugged me tighter. I took a deep breath between sobs, letting the familiar scent of clove cigarettes mixed with fabric softener and Axe body wash comfort me. I could smell faint remnants of whiskey on him too, but it didn't matter to me, I was too amazed by the fact that after all these years he still smelled the same.

"I can't believe you're here." I leaned back and wiped the tears from my eyes, taking in his features. I ran my hands down his arms and across his chest, my fingertips tracing the outline of the muscles hidden beneath his shirt. His body tensed and he sucked in a breath of air.

"I've always been here, Bella," he whispered. He tucked my hair behind my ears and cupped my face in his hands. His thumbs traced small circles on my cheeks. "I might have left physically, but my heart has always been with you." Honesty painted his features and his eyes were filled with love. He leaned back and paused for a moment, as if trying to decide what to do, before bending down and gently brushing his lips against mine.

One chaste kiss was all it took.

I grabbed his head and pulled him to me, parting my lips and kissing him deeper. His hands slid down to my ass and he lifted me in the air. I wrapped my legs around his waist and pressed my hips against him while our tongues danced together in a bittersweet reunion.

"Bella…" He ran a trail of kisses down my jaw and across my collarbone. "Are you sure we should do this? You're engaged…"

I shook my head vigorously. All thoughts of Jacob had left the room as soon as I felt Edward's touch. "I don't care. I want you. I've never wanted anyone but you." Those six words were all it took and his mouth was on mine again. He staggered backwards and we fell onto the bed. My fingers made quick work of the buttons on his shirt and he shrugged it off and tossed it to the floor. I ran my fingers across his naked chest, stopping to pinch one of his nipples. He gasped and lifted his hips, his erection straining against the denim fabric of his jeans. His hands slid beneath my t-shirt and he pulled it over my head effortlessly.

I slunk backwards on the bed, planting kisses on both his nipples and his navel. I unbuttoned his pants and slid them, along with his boxers, down to his knees. His cock sprang up before me and I grabbed it in my waiting hand.

"Uhhh…" He moaned through clenched teeth. His eyes met mine and I took him in my mouth, running my tongue up and down the length of his shaft. He grabbed my hair in his fists and pushed his hips up to meet me. I leaned back and swirled my tongue around the head of his cock, massaging in the salty drops of arousal that had collected on the tip. I ran one hand up and down the part of his shaft my mouth didn't hit. I cupped his balls with my other hand and squeezed them gently.

He grabbed my arms and gently pulled me up. "My turn." He flipped me over so I was on my back and crawled on top of me. The sight of his naked body sent shivers down my spine. His hand slipped inside my shorts and he kissed me as he slipped a finger inside me.

"Ah!" I broke free from his kiss and cried out. He slid his finger out and massaged my clit gently. He took my right nipple into his mouth and sucked hard. His free hand moved to my left, pinching it and pulling on it.

"Sensitive as ever," he muttered and I could feel him smiling against my skin. He trailed kisses down my stomach and over my bellybutton. He slid my shorts and panties down my legs and I kicked them to the floor.

I looked down at him and he smiled, nudging my knees apart with his shoulders. He ran his tongue up my thigh, stopping just before he reached my sensitive spot. His finger slid inside me again and he blew a cool breath across my clit.

"Mmm," I moaned, tightening my thighs around his head and trying to pull him towards me.

"Always so impatient," he teased. He blew on my sex once more before running his tongue over me. I moaned and arched my back involuntarily. He slipped another finger inside me and flicked his tongue against my clit. I could already feel my orgasm building and I knew I wasn't going to last long. He ran his tongue in circles around my clit before sucking gently on it. I gasped and ground myself against him. He slid his hands beneath my ass and lifted me to his mouth, continuing his torturous pattern of gentle licks combined with gentle sucking. A familiar warmth spread throughout my abdomen and soon I was catapulting into the depths of my amazing orgasm. I felt my body shudder and an indecipherable combination of words left my mouth. Edward dipped his tongue into me, tasting my arousal, before lifting his face to mine and kissing me passionately.

"I need you Bella," he breathed against me. "I need to feel you, to be inside you. I need to be one with you again." He reached down and aligned himself with me and looked at me questioningly.

"I need you too, Edward." I lifted my hips and he pushed inside of me slowly. My head fell back against the pillow and we groaned simultaneously. He started moving inside me, slow, calculated strokes, in and out, in and out. I met his pace each time, wrapping my arms around his neck and digging my fingers into his back.

"Bella, my god Bella, you feel so good." His lips were on mine and our tongues were dancing together once again. My insides were twisting and turning as another orgasm started to build.

Edward sat back, pulling me with him. He eased me onto him and I felt myself start to come undone. I cried out, burying my face in his shoulder and biting him gently. He grabbed my hips and held me still, thrusting into me in long, hard strokes. I could feel his cock swell inside of me and soon he collapsed against me in release.

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and rested my head on his chest. The room was silent except for the sounds of our heavy breathing. Eventually I disentangled myself from Edward's arms and sprawled out across the bed. He lay down next to me so we were facing each other and draped his arm over my waist.

"That was amazing, Bella."

