Here is thesecind chapter of this story where Bella and Edward have a photo shoot in the Cullen mansion amd Bella purchases a gift for Edward.
2. THE PHOTO SHOOT
I woke up in Edward's arms in the morning at around eight. He kissed me good morning and ran home.
Charlie was going to remain home for today, as Esme had asked him for today's photoshoot.
I followed my morning routine and ate pop-tarts with milk for breakfast before preparing to go to the Cullen residence. It was nine, when there was a knock on the door. I opened the door and found both Edward and Alice on the door. I immediately took Edward's hand in mine. He kissed my head as a greeting and came inside.
"Hey Bella." Alice said.
"Hii Alice. What are you doing here in the morning?" I asked a little doubtfully. Edward just shrugged.
Alice didn't answer me. "Hey Charlie."
"Hii Alice." Charlie replied enthusiastically.
"Morning Charlie." Edward said. Charlie just nodded towards him. I guess Charlie would take more time to come around.
"How are you and how was your shopping trip?" Charlie asked Alice.
"I am fine, Charlie. And my shopping trip was absolutely amazing. Bella and I really had a good time together." She replied with equal enthusiasm. "Here Charlie. This is for you." She handed his tuxedo to him which was packed nicely in a tuxedo holder.
Even the tuxedo holder looked more expensive than my one week salary.
Charlie eyed her incredulously. "Alice, honey, this is very expensive. I cannot take this."
"Oh come on Charlie, don't be difficult like your daughter." She said as she eyed me in a strict manner, "Remember, I am the wedding planner of this wedding and so you are given my orders to wear this and come to our house by twelve. And yes!" She poked a finger while saying. "Don't you dare think that you could escape this photoshoot."
"Okay ma'am." Charlie nodded reluctantly and went in his room.
I smiled with a shrug as Charlie gave me a not-so-happy-about-this look, which was, for once, pointed towards Alice.
Charlie knew never to make arguments when Alice gives order.
"Lets go Bella. I have so much to do." Alice ranted with a tug on my hand. "I have to decorate the house, to get ready, to get you ready. We have no time Bella, hurry up." She said me in a business like voice. Then she turned towards Edward, "You go and get that chair." Edward shrugged, tried to ruffle her hair which she escaped, and went upstairs, coming down with my rocking chair along with him.
"Okay, Edward. See you in noon."
"In noon?" I yelped. "Why? He can stay with me. Why are you going Edward?" and held his free hand in both mine holding him there with all my mighty strength.
"Sorry love." He apologized sincerely and gave Alice a very annoying look. "But I have to follow this Pixie's rules." He looked towards her incredulously with his glowering eyes then he looked at me with a smile. "You know that, once she gets into something, she is very determined."
"Humph." Alice huphed angrily. Edward shrugged nonchalantly and left for his home after kissing me.
"Alice, what is all this going? The photoshoot is in the noon, then why rush?" I asked her when Edward left for his home.
She was acting as if it was my wedding day and the ceremony was in fifteen minutes and I wasn't ready. She sometimes gets really overexcited to not see all this.
"Exactly my point, Bella. The photoshoot is just in three hours. We have so much to do. And mainly, this photoshoot is important to you too and so you have to look your best."
"Now you are really making me feel that I gave you much too free reign, Alice." I muttered with a frown.
I thought about taking the reign from her, and her expression changed from smug to horrifying. I didn't like this so I thought about forgiving her.
"Oh come on, Bella. Don't be ridiculous. Edward is helping Esme decorating the house, so he left for home. He is not allowed to see you before the time comes."
"You are really going to suffer, Alice." I muttered in irritation and moved towards the silver Volvo in my temper. I was barely a six steps away when my foot caught in the door frame, challenging my balance. "Ugh! Can nothing happen right today with me?" I exclaimed and turned to see that little wicked pixie who was trying her best to not laugh. As according to her, my temper was funny.
I scowled at her and sat in the Volvo, tapping my foot violently and impatiently.
We drove to the Cullen house in Edward's Volvo in mere silence. Alice kept trying to talk to me with for the whole way of ten minutes but I was in no mood for that, so I just nodded whenever needed. Alice knew I was in no mood so she didn't pressed much and left me with my thoughts, for which I was thankful.
Once we reached inside, I was really impressed by them.
