DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyers owns these characters. We've only borrowed them for this story.
This is the continuation story of Sunrise Again. Finally-we've been able to put some chapters together. I'm sorry it took so long. We hope you enjoy it.
A NEW HORIZON
Chapter 1
Bella's POV
The day I met Edward my life was transformed in every way. I had never actually thought about being a girlfriend much less a wife to anyone. And now, not only was I someone's fiancee but I couldn't imagine my life having taken a different path. Our relationship, not to mention our lives, have had so many ups and downs the last two years that it's nice to have some finality; a "light at the end of the tunnel" so to speak. Soon, I will be Edward's wife and our future together will be made official.
I didn't think that the word "fiancée" would change my life much, not like the word "wife" would at least; but according to Alice, I should not only do things differently now, but I should be different. Much to Alice's dismay, I'm not any different than I was a month ago when Edward proposed. Yes, I bear the title but not the burden. That is for Alice and Alice alone.
Apparently, when Edward and I were first together, she had started a binder filling its pages with photos of dresses, flowers, fabrics and china; I never did understand latter since Vampires don't actually eat on plates, but I guessed for appearances sake it would be good idea. Nevertheless, the day we were engaged, Alice appeared with what looked like a library under her arm.
I couldn't be angry with the poor girl; she put so much work into it. Even after Edward left me, she continued to fill it, knowing the day would eventually come. In any case, I knew I didn't have the energy or inclination to do all that research while still trying to run a business and organize the rest of my affairs. Besides, vampires don't sleep so Alice had a whole twelve extra hours in a day to focus towards the planning. I knew she loved it anyway; fashion and events were definitely in her realm of expertise. Mainly, it gave her something else to focus on since the search for Victoria had run cold again.
Our wedding was only a month away. I told Edward I didn't want or need a long engagement; being married to him was a beginning of my new life and I wanted it to start as soon as possible. We discussed different dates; some further away some closer, but inevitably he knew the reason I really wanted to be married sooner rather than later.
"Bella, are you sure you want to rush this? I am sure that Alice can whip up a wedding in a millisecond, but what about the rest of it? I would think you may want to have a little more time enjoying life-in the human sense."
"Actually, Edward, it's just the opposite. I've had my time as a human and all it has afforded me was pain and loss in both the physical and emotional sense. I'm ready to be your wife and I'm definitely ready to be a part of your world." The look on his face was hard to read. Was he trying to back out of his promise? Did he change his mind about turning me?
"Edward, what is this really about? You know all this already; we've discussed it ad nauseum. Do you not want to marry me? Or is that you decided not to change me, and putting off the wedding helps us both keep our promise?" He couldn't see that I was fighting back tears but he could hear by my voice that I was beginning to get upset.
"Bella, you're being utterly ridiculous." He took my hand and kissed my palm, then placed it where his beating heart would be. "I want nothing more than for you to be my wife and I made a promise to change you after we are married, and I will abide by my word. A human lifetime is no longer enough for me to spend with you. The time we spent apart last year was enough for me know that I never want to be without you again."
"If that's the case then why are you trying to push off the wedding?"
" I'm not." I flashed him a look. "Really, I'm not. I guess it's just that this is unorthodox, to say the least. No one in my family has ever changed someone who had a choice before. Since Carlisle's return, I've just been made acutely aware of the finality of doing this; and to be honest, I'm worried for you, not only your physical pain, but the pain of losing all that is familiar in your human life."
His face was pained as if he were the one who'll experience this and not me. I guess I'd expect nothing less from him. I knew how concerned he was. I also was keenly aware of all the precautions we'd have to take until I could go out in public. I already started interviewing people to help with the store. Alice had promised to take on the work load until then, but there will be sunny days that Alice won't be able to work either. Jake said he'd help out, even though it took weeks for him to fully accept the change that was to come. And even then I don't think he really thought I would end up going through with it.
"Edward. We've talked about this. I've thought about this more times that you realize. I know what I'm giving up. I also know what I'm gaining in the process. A short period of adjustment is nothing compared to spending eternity with you by my side. Please, can we just lay this to rest and move on?"
He gave me a nod with a forced smile then kissed me lightly on the lips. "Yes, love. You're right. I know you've thought this through. It's just so difficult for me knowing I'll be the one to cause your pain, however short that time will be. I shouldn't be letting this ruin one of the happiest days of our lives or our future."