"I can't argue with that." I traced the outline of his abs with my finger and sighed contentedly.

"You have no idea how much I've missed you."

Tears sprung to my eyes again. "Why didn't you ever answer or return my calls Edward? We could have stayed friends. We could have stayed in one another's lives."

He shook his head and brushed his fingertips over my naked hip. "We needed a clean break from each other, Bella. Things were so violent, we were always so angry. That was the only way to do it – the best thing for us."

I nodded sadly and buried my face in his chest. He ran his fingers through my hair and kissed my forehead.

"I'm glad you're here, Edward. I needed this."

"Me too," he murmured against me.

I took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "Tell me everything about the last six years. I want to know it all." He smiled and started telling me about his life in Oregon and his two failed marriages. My heart ached when he told me that he didn't want to be with anyone else again. We were both so young and I couldn't help but blame myself for the fact that he was already jaded.

I told him about my relationship with Jake and the journey that led to our engagement. I told him about finishing school and working in the art gallery and getting a vacation house in Michigan City. He seemed genuinely happy for me, but there was an underlying tone of sadness in his words and facial expressions.

The hours ticked by and before I knew it I was waking from a heavy slumber. I was curled around Edward, my head resting on his chest. He had a peaceful expression on his face.

Shit! What time is it? I looked over my shoulder at the bedside clock. It was eight thirty. I slid out of bed quietly, careful not to wake the angel sleeping next to me. I put my shorts and t-shirt on and checked my reflection in the mirror. My skin was flushed in a post-coital glow and my hair was sticking out in all directions. Anyone who looked at me would know I'd just engaged in a night of debauchery. How on earth would I ever explain myself to my friends waiting downstairs? I was supposed to be downstairs an hour and a half ago. They had to have gotten in touch with Jake by now, asking where I was.

I splashed some water on my face and prepared to face the inevitable. Jacob and the girls were probably worried sick. I took one last glance over my shoulder at Edward's sleeping form. A burning ache radiated throughout my chest and I felt tears well in my eyes. How could I leave him? He was Edward – my Edward. Deep down inside I knew he always had been, even in the years we were apart. His words last night affirmed that for me. Of course I'd always belonged to him too. And even after I walked down the aisle and became Mrs. Black today, I would still belong to him.

I choked back a sob and eased the door open. "Goodbye Edward," I whispered. I blew him a silent kiss and headed down the hall, mentally preparing to start a new life with Jake.

---

Edward's POV

I reached across the bed and felt nothing. My eyes blinked open and I realized I was alone in a mass of twisted sheets. Last night must have been a dream; a very realistic dream, because I could still feel Bella in my arms and taste her on my lips.

I sat up and listened carefully. The shower wasn't running, the TV wasn't on, there were no noises coming from anywhere in the suite. She left, I realized. She left to marry someone else, just like you left so many years ago.

I knew Bella still loved me. She'd revealed this to me last night. My stomach fluttered just thinking about it. She'd waited so long for me before going with Jake. It was overwhelming to hear, overwhelming to think that we were both still in love with one another after all these years.

And here you thought you might have a chance. You're a fool.

I stood up on shaky legs and made my way to the bathroom. My hair was smashed to the side of my head and my upper arms and back were speckled with marks from where her fingers had dug into me during our sexual adventures. I climbed into the shower and the hot water soothed me a bit.

I had to figure out a way to move on from Bella. She was obviously ready to move on from me. My mind was filled with thoughts of her as I packed my things away into my duffle bag. I scanned the room once more to make sure I had everything before making a slow pilgrimage to the hotel lobby.

"Thank you for staying with us, Mr. Cullen. Is there anything else we can do for you today?"

"I just need a taxi to take me to O'Hare please." I hoisted my duffle up on my shoulder and hung my head sadly. The desk employee motioned to the concierge, who picked up a phone and mumbled a few sentences. I turned towards the door and came face-to-face with my sister.

"Why didn't you tell me you were here?" She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot impatiently. Even at eight months pregnant Alice managed to look intimidating.

"Alice, please, not now." I ran a hand through my hair and looked around nervously. The last thing I wanted to do was cause a scene here in the lobby. Alice stared at me for another moment before flinging her arms around me and hugging me tightly. I hugged her back gently and my big brother instinct kicked in. "Be careful, preggers, we don't want you smooshing the baby."

"Bella called off the wedding," she whispered. I leaned back from her in stunned silence. She squeezed my hand and pulled me towards a secluded hallway.

"What do you mean she called off the wedding?"

Alice turned to face me abruptly. "She called off the wedding this morning. She said she couldn't marry Jacob because she didn't really love him."

My jaw dropped as I digested her words. Did this mean … could Bella want to be with me? Alice's attention was now trained on something behind my shoulder. I turned slowly and saw Bella and Rose standing before me. Alice nudged me forward and Rose gave me a knowing smile.

"Bella, what are you doing? It's your wedding day!"

She swallowed back tears and gave me a weak smile. "The only man I want to share the altar with on my wedding day is you, Edward." My heart leapt into my throat and tears filled my eyes. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"You're such a silly girl." I kissed her cheek and looked into her eyes. "But you're my silly girl, which is all that matters."