All the furniture was removed and instead of them props for photoshoot were all over the living area and also in their lawn. Ottomans, different types of chair (garden chairs, beach chair, ball chair, egg chairs and many more) benches, swings on the trees, on the porch, acrylic round swings and many other things were placed in the lawn and in the living room.
"Wow." I breathed.
"Do you like it?" She asked me hopefully.
"Like it? It's perfect Alice. Just like a professional photo studio." She was really good at all these. I barely remembered that I was angry with her.
"Yeah! Now lets get you ready." She tugged on my arm to go in her room.
"Wait." I ordered, "Where is Edward?" He was seen nowhere in the house.
"Boys are in the lawn, Bella, arranging things."
"Oh. So I cannot meet him until noon." I mumbled in a disappointed tone.
"No ways." She promised. I gave up and she took me in her room. Once in her bathroom – which was larger than her own room – she started with my finger nails, painting them in a blood red colour.
"The boys are not listening, Bella." She replied before I could ask her.
"Alice, are you sure that Charlie would give me permission? And how would I convince Edward to come with me to the airport? What if he doesn't likes it?"
"Relax, Bella. Take deep breathes. Calm down." She advised as I was very agitated with the idea of Edward not liking my plan.
When I was a little calm, she answered my questions. "You just see how Esme works her charm on Charlie. And I would tell Edward that he should give a surprise to you by taking you to a place away from Forks. So while Edward would feel that he would surprise you, in actual, it would be you who would surprise him."
Her plan sounds good. It is always Edward who surprises me, so it would be a fun to see him get surprised. "You know, I like this plan." I told her, sounding like a baby who just got access to the delicious cookies which were kept away.
"You know, I already knew who would love this plan." Damn, stupid, future-seeing vampires!
After she was done with my finger nails, she started on my toe nails. It felt so relaxing I thought I may have slept, but I was not. My mind was on imagining the surprised look on Edward's face when he will know that the tables have somehow turned around and it was I who surprised him. She started her work on my hair after my nails – she had let my hair down in a wavy style with light curls at the end –then she started applying makeup on my face. She applied some nude makeup, mascara, eyeliner, blood red lipstick with lip gloss. Then she gave me my dress – a black gown – and I took it without a word. There is no use of denying anything to her.
When I looked at the gown, my jaw fell. That gown was simply breathtaking.
It was an off shoulder gown, which started just above my chest, giving a good but decent look to my throat, collarbone, shoulders and my chest. It sticked to my curves in a very good way, making me look more feminine, but still not showing anything. It flowed down my waist in a skirt style and touched the ground. It had a cut at my right leg, starting mid-thigh, which showed my leg in a more appropriate way. I had also wore black stilettoes, with three inch heel, which highlighted my legs. The nude makeup, along with red lipstick, gave attention to my full lips. The small curls in my hair highlighted my whole makeover. The gown was perfectly synchronized with the crest in my neck.
I kept staring at my reflection for a few minutes, trying to make out that it was me and not somebody else in the mirror.
There was no way I could look this beautiful. Alice had really done a magic on me.
Alice came behind me, "What say?" She asked me with a smile due to the satisfaction with her work.
"Alice, its perfect! Its beyond perfect!" I exclaimed, still looking in the mirror.
She clapped her hands in delight. "Wait. One thing is missing." She told me. I tried to find out what was missing but found nothing. "Just wait, till you see Edward's reaction." I blushed a bright pink colour, understanding what she was saying. "Now, its perfect." She nodded when there was colour in my cheeks.
"You wait on my bed while I get ready and come in few minutes. Also, don't try to walk alone. I don't want you to spoil the dress by falling."
"Okay, Alice. Come fast." With that she went to change and came back in three minutes.
"Ready to go, Bella." She offered me her hand, with enthusiasm, after she came wearing her dress. "Everyone will be downstairs in eleven minutes. And yes, he's waiting patiently" She used her fingers to quote patience, "for you outside." I blushed again a deep red at that.
"You're looking so amazing Bella. I wager his jaw will fall down today."
I took few deep breathes and they finally agreed. "Okay, lets go." I grabbed Alice hand with all my strength, so that I do not fall. I was already on a death trap, by wearing stilettoes, but today the gown added more risk.
As soon as Alice opened her bedroom door, I saw Edward waiting for me at the stairs. My blush deepened by seeing him. He had wore a black three piece tuxedo with a tie – as per the dress code decided by Alice – and his hair was barely managed. The crest on his wrist could be seen properly. Today, he was looking more than handsome. His eyes travelled from my head to toe in a to and fro motion. He then locked his eyes with me, his breathing got a little uneven and his lips parted a little. And just like Alice predicted, his jaw fell down a little but he quickly got himself in check.
