I slowly walked into my daughter's room, trying to be as quiet as possible. The light hitting the back of the curtains gave the room a soft pink glow. I gently sat down on the bed beside her and stroked her hair gently. She stirred at my touch but didn't wake up just yet; I had done the exact same thing on this date for the past three years. I wrapped my arms around her tiny body and kissed the top of her head. Once again she stirred but did not wake, I found myself longing to see her sparkling emerald eyes just so I could reassure myself that it was all real, that he was real. Not that I could ever doubt that, he had moulded my life forever, and even I lived to be hundred I could never thank him enough.

XxXxXxXxXxX

I remember the first time I met those green eyes, I was seventeen and they were concealed behind big thick black rims. I remember feeling as if they could see into my soul, and I found myself becoming lost in them.

I had been so nervous that day, my mother, Renee, having just remarried longed to go on the road with her husband Phil but stayed with me as I was too young. Seeing her heartbreaking each time she hung up the phone from him I made my decision to move west to my father's house in the rainy town of Fork, Washington easily.

Charlie, my father, was the Police Chief of the sleepy town and I knew there was a buzz surrounding my return home. So when I was approached numerous times on the first day by kids calling me Isabella, I wasn't surprised.

My surprise didn't come until second last period began and I nervously walked in my Biology class, my pre-selected tour guide, had abandoned me and I couldn't help but feel I was doing something wrong, but I suppose that's always the feeling when you're in a new place.

I gave my sign off sheet to the teacher Mr. Banner, who quickly told me to sit down in the only empty seat in the room, did mention this seat was beside a Greek God?

I sat down and took out my books trying to keep myself from staring at the gorgeous specimen sitting beside me, his tousled brown hair in front of his eyes but he flicked it away, this is when I noticed the colour of them. Those eyes enchanted me and I felt my insides feel gooey and warm, the teacher told us to discuss the lab we would be doing next week with our lab partners, my shyness kicked in when I realised who my lab partner was.

"You're Isabella Swan, right?" the gorgeous boy asked extending his hand.

"Yeah, Bella really, I'm sorry I didn't catch your name..." I said feeling embarrassed; he took my hand into his and shook it quickly.

"Edward Cullen," he explained dropping my hand. "The lab isn't that complicated..." he began but I interrupted.

"I have most of the labs done in my old school, so I know them fairly well." I explained and immediately felt like I was bragging.

"Finally they give me a lab partner with brains." He said with a smirk that nearly made me fall off the chair it was so swoon worthy.

"There had been others?" I asked, curious. Also I may have wanted to hear him talk more, it's not often you came across a boy who spoke like he had just stepped out of a Bronte sisters novel.

"One or two and not to sound braggish, but they were slowing me down." He said and I could help but laugh a bit. We spoke easily after that and when the bell rang I felt as if something was coming to an end.

"What do you have now?" he asked picking up his book.

"Spanish, with Ms. Michaels." I said reading my class schedule.

"Me too, do you want me to show you the way?" he asked, my heart leapt at the prospect of spending more time with this miracle of a teenage boy.

"Yeah thanks." I said tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

We walked down the hall talking he asked why I had moved here and I asked him about what it was like living here, I found out he had just moved here with his four siblings and their parent the year previous, I also found out he was adopted and was told not to believe all the rumours of incest that surrounded his siblings as even though they were together, neither of the two couples shared any genetic bonds.

When we got to Spanish, he introduced me to the teacher and I took my seat in front of him. I felt his eyes on me which made it hard to concentrate but I managed.

When the final bell rang I stood up and packed up my bag, he was standing beside me and I took this as an invitation that I could walk with him to my locker at least.

"So what are your thoughts of Forks High, after surviving your first day?" he asked as we walked down the hall.

"Not as bad as I thought it was going to be." I said smiling briefly.

"That's good. You should sit with my siblings and me tomorrow, no offense but your tour guide is a bit of a skank and I wouldn't want you being labelled as one by association."

"Thanks, I'd really like that, thanks for showing to Spanish by the way." I said "It was nice meeting you Edward."

"You too Bella." He said before turning and leaving. I bit my lips as I watch him leave, I happened to get a glance at his ass, discreetly. Forks definitely wasn't going to be as bad as I thought.

XxXxXxXxXxX

I came out of my thoughts when she turned on her side her face planted against my stomach.

"Mommy why you not in your bed?" she asked sleepily. I smiled and moved the hair out of her eyes.

"Happy Birthday Baby." I said kissing her forehead.

