Chapter 1
Edward raced through the forest in attempt to make it to his Volvo before it started pouring down rain. With his vampire speed, it was obvious he'd make it on time.
"Edward, am I gonna wear the ring or not? It'd be easier to tell Charlie if I had it on," I said playfully. He grinned at my humor and slipped it on my left hand.
He started driving down the path to my house, and not another sound was uttered along the way. The whole time I was trying to control my breathing. Edward noticed this and rubbed soothing circles on my hand. I had to admit, it worked…partly.
"Are you okay, Bella? You look even more flushed than usual. You know, I don't have a problem with Vegas. We don't have to tell anyone," he assured me. By that time, he was parked in front of the house.
"Of course, I'm okay. And you are absolutely not talking me out of Alice doing our wedding. If I have to have one, I realize now that I'd want it done this way. I'm not fooled either, you're only trying to do what you think will make me happy, but it's about us not me. Ok?" I said. I hated when all he thought about was me.
"Whatever you say," he laughed.
He got out and walked around his car at human pace for once. Then, he opened the door and extended his hand to help me out. The door was quickly shut as he bent down to kiss my forehead.
"It's alright, Charlie's in a fairly calm mood. He's just worried about how you're dealing with the dog," Edward said. Somehow, that did not comfort me at all. He chuckled at my expression as we walked up to the door.
When we arrived inside, Charlie was watching sports. I attempted to clear my throat, but I had a massive headache all of the sudden. It wouldn't go away.
I spoke anyway, "Charlie, Edward and I have something to tell you," I paused, checking his expression, then continued. "Well, actually Edward and I have come to terms that state Edward is no longer my boyfriend."
Edward spoke then, "What she means is, I have come here to ask your blessing."
"What for?" Charlie asked. He was obviously playing dumb, it was written all over his face. What exactly was written on his face? Well, anger, really. Surprised by that?
He squeezed my hand as he spoke, "Charlie, sir, may I marry your daughter?"
With his velvety voice, I couldn't have refused whatever he was asking me to do at that moment. Too bad Charlie wasn't me at the time. Edward's voice didn't have an effect whatsoever on Charlie. That just happened to suck, really bad.
"Absolutely not!" Charlie stormed.
"Dad, we really didn't come here to hear you yell at me for why it's wrong on so many levels. We came here to ask for your blessing. Whether you are going to give it or not, there is going to be a wedding! For you to come is your choice, but it's happening and you're invited to attend and walk me down the isle," I was trying very hard not to shout.
"You know why I have to say no, you know the circumstances. You both just had to go off and decide on this! This is not fair to me, or you. I always hoped this relationship would pass, but I knew…" he was cut off.
"Charlie, Edward and I love each other, I'm not denying that you and Renee didn't have the same thing. For you it didn't last as long. There's nothing I can do to prove to you that we'll stay together and not end up that way. The only thing, I guess is time. You have to trust us. Think back, have I ever did anything to make you not trust me. When I have, didn't I take my punishment, no complaints? See, you have no reason not to trust me," I pleaded, I felt defeated.
He pondered briefly, "You know, you're right. I don't have any reason not to trust you, but how do I know Edward won't leave you like the last time? Where's the proof there?"
"With all due respect, Charlie, leaving Bella was the biggest mistake of my life. I'll regret it for as long as I live. If you really understood the circumstances, you'd know that I could never leave Bella ever again. If you could truly grasp the concept. I understand this is hard for you, but if we're going to be together in 20 years, why not start now? You have my word, if I ever leave Bella like before you have every right to point a loaded gun at me, I swear. The wedding won't be the same if Phil has to walk her down the isle. I know that's something every father wants to do, even though it's when they're 30. I want the best for Bella, the same as you do. You coming to this wedding, sir, being there, would make it traditional and complete. Wouldn't you feel better if you witnessed what could be the most important decision in your daughter's life? I'm asking, not telling, but please come, if not for me or the wedding itself, do it for Bella," he finished. It hurt me to see the desperation his eyes held.
"Ok, fine. You two go off and ruin your lives. I'll be there and do my job as a father. But you'll have no clue how painful it will be the duration of the time. Good luck with Renee," Charlie said, his cheeks evening out. At that he left, probably to LaPush.
"Are you okay, Bella? Bella? Oh, Bella please don't cry! It's alright. Come here, lets get you upstairs," his voice was very soothing. I fell asleep before he had to tell me to.
I woke up in my room. The lighting was dim, so I expected it to be around 9:00 A.M. I refused to open my eyes, because I knew that there was a long day ahead of me. Edward noticed some change, so he spoke.
"Good morning, Bella. You didn't speak in your sleep last night, which was odd for you. You couldn't stop rolling, though." At that I had to laugh, my hair was probably a mess.
"I had the strangest dream, I can't really remember it, though. Something about me, going shopping for the wedding with Alice. She had a vision and refused to tell me about it. Then I got lost, somewhere, but this time…no one found me," as I spoke I sounded crazy. I wanted to go on, but I couldn't.
"And you call that a dream?" he laughed, then kissed my nose.
Then, I got up and walked slowly downstairs. I was almost graceful, except for the last step. Of course, I had to trip.
I walked over to the cabinets and pulled out cereal. Then, I grabbed a bowl and milk. When I was finished making it, I ate at the table. Edward had left to change while I ate and got ready.
I flew upstairs as fast as I could, trying to get done before he got back. Of course I was unsuccessful. He had a grin on his face as I came downstairs; his vampire speed made him so much faster than me.
"What's the expression on your face about? You look like someone's about to torture me, though in a way you find pleasurable," I noted.
"Alice will be Alice," was a clue enough to know that it most likely had something to do with the occasion happening August 13th. He sighed and led me towards the Volvo.
The drive was short, obviously, and suspenseful. Edward refused to let anything slip about Alice's plans.
"Don't worry, love. She won't torture you that harshly. I'll make sure of it myself," Edward told me playfully.
I felt slightly better, only because the way he put his words told me he was coming with us.
When I thought he was going to park in his driveway, he surprised me and kept going. So much for a short ride.
Edward noticed my confusion immediately and began to explain, "I convinced Alice to let me drive you there. I knew if we rode with her that it would only cause more trouble and resistance. I think you know what I mean."
"Yeah," I began. "Well, thank you, I don't know what I would have done to be tortured before, during, and after. God forbid I have time to prepare. Maybe get more of a hint to where we're going, but no, my fiancé is more worried about me freaking out and refusing to go," I said, heavy on sarcasm and drama.
I instantly pinged when I said fiancé, though. I knew Edward was just as shocked as I was, but pleasantly.
I turned my face to look at his, and he was looking at me. His face was angelic and glowing. I knew he loved that term.
I leaned over to kiss him quickly, then said, "Keep your eyes on the road."
A few minutes later he parked in front of the hugest store for weddings I had ever seen. Alice was waiting, smiling. I was staring face to face with the newly profound devil. That's funny, I always pictured him as a guy.