I got a little self-conscious and looked down at my feet.
In an instant he was at my side and pulled me closer by my waist – in such a way that both our bodies were completely parallel and I could feel his cold skin through my clothes – and placed a finger at my chin, forcing me to look in his smoldering golden butterscotch eyes.
"Thank God the photoshoot is in house, else I don't know how I would be able to take you anywhere without murdering anyone." He murmured, his eyes sending delightful chill in my body. My breathing got hitched just by hearing his statement. He smiled his crooked smile and kissed me on the forehead, then he took my left hand and kissed both the rings. He travelled his kisses towards my lips, while my hands travelled to his hair and made them their usual mess which I love the most. He kissed me in such a way that my feet gave up and I clung to him desperately so that I do not fall.
He chuckled bringing his lips to my ears. Even he was breathing heavily. "Do you have any idea, how breathtaking you are looking?" And before I could answer, he again kissed me, this time behind my ear.
When he removed his mouth, my red lipstick marks were now seen on his lips. I laughed and hid my face in his tuxedo, trying to muffle my giggles.
He enveloped me in his arms. "Do I get to hear a joke." He asked, a smile in his face.
Before I could answer Alice came by our side and gasped. "Edward, look what have you done. Could you not wait for some more time? Now I have to put more lipstick on her lips and you have to again work on your face and hair." Alice said anxiously. Now, even Edward was laughing with me as understanding dawned into him. "What would I do of both of you?" She added in a bitter tone and pulled me from him, taking me inside to clean the mess Edward made of me.
When I was free of all the mess, I was again greeted by Edward, who had his lips clean from my handiwork and his hair was again barely managed.
I ruffled his hair with my hand and made his hair fall in its usual way. "Hmm, I like this more." I shrugged, appreciating my work on his hair.
He laughed and said, "Me too." He put his arm around my waist and we went downstairs.
In the living room all were slowly gathering up. After five minutes all were present in the living room. Alice had wore a black backless Barbie dress while Rosalie wore a strapless black gown, starting by its chest, showing a little cleavage. Esme wore a black silk gown, which had a deep neck cut and was supported by thin spaghetti straps at her shoulder and followed to her back, hiding and showing all of her back at the same time. It flowed down her waist to her ankles. Even they all had a cut in their dress on the right leg, starting at their mid-thigh. All the men were wearing black tuxedoes. The Cullen family crest were shining on everyone's body completing the look.
When we all were seated in the living room Carlisle broke the silence by telling us about out today's plan. "Charlie would be coming in six minutes. And we were all planning to have a family lunch Bella, you know, with Charlie."
"But you all don't have to do that. I mean there is no need for you all to eat human food."
"Don't worry, love." Edward murmured as rubbed my hand.
"There is a reason, Bella. A good reason." Esme explained. "Today Charlie is coming to her daughter's in-law house, officially for the first time. So we all would like to have a meeting with him as a family, Bella."
"But... you all don't need to eat human food." I repeated.
"There is no problem Bella. Don't you get worried. We all can handle this." It was Jasper who just said this.
"But..."
"Bella," I was shocked to see Rosalie speaking to me directly. "Trust us. Though I may not support your decision of change, I must say, you are making a perfect decision by marrying Edward." She gave a quick nod towards Edward. "This all family lunch are a part of weddings, Bella. And trust me when I say that this all things matter the most, because we all never got a chance to have family lunch with anyone's in-laws. So this all is special for us too. Let us have our fun, because after your change, you would not get a chance again to have a family lunch."
I was a little speechless and so were the others as this was the first time Rosalie had said all this to me. Even Emmett mouth formed in an 'o'. So I just nodded and Edward squeezed my hand.
"Thank you Rosalie. For your acceptance." Edward told her in a little awed voice. I guess, even he was not expecting that Rosalie would try to reassure me. They both grinned at each other.
"Okay guys, Charlie would be coming in two minutes and the photographers would be coming in... seventy four minutes."
Just as Alice told us, Charlie came in two minutes, wearing a tuxedo that Alice had given her. Carlisle and Esme greeted him at the door. He smiled at the Cullens shyly as he entered the house and sat in the living area with us. He really looked handsome in this tuxedo – now I get why Renee fell in love with him. In this tuxedo, he was looking as charming as the rest of the Cullens.
