Prologue

Bella’s POV

As always I began my day beside my husband, Edward, the love of my life. We were lying together watching the sunrise over our tiny private ocean that Esme had lovingly provided. I could not believe we had been married for seven years. This month was August. Looking back I could instantly recall any point of the past seven years with crystalline clarity thanks to my vampiric senses. I did so now dropping my shield so he could share the memories with me. The first time I held our daughter Renesmee, the first time he kissed me after the change, the first time we made love, followed by more recent memories, and then I showed him last night. I wanted him to see that he meant as much to me now, if not more than ever before. Our time together has only brought us closer. 

He placed his hands on the side of my face, brushing his thumbs across my cheeks. “I love you more every day Bella. You and Renesmee are my life,” he declared staring into my eyes.

I lost myself for a time in his gaze. We tended to be very self absorbed sometimes, forgetting about everything but each other. A noise from outside caught my attention and I turned around to meet my daughters eyes as she walked in.

“Oh come on guys. You are not making me late. Mom, daddy, please,” Our daughter was almost fully matured and well beyond mentally capable, however she was still in some ways a teenager. I really wasn’t sure if she would ever grow out of it. Maybe she was just destined to be melodramatic I thought.

“Maybe she takes after her mother,” Edward whispered in my ear.

“What?  How did you? My shield was up,” I said confused.

“Bella, my love, I spend almost all of my free time watching you. I’m getting better every day at reading your expressions,” he laughed as he said this and if I could have blushed I would. Even after all this time he had the same effect on me. I was dazzled by him constantly. I guess the good thing was that I could do the same to him.

“Gross, dad. I’m standing right here. Are we leaving or not,” asked Renesmee impatiently. 

“Are you ladies sure you want to go,” my husband asked with a smile on his face.