He moved his arm from Jasper's seat and pushed out a fist towards me. I met it with a resigned smile. He turned forward in total satisfaction. "Power fists seal the deal, Edward," he said. Nodding his head back and forth as if my commitment was irrevocable.

Yes! It will be soooo awesome. We’ll make it a series of challenges with diff..

“ But…” I interrupted him. I held up one finger as he tightened his eyes in the rear-view mirror waiting for the condition. His mental rejoicing ceased immediately.

“It should be noted that I cannot promise to imitate your technique properly. Brutish, irrational charges simply may not be possible for me…” I murmured casually, struggling to appear certain that the very prospect was utterly impossible.

“HA, HA! We’ll see, little bro, we’ll see!” he boomed loudly.

Jasper chuckled and turned to face the road. Carlisle let out hearty laugh. With a new song in his thoughts, Emmett finally slid out of the woods, put his foot on the gas, and began our journey home. We began to drive and I closed my eyes, feeling relaxed. I rested my head against the window and gazed at magnificent beauty of the forest.

I enjoyed these drives, but it did take significant concentration to maintain their privacy in the quiet car. As I tuned them out, I could not escape the verbal conversation taking place between Emmett and Jasper regarding the subject of hunting cold-blooded reptiles this coming summer. Carlisle was peaceful and at ease, as usual. His thoughts were of his patients and Esme. After a while, Emmett and Jasper’s words, and Carlisle’s thoughts ranged from a low hum to a comfortable silence. I barely noticed.

My excitement overcame my rational mind and I began to anxiously count the minutes until we would enter the town of Forks. It wouldn’t be long now, particularly with Emmett’s desire for speed intensified by his high mood and fresh victory. I was not just excited. I felt absolutely elated.

I closed my eyes tighter and shifted my head to rest against the cool leather seat, letting my mind wander. She was there, at my house, sleeping on the exquisite, antique bed I'd purchased for her. By now, she could be curled into a ball, hopefully wishing I were there with her. I smiled in remembrance of the vision I’d intercepted from Alice’s mind of Bella laying in an elegant position on the far side of the giant bed, dreaming.