Luke cupped my face gently in his hands. "Don't worry, my love. I promise I'll be respectful. But I also need to be honest about my feelings for you. I won't hide how much I love you, Bella."
I leaned into his touch, closing my eyes briefly. "I know. I love you too, Luke. So much."
We heard footsteps approaching and quickly stepped apart. A moment later, my father appeared in the hallway.
"Mr. Montgomery," he said stiffly. "If you're ready, we can speak in my study."
Luke nodded, straightening his jacket. "Of course, Mr. Carlisle. Lead the way."
As they disappeared into my father's study, I felt a knot of anxiety form in my stomach. So much depended on this conversation.
I spent the next hour pacing nervously in the sitting room, jumping at every sound. Jane tried to distract me with