We all started our lunch and really my future family never showed that it was difficult for them to eat, but I knew they were hiding their food in their napkins whenever they were able to.
Edward held my hand the whole time, reassuring me that all will be fine. But I knew everything will be. There was no need of reassurances. My dad and my future family were all having a good lunch together, and I have no other doubts that I was doing the right thing.
We all talked about random things at first, but in real I was doing my best to keep stalling.
Esme cleared her throat after some time. I gave her a pleading look to not do this, but she gave me a look of her own and continued anyway. "Charlie, thank you so much for giving us your daughter." She started the main talk we all knew was coming.
"Err, thank you Esme, for accepting her." Charlie said a little shyly.
"Charlie, don't worry. We will all take care of her." Carlisle reassured him and smiled towards us.
This time Emmett cleared his throat. "And Chief Swan, the moment Edward hurts Bella, I swear I would be the one to help you shoot him." He muttered cheerfully. Charlie laughed a shaky laugh.
"Even I would help you in this, Charlie." Jasper grinned towards Emmett and clapped his fist with him. They both looked quiet intrigued by the idea of any bullet hurting Edward – and soon everyone laughed and the tension released – thanks to Jasper, even Charlie seemed at ease.
We all talked about random things the whole lunch and after thirty minutes we all finished the lunch.
Esme cleaned up the kitchen with help of Rosalie and Alice. I tried to offer my help, but was not allowed to as Alice predicted that if I would, I'll fall and hit my head hard.
After they all cleaned the kitchen, we all sat in the lawn and talked about nothing in particular, just like a complete family. Charlie also seemed at ease, talking very brightly with Esme and Carlisle while we all talked among ourselves. Rosalie didn't ignore me this time.
A few minutes later, Charlie came up with the topic he was dreading to ask.
"Um, Carlisle and Esme. I wanted to say something." We all looked at him. He became a little conscious and took a deep breath, straightening in his chair, "I know you both already consider Bella as your daughter, but I wanted to help you in the wedding too. So we – I and Renee – were thinking that if we could divide the whole expense." He suggested in a little shy voice.
Carlisle was the first to answer as she tapped Charlie's leg. "We appreciate your gesture, Charlie, but there is no need of you to pay for the wedding." He answered sweetly.
"But," Esme interrupted, "if you are really willing to contribute something, then there are some things we would like if you give us."
Charlie nodded, held his breath and straightened up more.
"Firstly Charlie," Esme began her list. "Alice is planning the whole wedding, so you are forced to go according to her. And when I say this, I mean that you would be completely at her mercy. You would be attending all the small ceremony she will be planning and also wearing all those dresses that Alice would be selecting for you for all those occasions."
"Uh oh!" Charlie settled with a frown while Alice clapped her hands in victory. Esme grinned at her daughter and we all chuckled.
"Secondly, there would be times when we would be borrowing Bella from you for some time, you know for shopping done stuff, or for rehearsals, or for some other reasons, just like we would be borrowing Bella tonight for three days – as we all women are going for shopping – so you would be allowing us that."
"Okay." Charlie agreed easily.
Wow! Esme really worked her magic at Charlie again. Now I would be going with Edward.
Alice clapped her hands with me. "This would be fun, Bella." I knew what she was referring to and so even I smiled brightly. Edward looked a little confused as he watched me and Alice clapping hands, but then he shook his head at Alice.
"And thirdly Charlie, if you want to give Bella something from you and Renee, you are welcome. There is no force Charlie! Alice had already designed everything. But if there is something you would love to give your daughter, then you are free to tell me or Alice."
"Okay." Charlie agree after a quick thinking. "I'll look after it."
"The photographers would be coming here in a few minutes. Get ready guys." Alice told excitedly. With that we all got up and straightened our dresses.
The photographers came at nearly one and soon we all were busy in taking some pictures.
Photos were taken of me and Charlie, then with Alice, with Edward, then of Charlie and Esme and Carlisle and soon we all took photos with everyone.
My some of the favourites were of me with Charlie. I did not lingered on the idea why they were important to me. Then Edward joined us both. There was a photo where Charlie was standing with me and Alice at his both sides.
