Epilogue

Two years, four months later.

The bell over the shop door jingled as it opened. A soft voice called from the back room, "I'll be right there".

Bella tucked the fabric she had been working around the back of her machine and stood. It was Bella's only night to work; they all took turns. There were few customers and it was quiet, she could get a lot of work done on her own. Bella found herself enjoying working the counter and help customers, something she had never considered before. Now, she was quite successful as a saleslady as well as a seamstress.

Holding open the curtain, Bella walked around the corner to the desk, brushing loose threads and dust from her skirt. There, in the middle of the room, surrounded by frilly dresses and lacy undergarments was Edward, still in his uniform and looking uncomfortable. His skin was a golden brown from years of strong sunshine and his shoulders broader from hard work. All hints of boyishness were gone, leaving him a beautiful, elegant man instead. Bella stumbled to a stop and stared at him.

"Holy shit." His hands flew to his mouth on his exclamation. "I'm sorry, I haven't been in polite company for a long time. But Bella, you look wonderful."

Bella flew at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and clinging to him for dear life. Edward's cap fell to the floor as he picked her up and took a few steps back. Bella held on to him as if her life depended on it. All the letters and cards in the world could not replace the feeling of being in his arms. There had been shades of doubt, little nagging fears that maybe he wasn't entirely sincere in his letters. Feelings that he was not as in love with her as he said, that their romance was one of circumstance and opportunity; not lasting or real. She promised herself if she saw him again she'd know his affection was true by the look on his face.

Slowly, he lowered her feet to the ground and held her at arm's length to get a good look at her. Edward looked at her now the way he had the morning they said goodbye, with adoration. Her nose was no longer bent and mangled, her lip didn't sag, no jagged scar marred her cheek. Bella stood a bit taller than before with her injured leg straightened and the heavy weight of her chest reduced to fit her frame. Her back was no longer bowed with embarrassment, she didn't feel the need to hide herself from the world. For all the differences and changes, she was still the girl he had left behind, he could see that clearly in her eyes.

Edward ran his thumb down the now faint pink scar on her cheek and drank in the sight of her.

"Still my Bella," he murmured before lowering his head to kiss her.

Their love was still real months later when Edward stopped in the middle of the street, got down on bended knee and presented Bella with a simple diamond ring and a very important question. It was real enough for all to see at their wedding sixteen months hence with Father Carlisle officiating. Uncle Charlie gave the bride away, with Rosalie and Alice at her side. Miss Esme created a perfect, elegant cream coloured gown that fit Bella like a glove. Jasper and Emmett stood with Edward as his mother cried in the front pew of their family's church. Both bride and groom were radiant with happiness.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this short story. Thank you to Beachcomberlc who made it infinitely better. Thank you to LizziePaige who turned a few words into a goregous picture. Thank you to Ipsita for being her, just her.