I don't own Twilight or anything in it

It had been four months, and I was finally able to resist the smell.

Of course, every time its fragrant aroma found my nose, my body still reacted. I went stiff as my senses sharpened, my mind functioning at an unbelievable speed. Instinctively, I turned towards the victim, my eyes going dark as I sighted my prey. But just as I was about to pounce, I would feel a strong pressure on my shoulder. Edward's hand. "Patience, Bella" he would murmur into my ear. My body would relax, the alluring fragrance would gradually fade, and my clenched hands would release. I would take Edward's hand and his strength would seem to fill me, helping me resist and take control of my common sense. As we walked away, the electricity between the victim and I would fade, and I would be fine. After each encounter I could feel my thirst, my longing for blood, weakening. Even though I was only being tested with animal blood, it was a start. Someday, I was sure, I could face humans on my own. Without Edward's help. Not that I ever needed to.

We were together every second of every day, the way it was supposed to be for newly married couples. I grimaced as I thought the word. Married. I was still getting used to the idea, though I had to admit it was beginning to appeal to me. The promise of forever, the way it was official that he was mine and no one else's. Not that I should ever been in fear of him loving someone else, Edward assured me. But still, it was nice to know for sure.

The wedding had been perfect--small, much to Alice's dismay--but perfect. The Cullen house was transformed into a glorious Victorian-style mansion. Deep blue and purple flowers colored the large white house and tall candles burned, releasing a delicate vanilla scent. Emmett's huge stereos played out a soft and soulful recording of my lullaby.

The dress was my Anne of Green Gables nightmare come to life, only this time it felt like a dream. It was cream colored with a high-buttoned neck. The body was long and straight, slightly poofing from the waist down. The bodice and long sleeves were intricately detailed with pearls and golden thread that weaved all the way up to the shoulders. A hat with the same color of the dress was fixed on my head to contribute to the old-timey look.

Alice played hairdresser, pulling and arranging my hair into a mass of curls high on my head, a few loose tendrils left floating around my face. My face was meticulously made-up, foundation smoothing any flaws and a golden tone emphasizing my chocolate brown eyes. Alice had taken advantage of my oversized lips, shading them with a soft pink and a thick layer of gloss. Being Alice, she had insisted on an outrageous blood red, but after I pointed out the layers of thick eye shadow, she reluctantly surrendered, pouting her lips into the most sad and devastating look I had ever seen.

"It would have looked perfect," she had said in a pathetic voice that was still eerily beautiful, "I know." I laughed and gave her a hug, compromising to allow a little bit of pink.

"No blush?" Rosalie had complained after they were done.

"Trust me," Alice winked, "she won't need it."

The wedding had been a little awkward at first, especially Charlie leading me down the aisle. I blushed as everyone's eyes were on me; I didn't like being the center of attention. I could tell Charlie was uncomfortable too. Every few steps we took down the long white carpet, he would adjust his bow tie, or straighten his suit, or something like that.

The ceremony was good so far. It was long, and I was extremely uncomfortable in the death trap Alice called shoes. I had tried to convince her that stiletto heels were really not my style, but she ignored me. "They're going to look gorgeous," she gushed, tying a bow on the ribbon that wound up to my calves. I was sure I was going to topple over any second. I was blushing just thinking about it. Finally, it was almost over.

"I do," Edward announced, his eyes locked on mine. His golden gaze knocked me breathless and made me dizzy with excitement. I couldn't wait to wake up in his arms tomorrow. I blushed slightly when I thought about the coming night. Our honeymoon was a surprise. Edward hadn't told me where we were going, only that I needed a passport. Dreaming about where we were going helped to keep my mind off my aching feet. Alice was going to get it later.