There were also taken some photos of me with both my brothers, Emmett and Jasper. Jasper grinned at me and today for the first time he seemed at ease with me. One of my favourite with them was when Emmett had his arm over my shoulder, while Jasper's arm was at my waist and my both hands were around their waists. And another one when they both held each others forearms and I had to sit on them. My blush for that photo was like really a cherry on the top of a cake. I had to hear some humiliating comments from Emmett for my blush, which earned him a small smack on his head from Edward. The photographer also took a photo of that moment.
There were also some photos of me with Rosalie. She smiled timidly at me and I grinned at her.
Many photos were also clicked of me with Alice, of all the men, of the Cullen boys, the Cullen men, we all girls, of each boy with his sisters.
One of my favorite was the photo of me with both Carlisle and Esme. There were also one photo when both my fathers were standing with me for a photo and then there was one when both of them were standing with Charlie. Then there was also a photo when I and Alice were sitting at each armrest of the the chair on which Edward was seated.
There were also some photos of all six of us – I, Edward and his brothers and sisters – where all boys sat on the two loveseats and we all girls sat on their laps.
A family photo was also taken where Carlisle and Esme sat on a loveseat, Edward behind Esme, I behind Carlisle, Alice and Rosalie sitting on the Carlisle's and Esme's armrest respectively, while Emmett and Jasper behind their wives.
Then there came the time of couple photos, for which Charlie left – as he said he has some work at the station – but I knew that he was still not able to accept me and Edward as an engaged couple.
My many favourite photos were from of our couple photo sessions, which Alice had promised would be also used for the invitations, despite my disagreement.
Many photos were taken of us in the lawn, in his room – on the couch, or in the rocking chair he brought from my room – in the dining area, at the piano, on the porch, on the swings, against the walls, and many other places. Me on his lap, I and Edward in dancing positions, we both swaying in many different waltz positions, on our rocking chair, Edward holding me by the waist, one taken during our kiss.
My one of the favourite was when Edward kneeled down in front of me and one when I sat on his thigh kissing him, while he was kneeling.
The photo session was completed around four and then Alice snatched me from Edward as she was taking me for shopping. So after I changed in a comfortable pair of sweatshirts and denims, we went to Seattle for shopping – Seattle was free of danger now, the vampire army causing disturbance in the whole city was over. Edward was about to take me for dinner in Bella Italia, where he took me for our first date – where our story really started.
We went for shopping, against my better judgement. I even told her that I had to make food for Charlie for the two days, anything to escape the torture of shopping, but she informed me that it was already taken care of, by Esme.
Alice was all jumpy as we were going in her Porsche, as according to her it was the first time she was going to get to show off her precious car – for my trip to Chicago.
She was a maniac driver just like Edward. We were in Seattle in just an hour drive.
She took me to many shops, though I told her no. And she bought some accessories, some more night dresses, some dresses which Alice said Edward would like on me, though I don't think I would ever be able to wear them in presence of Edward.
My mind was still on Edward's gift. After thinking too much I decided I wanted something for his gift which meant my promise of love and forever to him. I was playing with my rings while Alice was making the bills when I just thought about something and started planning about it – about the gift I wanted to give Edward, it was just a random idea, when suddenly Alice gasped, "Its a brilliant plan, Bella! He would love it."
"Are you sure?" I asked her warily. Because I was still doubtful.
"I am absolutely sure, Bella." She promised me. "Lets go. We have so much to do."
She took me in a well known jewellery store in Seattle. The over friendly jeweller sales man showed us some rings which I thought would suite on Edward's long fingers – which were in my budget of 300$. One of them was a simple silver band with a heart drawn on it – nothing special. The other was of gold, but it was a little too thick. The third one was again silver, but in this, there was a artificial diamond attached with it. I frowned.
They all were good, but not special.
I wanted a ring which was not only a but similar to his promise ring, but also had a deep meaning.
"Isn't here any ring in platinum?" I asked the jeweller after seeing his whole collection of gold and silver rings.
"Actually there is, but it may be out of your budget Ms." He warned.
I was calculating the amount of money I have when Alice broke in. "Money is not a problem." Alice chirped in her high pitch voice. "We just want the best, no matter what the cost."
"Are you sure young lady. It may cost you more than 500$." He inquired.
"If it would be worth it, we would buy it, no matter the price." Alice assured him confidently.
"Okay. As you wish. I'll just bring the platinum collection." He said and went inside a room.
"Alice!" I hissed. "What was that?" I demanded as soon as we were free of the salesman. "I don't have enough money to buy it." I cried. "And I am not borrowing it from you and neither you are gifting it to me or Edward." I declared, closing all loop holes for her.