"I've always been your silly girl, Edward. I hope I always will be."

I laughed and brushed my nose against hers. "Of course you will be. Nobody else can even compare to you, Bella. I'll never find someone like you." She cupped my cheeks in her hands and pulled me down to kiss her. Alice and Rosalie looked on in silence with warm smiles on their faces. It felt good to see everyone again. I didn't realize just how much I missed Chicago until now.

"Rose, it's so good to see you!" I gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. She hugged me back tightly, and I could tell I was forgiven for my past transgressions.

"We've missed you Edward. Welcome home" She smiled and squeezed my arm. "Emmett will be thrilled to see you."

"Jasper will too," Alice piped in. She gave me a weak smile. "Everyone has missed you, Edward. It hasn't been the same without you."

"Especially not for me," Bella murmured, wrapping her arms around my waist and hugging me close. She swatted her hand at her friends playfully. "Now that he's here I don't want to share him quite yet."

"Fine, fine." Alice let out an exasperated sigh. "But, you two have to promise to come over for dinner tomorrow night. I'll get mom and dad to come too." I nodded in agreement and waved as Rose and Alice walked back towards the elevators. Bella grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the hotel doors.

"Where are we going?" I asked curiously. She grinned and planted a soft kiss on my lips.

"Out for brunch and back to my apartment. We have six years of catching up to do." I tipped my head back and laughed. I hadn't felt this carefree in years. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and followed her out onto the street.

As we got into the back of a cab, I felt the weight of my past lift from my shoulders.

What was merely a dream yesterday was a reality today. Together, we were riding into our future.

Riding into our forever.

A Night to Remember

A/N: This was originally posted as my FAGE 5 gift for Staceleo.

Characters belong to SM and Frank Sinatra belongs to a different generation. The inner workings of this flufftastic little tale belong to me.

---

A Night to Remember

In ten years of marriage, Edward Cullen had yet to miss an anniversary. That was one of the 

many things his wife, Isabella, admired about him. Every year on October 24 she awoke to red 

roses and a sweet, sometimes sappy poem or short story. He always made dinner reservations at 

a swanky downtown restaurant and took her home after, where he worshipped every inch of her 

body.

Bella was surprised when she awoke that Saturday to find her husband missing and not a single 

rose in sight. She crawled out of bed and cleared the sleep from her eyes, giving herself a pinch 

to make sure she was in fact in her room and not dreaming.

Her mind wandered back to the previous day as she pulled on her robe and made her way through 

their house. Edward hadn't mentioned having any plans. She scanned the large space, searching 

for any indication of where he was, but came up empty handed.

Beyond the walls of their Brooklyn brownstone the city was coming to life, and the familiar sounds 

of traffic and chatter wafted through the open windows while Bella busied herself in the kitchen. 

While she measured out just enough grounds to make her coffee strong but not sludge, Bella felt 

worry start to tug at her. I wonder where Edward could be?

Ding-dong.

She wiped her hands on the front of her pajama bottoms and headed for the door. Her lips pulled 

up in a small smile when she saw a mass of red roses obstructing the peephole.

"I was wondering where you…" Her words trailed off when the unfamiliar face of a delivery driver 

poked around the side of the arrangement.

"Isabella Cullen?"

"Yes?"

"I have a delivery for you." She stepped aside and gestured for him to come in. Once the flowers 

were situated and signed for, Bella slid her fingers along the soft red petals. A full-size card was 

tucked between the stems, and she tugged it out carefully, recognizing her husband's elegant 

handwriting on the front. She slid the card out and opened it, reading the note Edward had left 

inside:

My Love Bella –

Ten years ago today marks the best day of my existence; the day we exchanged vows and said 

"I do" to a lifetime together. As the sun rises on another year of our marriage, I can't help but 

wonder what I did to deserve the happiness you've brought me. There's not a minute that 

passes that isn't filled with my love and adoration for you.

Alice should be by any minute with your Saturday morning favorite – crepes and coffee from 

Esme's. Enjoy this and relax. A car will be there to fetch you at two. I can't tell you its 

destination, but wear something comfortable and be ready for anything. You will see me today, 

but only if you follow all the clues I've laid around the city for you.

I love you.

Yours forever,

Edward

"A car will be there to fetch you at two," Bella mumbled in confusion. Edward had a way with 

words, as any author did, and his cleverly crafted anniversary riddle had left her stumped.

Ding-dong.

"Good morning, my beautiful sister-in-law!" Alice danced through the doorway and planted a kiss 

on Bella's cheek. "Breakfast is served. Where would you like it?"

"Uh, the kitchen is fine," Bella answered. "Do you have any idea what's going on?"

"What's going on is I'm bringing you some nourishment." Alice winked and pulled a plate from the 

cupboard. "I don't have any answers to give, so you might as well save yourself the questions."

"Can you at least tell me what I'm supposed to be doing?"

Alice sighed and plopped down on a stool across from her. "Edward wanted to do something 

special for your ten year. He's sending you on a scavenger hunt."

Bella's brow furrowed in confusion. "A scavenger hunt? What am I scavenging for?"

