When the music began to play I felt a surge of panic and I tightened my grip around Edward's arm. I noticed how his lips curved ever so slightly into a secret, devious grin as he led me up into the gazebo that served as dance floor. It was well disguised, but I knew that face too well not to catch it.

"Well now, it is tradition," he mused and the smile could not be hidden any longer. He easily detached my gripping arm and took my hand in his, then gently spun me around so that we were positioned in the middle of the floor with everyone watching us. I swallowed hard and tried to focus on his beautiful and pale face to calm myself.

He was, naturally, at complete ease as he began to move graciously to the music. I had spent many days practicing until I had the steps down to a tee, but sadly that did not make me any less of a complete klutz. Besides, it was one thing to dance in a pair of comfy sneakers and my favorite jeans, but it was something else entirely to dance in the veiled monstrosity of a dress I was currently wearing.

Edward looked so handsome that it was almost painful to watch. He was beautiful and graceful, and looked so blissful. His eyelids were nearly closed and he was enjoying the music and the moment. My heart skipped a beat. I knew that I had just completed his life - or rather, his entire existence as an undead - by saying those two little words in front of the minister. It was still hard to believe sometimes, that I could make him that happy. It was all so. . . surreal. Sometimes I still feared that I would wake up from a glorious dream, and he would be gone. It was silly, after all we had been through together, but I guess 'silly' was yet another one of my numerous inadequacies.

In the middle of my self-questioning I took a wrong step, and would have messed up the dance if it weren't for Edward and his superior grace and dancing skills. Oh, if only he could have turned me into a vampire before this day, then maybe I could have possessed an ounce of his incredible grace. . . If only I was a vampire, I wouldn't need to make a fool out of myself in front of every person I had ever known and loved.

I nearly lost my balance as I messed up the steps yet again. Focus, Bella, focus! I was glad that my brain was improbable enough even for Edward's mind to break through; he did not need to hear any of this. I smiled despite myself when I looked into his eyes, and the effect it had on his visage was wondrous. I really did warm his unbeating heart.

"I love you," I whispered, and squeezed his hand tighter. I felt myself being swept over, and I was resting only on Edward's hand which was placed at my back. He bent over me and his lips came crashing against mine. I realized then that the music had stopped, and that this was the grande finale to the dance. It was over! I had survived! And best of all, Edward was kissing me with that thrilling kind of passion he so rarely let himself succumb to.

Chills were still running through my body when I once again was standing on my own feet, accepting the rounds of applauds emitting from the crowd around us.

"I— uh, I think I need to go get a glass of punch," I slurred in a heavy voice and tried to keep myself from fainting. Edward let go of my hand and followed me out of the gazebo which was beginning to fill with guests. I was definitely not going back out there, it was hard enough to navigate between the couples when simply walking; I could not imagine how difficult it would be while dancing!

We had made it to the steps leading down to the safety of the grassy ground and the refreshment tables when it happened. My foot caught the hem of my dress and I lost my balance. Edward caught me within seconds, before I had the chance to land on my face or anything, but he could not stop the sharp pain in my ankle.

"Are you okay, Bella?" Edward looked at me worried, still holding me tightly.

"Ow," was all I could manage to say. How brilliantly articulate I am. . .

Carlisle arrived only a moment after this; it had all happened very fast, but I was growing used to the enhanced vampire sense of speed. I doubted that any of the other, human guests had noticed anything yet.

"Let me see that," he said in his soft voice and motioned for Edward to place me on the nearby bench. He touched my foot gently and I involuntarily let out a whimper.

"I am afraid your ankle is sprained," Carlisle informed me.

"Oh no! I must be the only person who would manage to injure herself after dancing," I whined. Edward kissed my temple.

"I shall just have to never let go of you ever again."

"That might be a bit inconvenient in the long run, but I like the sound of that!"