"Are you finished?" She asked as if I was the one insane here. "You have the credit card which Esme had offered you, don't you?" She asked sweetly. "You just have to use it. It will make Esme happy and also you can make Edward happy." She said and used the same face she used to charm others,. Luckily today it had no use on me.
"But..." Before I could say anything, we were interrupted by the sales man.
"Here young ladies." He said and opened the box of platinum rings. The first ring I saw was the ring I loved. It was simple, just a thick – but not too thick – band. Even Alice liked it at once. She said that Edward would live it, but she had another plans too.
"We liked this one, but can you modify it for us?" She asked sweetly using her best face and voice. I eyed her incredulously. What was she thinking? I haven't thought of any renovations for this ring!
"You just have to carve a 'forever' on the outer curve of the band while these two names on the inner curve of it." She handed him a letter in which both out names – 'Edward' and 'Bella' – were written in a beautiful calligraphy.
The sales man looked at Alice like she was insane. And I was silently agreeing with him. "But it may cost more than it does now?" He asked us again.
"As we had said earlier, money isn't any problem. You just do this work in half hour and we'll pay you, no matter what you charge." She offered. The salesman got confused and asked the owner to attend him in negotiations.
"How may I help you young ladies?" The owner – Mr. Hiddy – asked us. Alice explained all the renovations she wanted on the platinum band. Mr. Hiddy was quite fascinated by the money Alice was ready to throw. "But it's too short time. It may need more time." Mr. Hiddy qualified. He was not going to give up easily.
"How about I offer a 700$ for the whole ring and the work and you complete the ring for me in half hour." The way Mr. Hiddy's mouth was hanging was laughable. After all, the way Alice was using her tactics to persuade the man and the money she was ready to offer – both combined were making a deadly combination. No one could resist it!
"Okay. Your ring will be ready in thirty minutes." Finally the jeweller agreed to our terms.
Alice thanked the jeweller and took me outside. "What was all that Alice?" I asked her as soon as we were out of the jewelry store after we paid half amount.
700$ for a small ring? It was stupid! Beyond insanity!
"Trust me Bella. It would be special, for both you and him." I knew it would be wrong to bet against Alice, she would choose the best for both of us. I muttered an okay with a sigh and then we went in the clothes street to buy clothes for me.
It was nearly seven thirty when Edward called us. Alice didn't let me talk to him. "Hello Edward... Be patient… yes... we are almost done... in nearly fifty minutes... okay... see you."
"Edward called us to know how much time more would we take and I told him to meet you at Bella Italia in nearly fifty minutes." She answered me before I could question her. "Now, lets go get you a dress for your first date as an engaged couple." I blushed more at the mention of 'an engaged couple'. It was indeed the first time I would be the first time people would see my ring in the public, and not just the family members.
We went in a store and Alice picked up a dark blue colour, knee-length strapless dress, with matching stilettoes for me. "He would love you in this." She exclaimed and sent me to change.
When I wore it, I really looked pretty in it.
The dress again started at the top of my chest, giving a decent but good look on my chest and my upper body. It had a black bow attached at the waist, giving a good look of my feminine curves, which I didn't knew I had until this morning. It reached just above my knee and with the help of the black wedges with black straps which reached my ankles, it gave a good look on my legs too. I let my hair – with curls, thanks to Alice – fall freely down my shoulders.
When I came out of the changing room, Alice gave me a 'I told you so' look and with that we went to collect the ring.
The second I saw the ring I gasped. It was beyond amazing, it was the best ring I could have ever imagined. It was the best gift I could ever give him. There was written 'Forever' with a small heart on the outer curve of the ring along with our names on the inner curve which were connected by a small veil designed with flora and some small hearts. It was perfect!
"I told you Bella, I know what is best." Alice said when I was still stroking the ring. I held her by waist and kissed her cheek murmuring a 'thank you'.
After that we went for Port Angeles where we were meeting Edward. Alice had took the ring with her, saying she would pack it in my bag.
We reached there the same time Edward did.
He had changed in a pair of black denim and a black undershirt along with a blue denim jacket. After seeing him in formal wear, to see him in an informal, and that too a casual attire, I didn't think I would like him in the informal attire again, but I was wrong. He looked as amazing and as breath-taking as usual. His hair was a big mess of unruly hair, the mess I loved the most, and his smile was just as dazzling as ever. His muscular chest could be seen through his attire, making me think again Finally this angel is all mine.