"Your husband, silly!" Excitement twinkled in Alice's green eyes. "The car will take you to the first 

place he's planted a clue at. You find the clue and it will direct you to the next place. Follow 

them all and you'll find Edward!"

Bella stared at her sister-in-law in astonishment. "He's so creative, Alice. It's ridiculous. Never in 

a million years would I have thought to do something like this."

"And that, my dear, is why you're lucky you married a writer." Alice tapped her finger on the tip of 

Bella's nose and clicked her tongue. "Now, eat up and enjoy! You've got a busy day ahead of 

you!"

-ANtR-

Three hours later, Bella was showered, dressed, and anxiously pacing the foyer. The idea of going 

on a scavenger hunt through Manhattan made her nervous. What if she failed with the clues? 

What if she sent the driver to the wrong place? Worse, what if she spent the whole day 

gallivanting around and never figured out where Edward was?

She heard the car pull up before she saw it, and was on the front steps just as the driver got 

out.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Cullen." He smiled and held the door open while she slipped wordlessly 

inside.

"Where are we headed?" Curiosity and excitement were getting the best of her.

"Avenue B."

"Have you been sworn to secrecy by my husband?"

"I can speak freely about anything, Mrs. Cullen. Well, anything but your destination, that is."

Bella chuckled. She was mildly annoyed, but impressed by Edward's efforts. This would surely turn 

into an anniversary that she'd remember for many years to come.

"Hey…" Her voice trailed off and a smile danced on her lips. The car came to a stop in front of a 

familiar building. A decade had changed the neighborhood, but the café's peeling sign and retro 

décor remained the same. Bella stepped out of the Lincoln, glancing over her shoulder at the 

driver. "Are you coming in?"

He shook his head. "I'll be waiting out here."

She nodded her head and eased the car door shut before crossing the busy sidewalk and entering 

the café.

"Welcome to The Rustic." An older woman beamed at her from behind the counter. Bella 

recognized her immediately. After all, she'd been working that day…

FLASHBACK

"Welcome to The Rustic."

Bella stomped the snow off her boots and tugged at her stocking cap. The first snow of the 

season was always the most annoying, and for some reason this year's decided to come in 

October.

"Bells! Over here!" Jacob Black stood and waved his hands in the air. Bella rolled her eyes and 

made her way to the table.

"Stop making a scene," she muttered, dropping her backpack on an empty chair and peeling off 

her coat. "This place isn't exactly happening."

"Hence the reason I picked it."

"Where are Angela and Kate?"

"Angela couldn't make it and Kate is running late. Ha, did you hear that? 'Kate' and 'late' rhyme."

"I'm going to get a drink." She turned abruptly, colliding with a man standing behind her. His 

bagel flew in the air, coffee sloshed all over both of them, and before Bella realized what was 

happening they were nothing more than a tangled mess of limbs on the floor.

"What the fuck? You should watch where you're going!" The guy stood, running a hand through 

his messy brown hair and adjusting his glasses. Coffee coated the front of his plaid button-down 

shirt and the crotch of his khakis. He was quite attractive, despite his disheveled appearance.

"Well excuse me." Bella stood as well, biting her lip to keep from laughing when she saw the 

angry expression on his face. "Perhaps you shouldn't hover behind people like a creeper and then 

you wouldn't get mauled over."

"Thank you for your magnificent insight." His cheeks flushed as he gathered up his messenger 

bag. He shot her a glare before weaving his way between the tables and out the door.

"Dick," Bella mumbled.

Jacob laughed. "You sure know how to make an impression."

"Please, I don't even know who he is. Why would I care what he thinks?"

"His name is Edward Cullen. He's a writer. I see him here all the time."

"I guess it's a good thing I don't come here all the time then." Bella knew she was being a bitch, 

and Jacob certainly didn't deserve to be the target of her anger. She started her morning by 

having a blowout with her mom, and things had only gotten worse from there. Colliding with 

Edward Something-Or-Other was the icing on the top of her oh-so-wonderful Sunday cake. "Do 

you need a refill?

Jacob shook his head. "Nah, I'm good." Once she got a tea and got settled, Jacob scrawled 

something on a scrap of paper and pushed it across the table to her.

"What's this?"

"Edward's book."

"Gravity?"

He nodded. "Read it. I promise you won't be disappointed."

...

She bought his book and read it in three hours. The words captivated her and left her longing to 

know more about the man behind them. Lucky for her he was feeling the same way.

It took Edward a week to get her number from Jacob and call for a date. It took Bella a week 

after that to realize she actually wanted to go out with him.

"Ma'am? Can I help you?"

Bella shook her head and blushed. "I'm, um, just waiting for a friend," she lied, hoping to buy 

herself time to look for Edward's clue. She glanced around, wondering where it could possibly be. 

Her gaze fell on a large bookcase situated in the corner of the space. Gotcha.

Bella's eyes roamed over the collection of reading materials, settling on a worn-out copy of 

Gravity. She eased the book out and flipped it open, finding a small piece of paper taped to the 

inside of the cover.

Love –

I see you've arrived at the first of our firsts – the first place we met.