"Birthday?" she asked sitting up and beaming at me.

"Yeah, you're so big now. Not Mommy's baby anymore." I said "And how many's are you now?" I asked.

"This many's." She said holding up three of her little fingers up at me.

"Exactly. Now come on and we get your princess birthday breakfast ready." I said lifting her up and hoisting her up on my hip.

"Mr. Snuffies had to get some too." She said reaching for her bear and holding him tightly. I nodded before making my way down the stairs. My memories over riding my brain again.

XxXxXxXxXxX

"Bella, come on. You're going to be late." Charlie, I mean Dad, said as I hopped around the room trying to brush my hair back while looking for my shoe.

"I know, give me two secs." I yelled, before falling over.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just gravity challenged, it's all fine." I said standing up quickly, pulling on the shoe, I had found while on the floor and tying a hair tie into my hair. I managed to get down the stairs with only one stumble before heading out to my truck.

"Dad!" I yelled, when I saw said truck.

"What?" Dad asked panicked, before his eyes landed on the truck. "Oh." He said in understanding.

There before us was my truck, well truck-ickle. Yep it was completely frozen.

"I don't know much about cars but that doesn't look good." I said, staring at it in shock. As my father and I looked at the truck in shock, a silver Volvo drove by the house, then stopped and reversed. The window rolled down and I saw who was at the wheel.

"Bella?" Edward asked looking out the window in amusement.

"Shut up," I said walking over to the car window "Give me ride?" I asked.

"Hop in." He said smiling "Morning Chief Swan." He called.

"Morning Edward thanks by the way."

"No problem sir, I'll give her a ride home too."

"Thanks son." Charlie called as I sat into the car.

"So you froze the truck?" he asked looking at it while I buckled up.

"Intentionally of course." I said sarcastically.

"Okay then." He said turning up the heater and pulling away from my curb.

Edward and I had become good friends since that first day and we were now both in are senior year of school, it was just nearing Christmas, hence the frozen truck. When we pulled up at school Edward's sibling who I had also become friends with were standing around Emmett's the oldest brother's jeep.

"Morning Guys." I said getting out of the Volvo.

"Morning Bella." They called. Alice, Edward's twin sister looked at me with what looked like a knowing glance, only Alice knew the details of my crush on Edward, which I only told her when she had held my ice cream captive.

"Bella's truck is a popsicle." Edward said smirking; I playfully hit his arm and glared at him.

"You just wish you car was so cool it was frozen." I retorted, and Jasper, Alice's boyfriend echoed an ooohh.

"She must of froze it herself." He said smirking.

"Yes the ice queen is here and is taking up shop for winter." I said smiling sweetly, causing Emmett to laugh loudly.

"You crack me up Bells." Emmett said jumping off the roof of his car before raising hands so he could lift Rosalie, Jasper's twin sister off the roof of the car.

The rest of the day went by quickly and soon it was time for Edward to bring me home. He was quiet as we drove slowly over the frozen roads.

"Hey what's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing." He said keeping his eyes glued to the road. I nodded but knew he was hiding something. When we reached my house, he turned off the ignition and sat quietly.

"So I'll see you tomorrow?" I asked leaning on the door a bit.

"I don't think we should be friends anymore." He said quickly and I felt myself sit back down.

"Oh okay..." I said feeling in some ways rejected. Had I done something...?

"Oh God, not like that... What I mean is I don't want us to be friends anymore..."

"Edward I get it, I'll get a ride with Charlie if I'm bothering you." I said moving to get out of the car.

"No Bella that's not what I..." he said trailing off.

"I'll see you in Biology..." I began when I heard his seat belt unbuckle, the next thing I knew his lips were on mine. Slightly surprised I wasn't sure what was going on, but I moved my lips against his to show this was what I wanted. His hand cradled my chin while mine moved to his hair. We pulled away moments later, gasping for air.

"That's what I meant, I don't want us to be friends, I want us to be more than that." He whispered his lips just centimetres from my own. I nodded before bringing my lips to his again. When I got out of the car, I walked up to my house before turning around and waving at him in the car. Once inside and I knew he couldn't see, I jumped up and down and squealed excitedly. Only to see my father's perplexed expression moments later. I just shrugged before running upstairs to call Alice, I had a boyfriends. The idea was insane but I was beginning to like the insane.

XxXxXxXxXxX

"Mommy, can you make smiley pancakes?" her little voice asked as I felt a tug on my pant leg.