But then I laughed. We were matching again!
Edward approached me and opened the door for me, helping me out of the car. Then he appraised my new attire – the same expression came from him, wide eyes roaming all over my body and his lips parted. "You are looking so exquisite." I blushed and he brushed his fingertips on my flushed cheeks and bended down to touch his lips to mine. My one hand took purchase on his hair while one took hole on the collar of his jacket, holding him there. He also brought me close by my waist.
Alice coughed and Edward broke the kiss. "You both are simply adorable." She mumbled and I blushed. I leaned my head against his throat – thanks to the wedges I reached to his throat, else I couldn't even reach his shoulders properly – while he chuckled.
"You are really the best Alice, you know that." Edward grinned at her.
It was impossible to miss what Edward was referring to.
"Oh, I know that, but still thanks for the compliment." Alice replied with a laugh. "See you guys in the evening." and with that Alice left us alone.
"I thought that after you change from that black gown, I would not have to murder anyone, but I guess I was wrong." He murmured in my ear, his lips brushing my earlobe. I obviously flushed more and he laughed. He put his arm around my waist and led us to the restaurant.
"This was one of the best night of my life." I told him, but then I regretted it, as it was the conversation due to which things became different between me and Jacob.
"Mine too. Because it was the night when finally there were no secrets between us." Edward said, but for once he didn't made me elaborate, for which I was grateful.
When we reached inside the restaurant, the same Déjà Vu occurred. A strawberry blonde waitress appeared in front of us. She pushed her skirt a little upwards giving a good look of her legs. The waitress eyed Edward with lust, but he just looked at me.
"Hello sir, welcome to Bella Italia. I am Mia, how may I help you?" Her voice was heavy with lust and she asked just Edward, by coming just in front of him. Her hands were playing with the collar of her shirt, which she was trying to push a little to give him a better look of her cleavage. Seduction was dropping from her voice and actions. My hand automatically tightened around his waist.
I knew I was acting a little childish, but it didn't matter.
Something amused him.
He smiled lightly at the waitress. "Hello, I had a booking over here for a private table by the name of Edward Cullen." Edward answered politely.
The waitress checked the reservations and asked us to follow her. She walked in a very attractive way and led us to a private table – which coincidentally was the same table on which the boundaries between us started to decrease. Edward had the same thoughts, because he eyed the table and turned towards me and we both chuckled at the same time. I kissed Edward's cheek possessively – flaunting my rings by putting my left hand on his cheek – at the same moment when the waitress turned towards us and an amused smile again came on Edward's face.
She cleared her throat which made me lean away from Edward, my cheeks turned heated, but I didn't remove my hand from his left cheek. "Here's your table sir. Your attendant would be here in a moment." She said a little rudely, cursed under her breath and then went away.
Edward helped me sit and murmured in my ear "I guess some one is being jealous." My heart started beating fast at that and he went to sit in his place.
"Yes, you are right. Someone told me that he was planning about a murder." I said when I was able to form a coherent thought and raised an eyebrow towards him. He laughed. He held my left hand in his and started stroking both the rings.
A waitress came towards our table with black hair. "Hello sir, I am Lucy and I am your attendant for the evening. What can I get for you?" Her eyes were only for Edward. There was some seduction in her voice too, but just like that day, Edward kept his eyes on me.
Unlike that day, he said "Love, why don't you order something." He asked me.
"Mushroom ravioli and two coke please." I placed the ordered in an instant and then we both laughed. He took my left hand and kissed both the rings on my hand in front of the waitress. Her smile turned into a grimace, whereas my smile grew more.
"What did you do after Alice kidnapped me?" I asked him after the waitress went.
"Well, first we cleaned the house, then I took the rocking chair in your room and then I made some arrangements for tomorrow after hunting." He answered casually.
"Here sir." Our attendant placed the coke and bread sticks and left. I took two bites of bread sticks and drank some coke.
I knew what we was getting to but I was having much fun, so I feigned ignorance. "Arrangements?" I asked him casually.
He ran his left hand through his hair in nervousness, making his hair is a more messier form. "Um, actually Alice asked me if I wanted to take you somewhere, because she told me in a strict tone that 'After two days, I will take her away from you for most of the days for the wedding preparations, so I thought that it would be prudent if you two go for a two day trip where there would be no one to interject'." He imitated perfectly in Alice's voice. "I liked the idea so..." He finished lamely.
