 had plenty of time to think through the ramifications of Jasper and Emmetts bet  to figure out the things I was willing to lose with my humanity, and the part that I was not willing to give up. I knew which human experience I was going to insist on before I became inhuman.

So we had some things to work out tonight. After everything Id seen in the past two years, I didnt believe in the wordimpossible anymore. It was going to take more than that to stop me now.

Okay, well, honestly, it was probably going to be much more complicated than that. But I was going to try.

As decided as I was, I wasnt surprised that I still felt nervous as I drove down the long path to his house  I didnt know how to do what I was trying to do, and that guaranteed me some serious jitters. He sat in the passenger seat, fighting a smile at my slow pace. I was surprised that he hadnt insisted on taking the wheel, but tonight he seemed content to go at my speed.

It was after dark when we reached the house. In spite of that, the meadow was bright in the light shining from every window.

As soon as I cut the engine he was at my door, opening it for me. He lifted me from the cab with one arm, slinging my bag out of the truck bed and over his shoulder with the other. His lips found mine as I heard him kick the trucks door shut behind me.

Without breaking the kiss, he swung me up so that I was cradled in his arms and carried me into the house.

Was the front door already open? I didnt know. We were inside, though, and I was dizzy. I had to remind myself to breathe.

This kissing did not frighten me. It wasnt like before when I could feel the fear and panic leaking through his control. His lips were not anxious, but enthusiastic now  he seemed as thrilled as I was that we had tonight to concentrate on being together. He continued to kiss me for several minutes, standing there in the entry; he seemed less guarded than usual, his mouth cold and urgent on mine.

I began to feel cautiously optimistic. Perhaps getting what I wanted would not be as difficult as Id expected it to be.

No, of course it was going to be just exactly that difficult.

With a low chuckle, he pulled me away, holding me at arms length.

Welcome home, he said, his eyes liquid and warm.

That sounds nice, I said, breathless.

He set me gently on my feet. I wrapped both my arms around him, refusing to allow any space between us.

I have something for you, he said, his tone conversational.

Oh?

Your hand-me-down, remember? You said that was allowable.

Oh, thats right. I guess I did say that.

He chuckled at my reluctance.

Its up in my room. Shall I go get it?

His bedroom? Sure, I agreed, feeling quite devious as I wound my fingers through his. Lets go.

He must have been eager to give me my non-present, because human velocity was not fast enough for him. He scooped me up again and nearly flew up the stairs to his room. He set me down at the door, and darted into his closet.

He was back before Id taken a step, but I ignored him and went to the huge gold bed, plopping down on the edge and then sliding to the center. I curled up in a ball, my arms wrapped around my knees.

Okay, I grumbled. Now that I was where I wanted to be, I could afford a little reluctance. Let me have it.

Edward laughed.

He climbed onto the bed to sit next to me, and my heart thumped unevenly. Hopefully he would write that off as some reaction to him giving me presents.

A hand-me-down, he reminded me sternly. He pulled my left wrist away from my leg, and touched the silver bracelet for just a moment. Then he gave me my arm back.

I examined it cautiously. On the opposite side of the chain from the wolf, there now hung a brilliant heart-shaped crystal. It was cut in a million facets, so that even in the subdued light shining from the lamp, it sparkled. I inhaled in a low gasp.

It was my mothers. He shrugged deprecatingly. I inherited quite a few baubles like this. Ive given some to Esme and Alice both. So, clearly, this is not a big deal in any way.

I smiled ruefully at his assurance.

But I thought it was a good representation, he continued. Its hard and cold. He laughed. And it throws rainbows in the sunlight.

You forgot the most important similarity, I murmured. Its beautiful.

My heart is just as silent, he mused. And it, too, is yours.

I twisted my wrist so the heart would glimmer. Thank you. For both.

No, thankyou. Its a relief to have you accept a gift so easily. Good practice for you, too. He grinned, flashing his teeth.

I leaned into him, ducking my head under his arm and cuddling into his side. It probably felt similar to snuggling with MichelangelosDavid, except that this perfect marble creature wrapped his arms around me to pull me closer.

It seemed like a good place to start.

Can we discuss something? Id appreciate it if you couldbegin by being open-minded.

He hesitated for a moment. Ill give it my best effort, he agreed, cautious now.

Im not breaking any rules here, I promised. This is strictly about you and me. I cleared my throat. So . . . I was impressed by how well we were able to compromise the other night. I was thinking I would like to apply the same principle to a different situation. I wondered why I was being so formal. Must be the nerves.

What would you like to negotiate? he asked, a smile in his voice.

I struggled, trying to find exactly the right words to open with.

Listen to your heart fly, he murmured. Its fluttering like a hummingbirds wings. Are you all right?

Im great.

Please go on then, he encouraged.

Well, I guess, first, I wanted to talk to you about that whole ridiculous marriage condition thing.

Its only ridiculous to you. What about it?

I was wondering . . . isthat open to negotiation?

Edward frowned, serious now. Ive already made the largest concession by far and away  Ive agreed to take your life away against my better judgment. And that ought to entitle me to a few compromises on your part.

No. I shook my head, focusing on keeping my face composed. That parts a done deal. Were not discussing my . . . renovations right now. I want to hammer out some other details.

He looked at me suspiciously. Which details do you mean exactly?

I hesitated. Lets clarify your prerequisites first.

You know what I want.

Matrimony.I made it sound like a dirty word.

Yes. He smiled a wide smile. To start with.

The shock spoiled my carefully composed expression. Theres more?

Well, he said, and his face was calculating. If youre my wife, then whats mine is yours . . . like tuition money. So there would be no problem with Dartmouth.

Anything else? While youre already being absurd?

I wouldnt mind sometime. 

No. No time. Thats a deal breaker right there.

He sighed longingly. Just a year or two?

I shook my head, my lips set in a stubborn frown. Move along to the next one.

Thats it. Unless youd like to talk cars . . .

He grinned widely when I grimaced, then took my hand and began playing with my fingers.

I didnt realize there was anything else you wanted besides being transformed into a monster yourself. Im extremely curious. His voice was low and soft. The slight edge would have been hard to detect if I hadnt known it so well.

I paused, staring at his hand on mine. I still didnt know how to begin. I felt his eyes watching me and I was afraid to look up. The blood began to burn in my face.

His cool fingers brushed my cheek. Youre blushing? he asked in surprise. I kept my eyes down. Please, Bella, the suspense is painful.

I bit my lip.

Bella. His tone reproached me now, reminded me that it was hard for him when I kept my thoughts to myself.

Well, Im a little worried . . . about after, I admitted, finally looking at him.

I felt his body tense, but his voice was gentle and velvet. What has you worried?

All of you just seemso convinced that the only thing Im going to 