"Anything you want Lily-bug." I said lifting her onto the counter so she could watch me cook. "So have you thought about what you going to wish for with you cake?" I asked hoping I could pry it out of her. As far as I knew she didn't remember her other two wishes but she was convinced she remembered them. But she wasn't going to tell me what they were in case they didn't come true.

"Nu-uh Mommy, it won't come true if I tells you." She said clutching Mr. Snuffies to her chest.

"Okay Baby." I said rubbing her arm a little before beginning to fry the pancake. I couldn't help but remember the first time I met Mr. Snuffies and believe it was way too funny.

XxXxXxXxXxX

"Edward, Bella's here." Alice called, but no response. After spending three months away from each other while at separate colleges you think I would've gotten a bigger reaction from my boyfriend of two years.

"He's probably asleep." I said shrugging "I'll call back later."

"Ah no, Mom and Dad won't care if you're up there and I doubt they'll tell Charlie, so go on up." She said pointing the way. I had only been up in Alice's room when I stayed at the Cullen's so I was thankful for the directions. When I reached his room I knocked on the door but got no response, so I opened quietly and walked in.

Edward was sprawled across his bed on his stomach, his glasses on the night stand; he only really needed them for reading. I walked over to his bed and was about to sit down when I realised what he was holding. I said to hold my mouth to stop myself from laughing. There was the guy who made fun of me for crying at chick flicks and clutching a pillow at the scary parts, snuggled up to a teddy bear. I took out my phone and snapped at picture, the sound of the shutter waking him up. He looked up at me startled.

"Comfy?" I asked, trying to hold in my laughter, he looked at me confused, but I just started laughing, he then looked down and saw what he was holding. His eyes widened before he buried his head back in the pillow.

I was then introduced to Mr. Snuffies, a name he claimed to have no idea where it had originated. His Mom however, tells it another way.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Once I had Lily settled at the table with breakfast I went and got her present from my closet. I always gave her mine before her party began, it was my way of saying "I'm your mother, so I'm more important" in a suttle way though.

When I reached into my closet a photo album fell out on top of me, tears streaked my face when I realised what it was.

XxXxXxXxXxX

"You look beautiful Bella." My mom said standing back and looking at me, I turned and watched myself in the mirror, unsure.

"Are you sure, I just want everything to be perfect." I said biting my lip.

"Bella Swan, you look fabulous now come on. Charlie said something about being hungry and once Emmett hears someone else is joining his band wagon of the starved we'll never hear the end of it." Rose joked before hugging me. I nodded quickly and took a deep breath as they all walked out of the room.

I walked out of the room and shoot the door.

"Wow, you're really not my little girl anymore are you?" Dad asked as I walked towards him.

"I love you Daddy." I said hugging him tightly. We had grown closer over the years and if it wasn't for him none of this would be happening.

"I love you too Bells." Dad said "Now come let's go get this over with."

"Don't let me fall?"

"Wouldn't dream of it." He said before the door were opened.

We slowly walked down the aisle to the soft rhythm of the Bridal march. I took deep breaths to slow my steps and tried to concentrate on not falling, all that went out the window once I saw him. His eyes bore into mine and I knew we were going to make it. Dad had to act as my anchor, stopping me from running the rest of the way up the aisle. When we finally arrived at the altar, I let a sigh of relief out.

Dad placed my hand into Edward's and announced that it was he, Phil and my mother who gave me to Edward. We then spoke our traditional vows before saying the most magical words "I Do." To each other.

When the pastor gave him the 'permission' Edward cradled my face in his hands before pressing his lips against mine. Our lips moved together as we relished in our first kiss as husband and wife, we didn't pull apart until a discreet cough from the pastor reminded us of our place and we pulled apart.

"I love you." He whispered in my ear, so low only I could hear.

"I love you too." I said back before we made our way through our family and friends so that we could enjoy a bit of private time before we had to go join them.

"I can't believe your mine, forever." Edward said pulling me towards him in the car, on the way to the reception.

"How lucky I am." I said.

"No I'm the lucky one." He retorted.

"We could argue this back and forth forever but right now all I really want to do is kiss my husband." I said smiling at the word, it was the first time I had used it since we left the church.

"Well by all means Mrs. Cullen." He said before bringing his lips to meet mine. We kissed passionately until we reached the hotel before getting out and joining our family. It was one of the happiest days of my life that I would never forget.

XxXxXxXxXxX

"Mommy why you crying?" Lily asked and my head snapped up.

"No reason Baby, sometimes Mommy gets a bit sad. But no more tears." I said wiping them away and smiling.

