“Um…hi Edward,” I mumbled, my face still flaming red. I vaguely realized that my legs were shaking and wondered why.

Edward looked relieved. “Well, at least I know you can talk.”

Humiliated, I didn’t respond.

Edward ran a hand through his hair. “My god Bella, don’t scare me like that! What in the world were you thinking?” He laughed humorlessly. “I was two seconds away from calling 911, you know. Sheesh! I’ve never seen you spaz like that!”

He babbled on and I listened in confusion until I realized that he was scared stiff. Frowning, I took a hesitant step forward and Edward stopped talking. He watched me warily, probably anticipating another outburst.

But I said nothing, only reaching up to touch his face. I wanted him to relax. I didn’t want him to be afraid anymore.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured. “I’m ok now.” More than ok, now that he was with me. “I was just…a little surprised to see you, that’s all.” Embarrassed, I quickly removed my hand and looked down at me feet.

“Only a little?” Edward drawled; a poor attempt at humor. But he sounded like he was trying to conceal disappointment, and I wondered why. Was he upset because he could see that I hadn’t moved on? My throat closed at the thought.

I cleared my throat so that I could speak without giving myself away. “Um…would you like something to drink?” I asked, turning towards the kitchen.

He caught my arm. “Actually…well I was going to postpone what I came here to do for as long as possible, but after that—,” I knew he was referring to my little ‘spaz’ episode, “—I think I’d better just tell you.” He sighed and lifted my chin to look me in the eyes. “Because you’re hurting as much as I am, aren’t you,” he guessed quietly. I stared at him with wide eyes, not willing to hope that he was actually saying what I thought he was.

Edward continued in that same quiet voice, never breaking my gaze. “Bella, I just wanted to say that I was a fool for thinking being separated from you would do me any good. It’s done the exact opposite. I can’t handle anything anymore, Bella. Not work, not people, not anything. You’re all I think about. I got fired last month, and did you know that I haven’t seen my family in seven years because I knew that they would only remind me of you?” I started to say something, but he put a finger to my lips. “I—I love you Bella. I mean that. I never stopped. I was such an idiot to think…” He shook his head. “If you don’t want me Bella, I promise that I won’t contest you’re decision. I’ve behaved atrociously towards you, and I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know that. But please—consider it. I want you back Bella. I love you.”

His green eyes penetrated me and I couldn’t think. But I found my voice, finally.

“My books,” I said slowly. He looked at me in confusion and I elaborated. “You said you would throw out my books if I didn’t go to that stupid business party of yours.” And I smiled sheepishly.

Understanding dawned in Edward’s eyes and slowly, painstakingly slowly, the crooked smile that I loved lit up his face.

“You’re going to have to give me that smile every day for the rest of my life if you want me to forgive you,” I informed him smartly, rocking back and forth on my heels like a little girl sweet-talking her father into giving her a puppy.

“It’s a deal.” Edward promised.

Then he threw back his head and laughed joyously. He took me in his arms and lifted me off the ground, twirling us around in a circle. I giggled and locked my arms around his neck with no intention of ever letting go. I felt tears seep from my eyes, but they were happy ones this time, because finally, after seven long years, I was home.

Edward set me back on my feet at last, but never released his grip on me. I buried my face in his chest and inhaled his sweet scent.

“Don’t hide from me, love.”

I shivered at the sound of the endearment that I had missed for so long.

“I love you,” I whispered back, touching his face.

And we kissed.