A Fresh Start

The Morning After

Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!

Chapter 21: The Morning After

EPOV

"Hello, Edward," came a sweet voice. "I've missed you."

"Tanya," I breathed. I looked in the direction of the voice and saw my wife. She was standing before me in a flowing white dress, her strawberry blond curls flowing around her heart shaped face. "Oh, Tanya," I cried. I reached for her but she held up her hand. I frowned in confusion. "Why?"

"I'm just visiting, Edward. I wanted to see how you were doing," she smiled. "Obviously very good. Seeing your lack of clothing."

I looked down and noticed I was wearing a pair of sleep pants and that was it. I self consciously crossed my arms across my chest. "Sorry," I mumbled.

"Don't be, Edward. I'm happy for you," she replied. "You spent so long grieving me. It's about time you moved on."

"You're not mad?" I asked.

"No. Edward I'm not mad. I'm actually very happy for you. She's beautiful."

"She is. Both inside and out," I whispered. "But I'm worried, Tanya. I can't lose her. Not like I lost you. I can't imagine the pain of losing her."

"Oh, Edward," Tanya whimpered as she reached out toward me. "I'm so sorry that I had to leave. I never wanted to be without you."

"Tanya, you didn't leave. You were taken from me," I wailed. "I was so lost."

"But now you're not. You have your Bella."

"My Bella," I muttered.

"Your Bella. She loves you. Very much. She just is hesitant to truly let you in. She made a huge stride last night, but she's not done in letting you in," Tanya said as she floated toward me. "Be patient with her."

"I know. She's so fragile."

"She's not as fragile as you think. But be aware of her past. It will bite you. And her," Tanya warned. "Be strong for her. Love her. Protect her."

"I intend to, Tanya," I said, looking into her violet eyes. "I'm just afraid of forgetting about you. You were so important to me."

"I still am. You won't forget me. I'll show up like this to remind you of what you missed," she winked. "And Edward?"

"Yes?"

"I approve. She's truly your soul mate. I was your wife, but she is your other half. Her strengths are your weaknesses and vice versa. Love her. With this," she said as she touched my temple. "And this." She touched my heart. "She will make you inordinately happy. As you will make her happy. I love you, my Edward. Enjoy your love."

"I love you, too, Tanya," I whispered. She leaned down and kissed my lips before she vanished like a puff of smoke.

My eyes cracked open and I smiled. "Thank you, Tanya," I whispered in the darkness. Bella nestled closer to me and sighed against my chest. I ran my hand through her soft hair and held her closer to my chest. I watched my angel sleep in my arms. Her tiny arms wrapped around my waist and she was mumbling quietly. I watched as she slept and I was in awe of her. Of her strength. Of her love. Of everything about her. I was over the moon that we had shared the most intimate of moments. I was so happy that she felt comfortable enough to share it with me. I was ecstatic that I was able to share my love with her. Never in my life had I felt so content. So loved. So complete.