"Is that Daddy?" she asked walking over to me and pointing at the picture of Edward and me.

"Yeah Baby, that's Daddy." I said smiling down at the picture.

"Daddy doesn't know about me." she said sadly.

"I know, I wish he did Baby. You know why though right?" I asked wrapping my arms around her. She nodded her little head and her next sentence broke my heart.

"My Daddy's MIA." Lily said and I nodded. For someone so young she knew too much.

XxXxXxXxXxX

It had been three weeks since I had heard from Edward.

I had written letters and had my phone beside me constantly. One morning I got up and felt sick. I knew this was my last month of morning sickness and I could handle it. I couldn't handle though not knowing whether my husband knew about or child or not. That was killing me.

The phone suddenly rang and I jumped up to get it.

"Hello, Cullen Residence." I said quickly.

"Is this Isabella Cullen?" a gruff male voice asked and I felt a pit form in my stomach.

"Yes this is she."

"Mrs. Cullen, this is Lieutenant Smith. It was confirmed yesterday that your husband Edward Cullen, is missing in action in Afghanistan." He said and I nearly dropped the phone. "I understand this is a lot to process Maam, and the United States Army has support groups you can contact if you are in need of someone to talk too. We will keep you informed of updates."

"Oh okay." I said when something occurred to me "You wouldn't be able to tell me if he received a letter I wrote to him. It would've been post marked the 23rd of April?" I asked.

"I'm sorry Maam, no. If your husband received it, we would have it logged." He said.

"Okay, thank you." I said before hanging up.

I slowly slumped against the wall and put my head in my hands; Emmett found me in the exact same position two days later and had me rushed to hospital. I was dehydrated and the doctors warned me if I didn't stay healthy I could lose my baby. So I quickly bounced back as this baby was a part of me and Edward and if he was dead I would never be able to forgive myself for losing his baby.

XxXxXxXxXxX

After I had given Lily her present I got her dressed into her party outfit. She was her normal happy self as her aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends turned up to the house. Each time the doorbell rang she ran to the door, and I couldn't help but notice her smile falter each time, she quickly beamed up at the person though again making me suspicious.

When it was time to cut the cake, everybody crowded around Lily and sang happy birthday to her.

She squeezed Mr. Snuffies tightly and blew out the candles. I smiled into the camera flash as Alice jumped around more excited than the three year old. Once we had cut the cake the party goers began to leave and I noticed Lily becoming moodier. I put it down to exhaustion and began to tidy up as my Dad; the last person to go gave her a big hug before leaving.

Her mood didn't improve throughout the evening though.

I was trying to get her to settle down and watch a movie when her sour mood hit its brinking point and she snapped at me.

"Lily Baby what's wrong?" I asked, leaning towards her.

"It didn't work." She said before crying, she had a choke hold on Mr. Snuffies and was reviewing to let me move him.

"What didn't?" I asked confused.

"The candles. Mommy they don't work, he didn't come." She cried.

"Who didn't Lily? Baby your scaring me?" I said panicked.

"Uncle Emmie told me that when you wish on your birthday candles it comes through but he didn't show up so my ones must be broken." She cried louder before jumping off the couch and running out of the room. I wasn't expecting crying meltdowns until she was a teenager, the situation had me baffled.

"Lily?" I asked running out of the room after her. "Lily, you have to tell me what's wrong?" I asked as I ran into her room, she wasn't there.

"Why can't he come home?" she asked when I found her huddled up in my closet on Edward side. I would be lying if I said this was the first time either of us had come here as a place of retreat. "He's my Daddy and I want him home." She said sniffling and clinging on to Mr. Snuffies.

"Oh Lily. I want him home too." I said wrapping my arms around her.

"But you said no more tears." Lily said trying to be brave.

"Sometimes you need to cry." I said squeezing her.

"So I can cry?" she asked, through her sniffles.

"You can cry." I said and then the two of us cried together. "I know you're a big girl and all but do you want sleep in with Mommy tonight?" I asked wiping her tears away, she nodded and then we both put on our pyjamas and lay down on my bed.

"I love you Mommy." She said cuddling in to me.

"I love you too Lily-bug." I whispered as I shut my eyes.

At one stage I looked over my shoulder and saw the flat tidied side of the bed, Edward's spot. Lily never slept on it and I never could bring myself to, so it stayed untouched. I fell asleep humming to Lily it always calmed her down after these sort of situations.