Sparks didn't fly – at least not the good kind – but your beauty and sass were enough to catch 

my attention, and keep it long after I'd gone.

Every day I thank my lucky stars that I saw Jacob Black that next weekend. And every day I 

thank my lucky stars that he knew you well enough to know you just might fall for me if I took 

the time to ask.

The next first is a mere three miles away. You might remember, and you might not, so this is 

what I'll say: we had a lovely night, Rose and Emmett did too, and I had the opportunity to get 

my first good glimpse of the real you.

Edward

"Three miles away? Rose and Emmett?" Bella tucked the note away in her pocket and put the 

book back on its shelf. The wheels in her mind were turning all the way to the car.

"That was quick," the driver remarked.

Bella closed her eyes and thought long and hard about Edward's words. They'd only gone on one 

double date with Rose and Emmett, and if she remembered correctly it wasn't planned. It was at 

the very beginning of their relationship…

Our first date!

"I've got it!" she exclaimed. The driver glanced at her curiously in the rearview mirror, and Bella 

felt her cheeks warm with a blush. "Can you take me to the Museum of Modern Art?"

"Of course."

She rubbed her hands together excitedly, looking forward to finding clue number two.

-ANtR-

The Museum of Modern Art had always been one of Bella's favorite places in the city. She'd 

visited it often with her mother when she was growing up. It was one of their many traditions, 

and that made Bella even fonder of the space.

Now, as the car moved slowly across town, she thought back to that first time she'd ever gone 

out with Edward…

FLASHBACK

"You look beautiful."

His statement was so cliché, but it still made her swoon. "Thank you. You look pretty dashing 

yourself."

Together they made a stunning couple. Her dark hair hung in loose, chunky curls around her 

face, and the dress she wore was vintage, falling just past her knees. His hair was gelled up, 

he'd opted to wear contacts, and his fitted sweater showed off the definition of his muscles.

"Can I let you in on a secret?" he whispered as they made their way to the entrance.

"Sure."

"I've never been here before." He held the door open and gestured for her to enter. As soon as 

she was inside, Bella spun around and faced him.

"You're a starving artist in the big city and you've never visited this museum?"

Edward laughed. "I'm not exactly starving at this point, though I've been damn close at times." 

He linked his fingers through hers and led her to the ticket desk. "I have a very healthy 

appreciation for the written word, but I can't say I've spent too much time dabbling in the visual 

arts."

"Well, then we can learn something from one another, can't we?" She winked playfully and 

turned to the attendant. "Two adults please."

"I'll try not to hover tonight," Edward joked, following Bella to the first exhibit.

"I'll make sure my Edward radar is up and running."

Edward stayed close by her all night, picking her brain as they moved from exhibit to exhibit. He 

had a genuine interest, not only in the art before them, but also in everything Bella had to say. 

His questions weren't only about the many pieces of work, but about her as well, and even 

though Bella had a laundry list of questions she was dying to ask, she knew there would be time 

to do that in the future.

"Iz!" She looked up and saw her brother waving.

"Em!" Bella dropped Edward's hand and scooted forward, throwing her arms around her brother's 

neck and laughing excitedly. "What are you doing here?"

"We decided to come down for a weekend," Emmett explained, narrowing his eyes when he 

noticed Edward. "Who's the guy?"

"I'm on a date. Edward Cullen, meet my big brother Emmett." Edward's eyes grew wide like 

saucers as he shook Emmett's hand.

"Bella!" Rose joined their trio, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "What a treat!"

"Have you two eaten yet?" Edward's question took them all by surprise.

"We were just discussing where to go when Rose excused herself. Did you have a place in mind?"

"We were thinking sushi."

"Oh, sushi sounds delicious!" Rose looped her arm through Emmett's. "Shall we share a cab?"

The night carried on as planned, and to Bella's surprise, Edward and Emmett got along very well. 

He even let Edward walk her home – alone.

"This is me," Bella said when they reached her building.

"I hope tonight didn't disappoint." He looked down at his shoes awkwardly, causing her to smile.

"Tonight was incredible," she whispered, reaching up and running her fingers along the edge of 

his face.

"Does that mean I can take you out again?"

"Absolutely."

Edward tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek. "Goodnight, Bella."

"Goodnight, Edward."

...

"We're here, Mrs. Cullen."

"I'll be back," she answered, jumping out of the car and sprinting to the building. She found 

herself in the gift shop, skimming through the memorabilia from past exhibits.

"Can I help you, miss?"

She turned and smiled at the employee. "Actually, yes. I'm looking for anything from your 2002 

exhibits."

"I believe the Smart Car exhibit is the only one we still have items from." He directed her to a 

shelf that held several booklets about automobiles and a few tall shot glasses. A piece of paper 

was tucked neatly inside one of the glasses.

"Thank you," Bella said, removing the paper. A trill of excitement coursed through her as her eyes 

skimmed the contents.

Bella-

Your detective work is paying off, which I'm happy to see. The next destination is a bit farther 

away, and may not be as fun in the fall, but I guarantee you'll enjoy the sights, sounds, and 

smells, as well as the memory rooted there.

