She gave in sooner than I thought she would ... or should for that matter, but I understand that she's grieved, and is still grieving for Mark.  Why put more into Edward than she really needs to?

Author's Response:

Edward is not top of her list at the moment.

Wow, a lot has been explained here.  I'm glad for that.  I'm pleased that Bella has the spine to stand up to them and ask much needed questions.

Cannot wait for Edward to show up and explain himself.

Author's Response:

Ha.  I hope you enjoy his explanation.  I tried to do something a little different.

I believe your earlier readers were too engrossed to take the time to review.  I know I'm engrossed, but I enjoy leaving reviews.  So ... this chapter is pure Bella.  I love that she's interested and into looking for clues.  This seems 'real' to me.  I like that aspect of it.

Author's Response:

Thank you!  I loved how, in the books, her first response is CURIOSITY.  It's great.  It's such an academic's/scholar's reply. Ha!

Awww, finally she's feeling the flutter..... It's like riding a bike. *Sigh*

I love the pace at which you are proceeding with the their reintroduction....  Bella needs this time to get used to the idea. Perfect!

Author's Response:

Thank you!  And yes, she's feeling the flutter.

I'm glad she told him off. The nerve really, but ... *happy sigh

she needed him

Author's Response:

Yup, he's back. :-)

Here because of twilightenablers on LJ.  They're pimping your fic, and I'm glad they did! 

Great start.  I'm intrigued.

Author's Response:

Oh, thank you for letting me know!  Tell them thank you!

fantastic as always...things are definitely moving forward! =)

Author's Response:

Thanks!  And yes, moving forward at last.

Well once again you have out done yourself. I am very thankful that you chose to write this story, but just not that. I guess I enjoy it so much more because they have matured and grown. I understand that Edward's love for Bella has never changed and he would still love her even if she was still married to Mark.It was unfortunate for her to lose her husband and to be alone, but I feel that perhaps Bella and Edward's time has come for them to be together. He wanted her to have her human experiences and she has. Even though isn't hasn't been all roses and sunshine. I am sure they can get past all that and maybe appreciate each other that much more because they have been given another chance. At least I hope that is where your wonderful story is headed. So update soon and congrats on the nomination. =)

Author's Response:

Thank you!  I'm very relieved this chapter seems to have worked for readers.  If it hadn't, the story was sunk. Ha!  When she finally realized she was ready to move forward, it needed to make sense and feel like the logical conclusion -- not rushed.

Congrats on the nomination. Great chapter, as usual!

Author's Response:

Thank you!

Thank you for the update. This story just gets better and better with each chapter :)

Author's Response:

Thanks!

That was just plain ol' sweetness. Lovely sentence: "The notes curl around her, soft and pure..."  The whole paragraph is lovely, actually. 

So much about them has changed since the Forks days. She reads him so much better, or maybe he lets her see more, or maybe both. 

Speaking of those awards, I just voted this morning, as a matter of fact, and was I ever thrilled to see your nomination in that category! Remembering what I wrote in my first review of this story, there was no hesitation about which story to vote for.  In my mind that you already OWN that award! 

Author's Response:

[blush]  Thank you.  Although the two other stories in that category that I've read are also two of my own favorites.  So I really wouldn't mind if they won either.  The other I actually haven't read yet.  But I'm glad that readers do appreciate the editing.  I myself don't like reading stories full of errors.

And yes, Edward and Bella have changed a lot since Forks.  I think she does read him better -- and he does let her, too. :-)  He's learned to be more open and honest.

I really love this story. My favorite part of Twilight was Edward falling in love in Bella - and I love the slow unfolding of a more grown up love between the two now. There is a huge difference between love at 17 and 27 and it is so well portrayed. To go off on a bit of a rant - A lot of this whirlwind romantic love in stories I feel give a false impression. Sure love can feel like at the beginning, but as you age it grows into something more, it might not be as flashy, but it is solid and worth so much more. I am just enjoying "real" love being portrayed. Great job!

Author's Response:

"A lot of this whirlwind romantic love in stories I feel give a false impression. Sure love can feel like at the beginning, but as you age it grows into something more, it might not be as flashy, but it is solid and worth so much more. I am just enjoying "real" love being portrayed. Great job!"

I feel pretty much the same way.  While some romance is fine, and I don't mind it, in itself -- and I knwo a lot of readers DO realize it's all a fantasy -- so many of the people reading these books are teen girls, not adult women.  Again, I'm sure some of them do realize it's fantasy, just like their mothers do.  But some -- maybe more of them -- don't.