God I missed him. So much. I talk to him sometimes in my head, and I can hear sometimes. I know it makes me sound crazy but it gets me through the day. At around midnight I relaxed enough to fall asleep where I dreamed of my husband and my daughter laughing and playing together while I rubbed my swollen belly. I always dreamed of having a big family but as of late I have begun to resign myself to the fact that Lily may be the only baby I ever get, which is why I cherish every minute I get to spend with her.

I woke up at around two in the morning to find Lily gone, this often happens when she sleeps in my bed, she gets up to go potty and forgets to come back her. I don't mind at least she sleep walks safely. I drifted off again into a deep slumber, like one I hadn't been in since...

My eyes snapped opened, the bed was warm, but not too warm. Nice and comfortable. But that's not what startled me; it was the arm that was slung around my waist as I slept. I took in a sharp breath, I had dreamed before but so vividly. His arm didn't feel heavy on me like you would expect, it never had. This wasn't a dream... this was real.

"Please tell me I'm not dreaming." I whispered, the tears threatening to fall.

"Why would you be dreaming my dream?" he asked.

"Edward." I sighed before turning myself in his arms. He had opted for his normal nightwear, his boxers. This allowed me to see all of him, even in the dark light; his body while in toned was on the thin side. He had large scars running up and down his body, my fingers traced the scars after a moment he raised my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it.

I looked up to the part I was saving until last, his eyes.

They sparkled down at me and I saw the man I love shine out at me through them. My hand reached to the back of his neck and pulled his lips down to mine. His kiss was passionate and it woke up parts of me I thought would never waken again. I pulled his body on top of mine and completely surrender myself to him. I melted in his touch and I never wanted to stop.

Every kiss and every touch was making up for the three years that he had missed, and I wasn't going to sleep tonight until I had made some headway in catching up on them. He peeled my pyjamas off of me slowly before I stripped him of his boxers, there was no need for any foreplay or build up, this was us reunited in the best way possible.

I moaned as he moved in and out of me, filling me in ways I hadn't been filled since the night before he left. Seeing as we had been apart for so long it wasn't surprising when we both came after only a few minutes, my orgasm seem to trigger his as he began to shudder above my trembling form.

As we both came down from our highs Edward rolled over onto his back pulling me with him. "I missed you." He whispered as I placed random kisses on his chest.

"I missed you too," I said "I love you so much Edward."

"I love you too Bella, and nothing can ever make me leave again." He whispered.

"I have something to show you." I said moving out of the bed, I went and reached for my robe and pulled it around me. I handed Edward his old one and I couldn't help but smile when I saw him put it on. "I actually can't believe your here." I said kissing him again.

"Neither can I." He said as he hugged me tightly. I clasped his hand and led him out of our bedroom and down the hall to Lily's room. "What is it Bella?" he asked, when he left this room was an office; I changed it to Lily's room as it was closest to mine. "The study?"

"Not for the past three years no." I said pushing against the handle. "Be as quiet as possible." I said as I pushed the door open and walked inside. I heard him gasp as he entered the room. Lily was hunched up in a ball "According to your Mom you used to sleep like that when you were little." I said walking over and sitting on the bed just like I had the morning before. I turned my head and saw that the clock said 7:30 am. Lily usually wakes up around now.

"Bella..." Edward began rooted in his spot, tears stained his beautiful face as Lily rolled over the exact same way as she had done yesterday.

"Mommy... why you not in your own bed?" she asked again.

"I have a surprise for your Baby." I whispered.

"Was my birthday, yesterday Mommy?" she asked sounding unsure.

"It was, but the candles worked." I said quietly and she looked up at me. I nodded my head towards Edward, who looked like he was fighting the urge to come over here, but I think he wanted her to come to him.

She sat up and wiped her eyes, before they widened upon seeing Edward.

"Daddy?" she asked and I felt like I would start blubbering in a minute.

"Yeah Baby Girl, it's Daddy." He said, the emotion in his voice so easy to detect.

"Daddy!" she exclaimed before jumping out of the bed and running over to him, she jumped up into his arms and he hugged her tightly, her face planted against his chest, her tiny arms latched around his neck and he rested his head on top of hers.

I bit my lip, but couldn't stop the tears that spilled over. Lily turned her head away from Edward to see me crying.

"Mommy we said no more tears?" she asked.

"No more tears Lily." I said walking towards the two of them. Edward let one arm go of Lily and wrapped it around me.

I had my husband back and Lily was right no more tears, we had cried enough and now it was our turn for happily ever after.