Our love blossomed quickly, and continues to grow stronger with each day that passes. I can't 

wait, sweet, sweet Bella, to hold you in my arms and show you exactly how much these last ten 

years have meant to me.

Love-

Edward

Bella closed her eyes and held the paper close to her heart, shivering as she thought of all the 

ways Edward might show her. She tucked the paper into her pocket and then turned back to the 

shelf. Grabbing the shot glass the note was tucked in, she made her way to the register and paid 

for the item.

"Found yourself a souvenir?" The driver chuckled when she returned carrying a small bag.

"Not that I really need one, but yes, yes I did." Bella slid into the Lincoln and placed the bag on 

the seat beside her. She pulled out Edward's clue once more, scanning over it and thinking what 

first of theirs involved sights, sounds, and smells.

"Love blossoming … memories rooted …" She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Is the New York 

Botanical Garden our next stop?"

"Very good."

"Yes!" Bella snapped her finger and withdrew her cell phone from her purse.

Love the clues, baby, but not as much as I love you. :)

She doubted he would answer, but felt the need to text Edward anyway.

After all, how many husbands were thoughtful enough to give their wives this kind of chance to 

walk down memory lane?

-ANtR-

If the MoMa was Bella's place to educate Edward, then the Botanical Gardens were his place to 

do the same for her.

FLASHBACK

"Have you ever been here before?"

She shook her head.

"Perfect. Date number two can be a learning experience as well." Edward grinned and slid his 

hands in his pockets.

"Are you a horticulture enthusiast?"

"Not at all," he laughed. "Truth be told, my mom and grandma used to drag me here kicking and 

screaming when I was a kid. Then I took up photography in addition to writing, and that gave 

me a greater appreciation for nature's beauty."

"I thought you said you didn't have any talent when it came to visual arts?"

"One doesn't need talent to take photos." He led her down a path and into the garden's forest.

"That is true," she agreed, wrapping her sweater more tightly around herself. Most of the 

unanticipated late-October snow had melted, making November resemble traditional New York 

City autumn weather.

"Are you cold?" He started to remove his coat but she reached out and stopped him.

"I'll be fine. Don't freeze yourself on my behalf."

"Well, so much for trying to be chivalrous…"

"Chivalry is dead. You're a writer, you should know that," she joked.

He rolled his eyes. "You've read my book. You know it's still alive and kicking in my fiction world."

She wrapped both her arms around his and rested her cheek against his bicep. "And in your 

living, breathing world." The two walked in silence, stopping when they reached a clearing in the 

trees. A small lake stood before them, bordered by a breathtaking waterfall. "This view is 

gorgeous."

"My parents got engaged here," Edward explained. "They were eighteen, just like you. They met 

on the playground in elementary school, became best friends, and eventually evolved into your 

stereotypical set of high school sweethearts."

Bella leaned away and looked up at him. "Eighteen like me? How old are you?"

He laughed. "You're just now asking this?"

"It never crossed my mind before, to be honest."

"How old do you think I am?"

She pretended to be lost in deep thought. "Twenty?"

"A few years shy, but close enough. I'm twenty-three."

"And you haven't been snagged by any of the bachelorettes in this city?"

"Correction: two weeks ago I hadn't been snagged by any of the bachelorettes in this city."

She smiled. "I wonder who the lucky lady could be?"

He tapped her nose playfully and rolled his eyes. "Certainly not anyone named Bella Swan."

"You better watch out, mister!" She swatted his chest and stuck her tongue out. "I just might 

have to find this woman and take her out."

"I don't know, she seems pretty tough to me. She might take you down." Edward's tone was 

light but the emotion in his eyes was serious. Bella held his gaze, allowing herself to get lost in 

the beautiful green orbs that stared back at her. He brushed his thumbs across her cheek and 

cradled her face between his palms. "Can I kiss you?"

"You're just now asking this?" she teased back with his words. He chuckled and blushed, and it 

was ridiculously cute. "Of course you can kiss me."

His lips brushed hers softly, unleashing a spark of desire that began in the pit of her stomach 

and spread throughout her body as his tongue swept across her bottom lip. She parted her lips 

and her tongue found his, leading it in a slow, sweet dance unlike anything she'd ever 

experienced before. As their kiss deepened, she ran her palms up his chest and over his 

shoulders, nestling her fingers in his mop of messy hair.

"Wow," was all he said when they pulled away. Crimson colored her cheeks and she let out a 

raspy breath.

"Do you kiss all the ladies like that?" she teased.

He shook his head. "You're only the third woman I've ever kissed, and I can tell you right now 

it's never been like that."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Bella said, grabbing Edward's hand and pulling him back on the 

trail. "Perhaps I can persuade you for another one of those before the afternoon is over?"

"And how exactly do plan on going about persuading me?"

She wiggled her eyebrows mischievously. "I can't answer that, dear Edward. You'll just have to 

wait and see."

...

The gardens had changed over the years, but the site of their first kiss was still there, and Bella 

knew that had to be where Edward placed the next clue.

