A second chance

Chapter 1

Memories

He was terrified as he stood there, waiting in the ballroom. Edward Masen was not usually scared a person, but today, he was the most terrified man alive.

Today he was going to propose to the love of his life, Isabella Swan.

He had known and loved her since they were children and began courting her a few months ago.

"Fear not, Edward. This night shall pass perfectly," Elizabeth Masen, his mother reassured him.

But Edward was barely listening, now. He had eyes only for the beautiful lady who had just walked through the door, his Bella.

As she was led through the crowd by her father, whom Edward had asked for his permission yesterday, he did not lose sight of her once.

Charles Swan was covering her eyes.

"Papa, why musn't I open my eyes? I feel rather foolish," she laughed, a beautiful sound that Edward vowed to cherish forever, if she should accept his proposal.

"Hush, Isabella. It shall all be worth it."

Elizabeth put her arm on Edward's shoulder to soothe him, he was shaking.
Absentmindedly, he was fiddling with the ring in his pocket.

He stood, anxiously, then Charles brought Isabella over and lifted his hands from her eyes.

Her face immediately brightened when she saw him, it made his insides feel warm and fuzzy.

"Edward!" She cried and hugged him.
He pushed her back slightly and she looked back, confused and a little hurt.

He cleared his throat and got down on one knee.
She gasped.

"Bella, from the moment we met, I knew you were the one. Your beauty and kindness have captured my heart. It is yours now, and forever more. I want to hold you as mine and stay with you for all of my life, and I vow to love you for all of it. Isabella Marie Swan, will you marry me?"

She gasped and tears ran down her face.
"Yes! Yes, yes, yes!" She cried.

Yes, she said yes!

Loud claps erupted from everyone in the room, but Edward had eyes only for Bella.
He stood up and she ran into his arms. He kissed her passionately as relief and love swelled through him as he registered what had just happened.

He placed the ring that had belonged to his mother on her finger. It looked so beautiful there. He kissed her hand and beamed, feeling like the luckiest man alive.

***

He sighed.
"Do I have to go, love? I would rather be here, with you. I haven't a second to waste with," he scowled. "Bachelor parties."

She laughed and entwined their hands.

"It is your last night as un unmarried man. Many would want to celebrate."

"Celebrate? Celebrate the fact that I shall have to wait another 24 hours until you are mine?" He huffed.

"I am already yours, love," she reminded him, with such sincerity in her eyes that he couldn't resist planting another kiss on her forehead.

"I shan't stay out too late, and, please, do not go anywhere. The thought of leaving you alone now, when I swore never to do so isn't one that I like."

She smiled.

"I shall call upon Charles and Reneé," he promised.

She laughed.

"I do not want to leave you alone, love," he murmured against her skin.