They took their time getting to the Cullen's house. Edward knew that everyone in his family looked at Bella as a member of the family already but he could sense her unease the closer they came to his home. Instinctively, he reached over and gently took her hand in his. He rubbed soothing circles on the back of her hand and gave a loving squeeze. She looked up and her beautiful brown eyes were sad. They were filled with pain that pierced Edward to his core.
Slowly, they pulled into the massive garage in the stall next to Alice's Porsche. Edward killed the engine and reached over to pull his Bella close to his heart. If only his heart could beat…..it would beat only for her. Finally, Bella released herself from his icy warm grasp and said, "Well, let's hope your family takes it better than my Mother did." With that, she stumbled out of the car right into the arms of her forever love.
He placed his index finger under her jaw and carefully lifted her face to gaze into those beautiful yet sad eyes. He made a silent oath, again, to NEVER cause that pain in her eyes. Gingerly, he made his way to her lips, never losing eye contact. This kiss started as many others. Soft, gentle, chaste. Suddenly, Bella wrapped her arms around Edward and deepened the kiss, begging his lips for entrance. Without thinking, he granted her entrance only to instantly become fearful that his razor sharp teeth would cut her. He froze, rooted to the floor. He pulled back from this most passionate kiss only to see the look of rejection on the face of his love.
Quickly, he initiated another, safer kiss. He pulled her body to his and he could feel every part of her warmth against his icy skin. Oh, the smell of arousal! He almost lost himself in the powerful scent of her love. Their bodies fit together so perfectly! Finally, she ended the kiss with a powerful gasp for air. They held one another, forehead to forehead trying to gain control of their breathing.
Just as they were coming round a black and white blur crashed into them, hugging them tightly. "You need to come in and tell the family! Jasper is ready to kill me because he can't stand my excitement!" She wiggled between the two, grabbing their hands and started dragging them to the house!
Finally, Bella started to laugh. "Alice, whatever am I to do with you?"
With a giggle like a wind chime Alice responded, "Love me, Duh!"
The three entered the house and sat down on the sofa. Very quietly, Edward called his family. "Everyone, would you please come down here? Bella and I would like to talk to you all, as a family."
Almost instantaneously, the entire Cullen family entered the living room. Once they were all situated, Jasper heaved a weary sigh. "Edward, PLEASE get the suspense over! I can't take anymore!"
Edward looked at his fiancé and gingerly lifted her delicate left hand. Turning it so the family could see the beautiful ring he placed there just hours before, he said, "Bella has agreed to be my wife. Our family will finally be complete in just a few short weeks."
The reaction of my family was a polar opposite to that of Bella's. In one fast stride the entire family had us in hugs. If Esme could have cried, the tears would freely fall. Carlisle looked more pleased than I have ever seen him.
Jasper and Alice gave us hugs. Well, Jasper just patted our shoulders. He still felt bad for almost killing Bella over a year ago. The excitement coming from Alice made the air electric.
Emmett gave Bella a huge hug being careful not to crush her. "Bella, I am so happy you are going to be my baby sister! Welcome to the family!"
Last was Rosalie. Edward had been paying particular attention to her thoughts. Amazingly, her thoughts were quite kind. Quietly she approached Bella. Reaching out for both of Bella's hands she said, "I am sorry for my unkind behavior. I still think you are making a mistake but I see how you have made my brother happy. I have to support you both in this decision. Edward and Bella. Two names meant to be together forever. Please forgive me." For the first time, she held Bella in a warm, loving embrace. Bella started to sob uncontrollably.
Alice intervened announcing, "Come on Bella, no time for tears! There is so much to do before the wedding we have to get started RIGHT NOW!"
With a glance at Edward, Bella was gone. That little pixie dragged her up the stairs to start the wedding torture. Edward had no idea what to do……