She strode down the familiar path, stopping when she spotted a red balloon tied to a wooden 

bench. She could see a piece of paper bouncing inside, and she quickly pulled her keys from her 

pocket to pop the flimsy latex. The note fell into her palm and she opened it eagerly.

Bella –

Eleven years ago I kissed you in the spot where you're standing. Sparks flew, a flame was lit, 

and it's been burning bright ever since.

Midtown holds the next clue, and you'll find it at the first place I confessed my true feelings for 

you.

Love-

Edward

An excited smile danced on her lips as she made her way back to the garden entrance. She was 

surprised his clues were so easy, but then again she wasn't. She knew their history like the back 

of her hand, much like any other woman lucky enough to have found true love.

"Where to now, Mrs. Cullen?"

Her eyes sparkled when she gave him the answer. "Broadway."

-ANtR-

The Nederlander Theater housed many memories for Bella. The first time she and Edward 

exchanged "I love yous" was just one of them…

FLASHBACK

"Let's sign up for the ticket lottery!" Bella bounced excitedly on the balls of her feet.

"I can just buy us tickets, you know."

"Yes, but this is much more fun." Bella approached the table just inside the theater doors. "We'd 

like to enter the lottery for Rent."

"For two tickets?"

She nodded. "Yes, two."

"Fill this out and give it back to me. The drawing is in twenty minutes." Bella scribbled her 

information and turned back to Edward, smiling wide.

"How long do we wait?" he asked, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her close to him.

"Twenty minutes."

"Have you done this before?"

"A few times," she admitted. "My parents never had a lot of money, so this was the only way 

Emmett and I could afford to go to the theater."

Edward tipped his head down, resting his forehead against hers and sighing. Green eyes stared 

into brown ones, and they both found themselves facing a new and unfamiliar emotion.

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?"

Bella's cheeks flushed. "No, you haven't." She rubbed her nose against his and grinned. "In fact, 

in three months of dating, I don't think you've ever said those words to me."

"Well, it's true." He cupped her face in his hands. "I love you, Isabella Swan."

Tears sprang to her eyes, but she was quick to blink them away. "I love you too, Edward 

Cullen." She wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her toes, pressing her lips against 

his in a soft, slow kiss.

"Uh, ma'am? You won the lottery."

Edward pulled away and faced the theater employee, hugging Bella close to his side. "I won way 

more than the lottery with this one."

"That's … cute." The employee scrunched his nose up and held out two tickets. "Now, who is 

paying?"

...

Bella smiled. She didn't need to think twice to know where the clue would be. Now it was just a 

matter of getting inside the theater.

"You can stop here," she instructed the driver when they were a block away.

"Shall I wait or pick you up in front?"

"Here is fine." Her heart raced and her palms grew sweaty as she drew closer to her destination. 

She wasn't sure what the theater's schedule was on Saturdays. If there was a show in progress 

she wouldn't be able to get in.

Luck was on her side however, and the afternoon showing had just let out.

"Sir?" Bella tapped the shoulder of one of the ushers. "I think I dropped something under my seat. 

Is it possible to run back inside and check?"

"Certainly ma'am." She smiled and stepped around him, weaving her way through the oncoming 

crowd of people and down the aisle toward the stage.

"Excuse me." She reached the front row and stepped around some lingering patrons. Paying 

careful attention to the seat numbers, Bella came to a stop in front of seats 107 and 108.

Dropping to her knees, Bella ran her hand along the underside of the seats. She sighed in 

frustration when she felt nothing, but then noticed a stray envelope laying on the floor several 

seats down.

Shaky fingers picked up the stationary, ripping the top open and pulling out the card inside.

My Beautiful Wife –

I'll never forget the time we won the ticket lottery. Of course my memory isn't linked to the 

show itself, but rather to the words we spoke in the theater's entrance.

I loved you long before I said the words, Bella. You had my heart before we even left the MoMA 

that first night. For eleven years now you've owned me; mind, body, and heart. And even 

though only ten have been spent in matrimony, every single day I look forward to the rest of 

my forever that I have to spend with you.

This is the happiest first in my ever-growing book of memories. Why, you ask? Because it was 

the night that opened the doors to my being able to tell you exactly how I felt about you. Every 

morning when we wake up, every evening when we get home, and every night before we fall 

asleep.

I love you, Isabella Cullen. From now on into eternity.

Edward

...

Bella scrunched her nose up in confusion. She read the note once more in search of a clue, but 

came up empty handed.

"At least we know you'd make a good PI." Bella whipped around to find Alice standing behind her.

"Alice! What are you doing here?"

"I'm your last clue." She laughed when she saw Bella's expression. "I'll make it easy for you – 

where was Edward staying when you first met?"

"Your apartment," she whispered. Alice grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the theater 

entrance.

"Bingo! Now, we have to hurry, or you'll be late!"

The car took them across town to Alice's building. Bella followed her overly excited sister-in-law 

upstairs, only to discover she'd converted her living room into a mock beauty salon.

"What is all this?"

"I'm gussying you up for tonight." Alice disappeared into her bedroom, returning with a beautiful 

black dress. "Put this on and I'll take care of the rest."