I still couldn't believe it was really happening. I was getting married. Trying to convince myself it wasn't a dream, I looked up at my love. His perfect lips were twisted into amused smile that was strangely annoying, like there was some joke I wasn't getting. I realized the quiet buzz of Emmett's voice was silent, and looked up at him. He was about to burst at the seams with laughter. I turned back to Edward with a confused look on my face. He grinned and leaned towards me, close enough to make my heart pound in my chest.

"You're supposed to say 'I do'"

My cheeks turned the color of the red roses I was holding, and I struggled to recover as I realized my mistake. "I do," I blurted out. Emmett was almost hysterical now. "I now...p-pronounce you... husband a-and wife," he managed to choke out. I had the childish urge to stick my tongue out at him. Edward grinned, not waiting for the next words. His musical laugh echoed in my ears as he leaned in and whispered, "I may now kiss my bride."

He winked at me and then I felt his icy lips calm my trembling ones, evaporating the embarrassment I had felt a moment before. I was unaware of everyone watching us as my tongue tasted only some of what was coming tonight. Then, before I could react, he pulled away, his eyes dancing. "We'll save that craziness for later," he whispered, and I giggled.

We turned towards the audience, ready to walk down the aisle, hand in hand--together, as we would forever be. I caught Charlie's eye, and he beamed. I grinned back, glad that he was finally excepting my decision. Phil wiped Renee's tears with a tissue, and then added it to a soggy white pile at the base of her chair. His gaze met mine, and he rolled his eyes, then smiled. My grin grew wider, taking up my entire face.

Everything was perfect--the bright decoration, my elegant dress, the perfect groom--except something was missing. Part of me wasn't in it, and some of my heart was nagging me, trying to tell me something was wrong. I looked out into the audience, and saw something that made my heart wrench inside my chest.

There, in the back row, was an empty chair. It wasn't for anyone specifically; Alice had put it there to even out the rows. But I know who should've have been in that seat, smiling his lazy grin. A sudden emptiness swept over my heart. I should have invited him. I needed him here. Not like I needed Edward, of course, but my happy heart wasn't completely content without him in my life.

I silently cursed myself. This was my day, and he wasn't going to ruin it for me. No matter how much I missed him, no matter how slow my heartbeat was without him here, I was going to enjoy this day. I had a whole forever ahead of me, and nothing was going to darken this glorious day.

I looked at Edward. My husband. His eyes were shining with a joy I had never seen in him before. I felt guilty; I needed to be happy for him, right now. It wasn't fair to ruin his perfect day.

I pushed the dark clouds behind me and took his hand as we made our way down from the platform Alice had set up. My balance (and stilettos) betrayed me on the last step, and I teetered before falling into a heap on the ground. Edward let out a glorious laugh and scooped me up into his arms, carrying me the rest of the way down the long white carpet.

I smiled at the memory and reached for my husband's hand. He put his book down and smiled. "What are you thinking about, love?"

"Our wedding."

He chuckled. "It's the first time I've seen a vampire almost fall apart. I thought Carlisle was going to have to give Emmett stitches."

I made a face. "Well if you weren't so dang dazzling..."

He laughed, and then leaned in for a kiss that took my breath away. "I could say the same about you," he murmured, running his finger along my icy skin.

Although I couldn't admit to being dazzling, I gasped every time I looked in a mirror. My once ordinary face was now soft and delicate, with full lips and prominent cheekbones. Lustrous chocolate-brown hair hung in waves around my face, reflecting red when the sun shone on it. My eyes were gradually fading from hungry, blood-red to a dull, controlled crimson; a sign that I was gaining control over my thirst. I couldn't wait until my newborn eyes matched Edward's brilliant ones.

I looked up into them now, drinking in the mesmerizing gold of his gaze.

"Trust me," He said with the crooked smile that I loved, "you're beautiful."

Then, before I could respond, he melted his lips against mine in a kiss that burned with love and passion. I felt myself move into his arms, kissing back with matching fervor. I was silently thankful that breathing was no longer necessary. I sighed contentedly as his sweet smell encircled me.

It was nice, forever. I could get used to it.

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