When we arrived home Saturday, I felt very confident in myself. As a result, I ended up talking to Edward about my embarrassment over the attention. After that, he smothered me in kisses, apologizing between every one. And how could you not forgive that?

Sunday was spent peacefully. We lounged around the house, enjoying each other’s company while Charlie was away fishing. Edward was the absolute best – cooing, snuggling, and just being there. I felt blessed to have such an amazing, beautiful angel next to me.

When Monday came around, Edward made sure to keep the love and adoration to a moderate level. Of course, I should’ve known better than to assume I was in the clear. The second we stopped in the driveway, he was on my side of the car, picking me up and carrying me inside, spinning around the room.

Charlie was working late today and I figured now was as good a time as any to share Saturdays revelation.

“Edward,” I whispered on, at least, the third spin.

“Yes?” He stopped abruptly and looked down at me.

I took a minute, waiting for the room to stop spinning as well. All the while, Edward stared patiently.

“Can we go sit down?” I managed when everything was just a bit tipsy.

“Of course, love.” He walked over to the couch, sitting down and placing me on his lap. “What did you want to talk about?”

“How did you know I wanted to talk? Maybe I just wanted to stop spinning,” I said, an edge of annoyance in my voice. Did he have to know everything?

A crooked smile appeared on his face, melting away the anger. He shrugged, dismissing my petty assault.

Forgetting why I was annoyed in the first place, I continued with my previous line of thought. “Saturday – I understood the garden.”

He nodded once, waiting for me to continue.

“You said I was a little flower, right? And the apple represents the knowledge of good and evil, right?”

He nodded again.

“Well, the knowledge is just how you perceive things. I was never lost of confused… I just needed to see things a different way.”

He smiled at me, but remained quiet so I could finish the thought.

“Now I understand. So I’m a rose. And the vine is my path, just like you said. And all the winding roads and dead-ends are choices. So you, and Jacob, and everything these last few months is all just another choice. Not bad, or good, but an obstacle to overcome.”

Ever so gently, he bent down and kissed my forehead. “I love you,” he said against my skin.

I smiled, though he probably didn’t see it, and finished up. “My choice is to cry and dwell on the memory, or to find a different way to look at it.”

“And what have you decided?” he said, keeping his lips against my forehead.

The sweet breath from his words fanned over my face, temporarily causing all thoughts to disappear. Nothing mattered but Edward and me for a split second – and it was the greatest feeling in the world.

“Jacob is my friend, and a reminder, but he doesn’t have to be negative. It was a mistake, and everything is better now – right?

“Of course, love. I won’t leave again.”

I smiled, choosing this time to remain in my conscious, blissful state. Nothing could be more important than sitting on the couch with Edward. He wasn’t leaving, and the months in the past were behind us.

“Just one more thing, though.” He pulled away, calling my attention back to the conversation. “We still don’t know what the stepping stones mean when you’re done with therapy.”

I thought about it for a minute, and decided it really didn’t matter right now. Pulling Edward back down, I relaxed, forgetting once again.