Bella knew there was no arguing with her, so she headed to the bathroom and slipped on the 

garment. A half hour later Alice had her hair straightened, her face made up, and her skin 

perfumed.

"All set! And gorgeous as always." She led Bella out of the unit and to the end of the hall.

"Where are we going?"

"You're going up on the roof." Alice stopped in front of the stairs and smiled. "I'm going to meet 

Jasper for dinner."

"Thank you, Ali." Bella kissed her cheek and ascended the stairs that led to the building's rooftop 

patio. Edward was waiting for her in the doorway.

"Edward…" her voice trailed off as her eyes roamed over her husband. The suit he wore fit 

perfectly, and he'd left the first few buttons of his shirt open, exposing a few curls of chest hair.

"Happy Anniversary," he said, stepping forward and taking her hand in his. He pulled her to him 

and kissed her gently.

"How did you…?" Bella gestured to the scene before her. The corner of the patio had been 

transformed into a small slice of heaven. Candles lit the small space and two place settings 

decorated the top of one of the tables. Soft jazz music played from an iPod and off white 

Christmas lights decorated the potted bushes.

"I wanted to do something special to celebrate," Edward explained. "Alice planted the idea in my 

head and I just rolled with it."

She blinked back the tears that had welled up in her eyes. "I can't believe you did all this."

"Well, believe it." Edward took her hand and guided her to the table. "Hungry?"

"Starving."

He removed the covers from their plates and uncorked a bottle of champagne. Edward raised his 

glass in the air and smiled. "I'd like to propose a toast. To you, my beautiful wife, who makes me 

the happiest man in existence. I'm looking forward to our forever, because ten years just hasn't 

been enough."

Bella clanked her glass against his and took a sip of the sweet liquid. They ate in silence, 

communicating with their eyes instead. The love that Bella saw in Edward's made her heart swell.

"Your gift is back at the house," she admitted.

"Actually, I think Alice grabbed it." Edward looked embarrassed. "You know my sister. She's good 

at snooping." He gestured to a neatly wrapped, large rectangular shaped item beside him.

"Leave it to her not to miss a detail." She grabbed the gift and held it out to him. "Open it?"

"Don't you want to open yours first?"

She shook her head. "Every memory you ignited today was a gift, Edward. I can wait."

He slid his finger beneath the wrapping and removed it carefully. A smile spread across his face 

when he saw what was staring back at him. "Where did you find this?"

"I had it custom made," Bella explained, standing and taking a seat next to him. The picture 

screamed Edward. It consisted of dozens of aluminum typewriter keys, layered in all different 

directions. In the center the words "Edward & Bella" were spelled out clearly. "I thought it would 

look good in your office."

"I love it." He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "And now for your gift." He pulled a Cartier box 

from his pocket.

"Edward!" Bella took the box and tugged the ribbon off it, flipping the lid open and gasping. A 

beautiful pendant consisting of two interlocked hearts sat on top the black velvet insert. One 

heart was composed completely of diamonds, and the moonlight overhead reflected off their 

delicate surface. "It's gorgeous."

"I saw it and knew you had to have it." He took the box from her and removed the pendant, 

which was attached to a white gold chain. "Two hearts together forever; that's what we are, 

Bella."

Tears sprang to her eyes once more as he slid the chain around her neck and clasped it. "I love 

you," she whispered, turning her head and pulling his toward her. His kiss consumed her, igniting 

the love she felt in her heart. Bella leaned back on the bench, pulling Edward with her. His hands 

moved down her sides and settled on her hips, which he held in place firmly. Her fingers slipped 

beneath the collar of his shirt, leaving a trail of goose bumps in their wake.

"Bella," he moaned, pulling his face away and opening his eyes. "We can't do this here." The 

disappointment she felt must have showed on her features, because Edward was quick to explain. 

"I promise to show you just how much I love you when we get home."

She sighed and scooted into a sitting position. "Exhibitionism doesn't suit you?"

He chuckled. "Not when it's on the roof of my sister's apartment." His attention turned to the 

music when a familiar song started to play. A smile tugged at his lips as he stood and held his 

hand out to her. "Dance with me?"

Bella stood and followed Edward to the center of the patio, wrapping her arms around his neck 

and resting her face against his chest.

"Strangers in the night…" Frank Sinatra was one of their favorites.

"Do you remember when we danced to this at our reception?"

"I believe that was the same time that Charlie attempted to dance with Renee."

"And got champagne thrown in his face?" Bella tipped her head back and laughed.

"That's why you don't get fresh with your ex wife."

Bella stood on her toes and kissed Edward's nose. "I love you."

"I love you too," he replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and resting his forehead 

against hers. "Thank you for making these last ten years perfect."

"Thank you for making today perfect." Bella sighed happily and pulled him closer to her.

"Here's to ten more years of perfection." He tipped his head and pressed his lips against hers, 

transporting her back to the first time their lips met eleven years earlier. Never in a million years 

could she have guessed life would take her on such an exquisite ride with this beautiful man 

before her, but now that it had, she wouldn't change it for the world.

Bella knew then that she was hands down, without a doubt the luckiest woman in all of New 

York.

For now and forever, that night would always be a night to remember.