Edward looked so good when he was nervous. I took the opportunity and didn't say anything. As if luck was at my side, our attendant came with my order. I ate a few more bites of the ravioli and drank some more coke. The whole time Edward was becoming more anxious.
"Okay, let's go." I answered him enthusiastically.
A surprise occurred on his for once nervous face. He raised his eyebrows and asked. "Where did this enthusiasm came from?" He asked skeptically.
I took a few more bites and finished my coke. I had to lie from him so I prepared myself for that. "Um, actually Alice gave me the same instructions and also informed me that you were planning something and said that if I don't go with you now, I would regret it later, so I agreed." My blush almost gave away, but I hope he registered it as my reaction to our getaway rather than a lie.
"Really." He asked, surprise clear in his tone. "And here I was getting queasy that you were going to deny." He shook his head. "You are seriously one little terrifying monster." I laughed and soon he joined me.
"So when will we go?" I asked after a few moments.
"We have our flight at morning seven fifty from Port Angeles airport, so we would be leaving home by five."
"Where are we going?" I knew he was not going to tell me.
"Nope. You will know when we reach there." He smiled crookedly. I knew it, but this time it would be him who would be getting a surprise. This thought almost made me laugh but somehow I stifled it.
I sighed faking mock resignation and he laughed. I ate my ravioli, while we talked about random things.
"When will we get the photos." I inquired after some time.
"We will be handed the photos in five to six days." He replied as he placed his chin on his hand. If he would have a take, he will still be holding my hand, so I ordered him to keep his hand to himself while I was eating.
Today was a memorable day. I was glad Alice thought about this , else we would have not done anything like this. At least Charlie would have some photos of me while I will be away. And then, when I will turn into a vampire, and my human memories will weaken, I will still have these photographic memories to hold.
"Today was really fun. Really, we should never counter Alice." I didn't expect it would be fun and I didn't fell, which was a cherry on the top.
"Yeah, you are right. Jasper was really happy today."
"Jasper?"
"Yes. There were so much happiness around him. The nervousness of the fight was eating him up, so after the fight the news of our wedding brought some relax in all our lives. Well except for Alice and Esme."
"And why is that?" I inquired.
"They are getting more nervous as well as excited at the same time. Firstly because there is a wedding in our house, not one like of Rose and Em, but a real wedding as of Alice and Jasper or like Carlisle and Esme." His gaze suddenly became more intense. "Secondly Esme is more than happy because I am getting married to the love of my life." He brushed the back of his hand to my heated cheeks, "and thirdly because it would be the first wedding where humans would be involve."
"The first two reasons were obvious, but why it would be the first wedding that would include humans." I didn't realized I voiced my thoughts in a small voice and he listened.
"Are you done?" He questioned instead of answering. I looked down and saw that my food had finished.
"How can I help you sir?" Our attendant asked when Edward called her.
"We are done."
"Okay." She came with a bill and after paying that we headed towards the Volvo.
Once we were in the Volvo and on the road, he answered my question.
"When Em and Rose married for the first time, he was a newborn vampire, so at that time it was not possible to invite humans. Same was with Esme. During Alice and Jasper's wedding, Jasper had just come over his human blood lust, so at that time also it was not possible to invite humans. Also during those days we never interacted with humans much. But this time it will be different."
"Because I am a human." I finished.
"Yes. So Esme and Alice are excited as well as anxious and nervous at the same time. Their constant thoughts are 'What if others doesn't likes this or that?'."
"Oh! So you mean that there was never a cake in the wedding?"
He laughed and shook his head. "This was where your mind was going. You never stop to amaze me, love. But yes. Before this, the idea of cake never occurred, because there was no one to eat it, but with our wedding, it would be different, because there would be cake and food and champagne." Suddenly he groaned. "When Alice mentioned about arrangements, she meant constant tasting of cakes, tasting of different dishes, selection of juices, food, ice creams and everything. Which means she will be taking your every free minute for." I laughed and he groaned.
What else can we expect when you have your extremely overexcited and zealous sister-in-law for your wedding planning.
"So will you eat cake?"
"Yes. I will."
"You know, I won't mind if you don't eat it. I mean I understand."
"I know you understand, love, but it is a tradition which states our first work together as husband and wife." I blushed at the words husband and wife. "I want to follow this tradition."
His golden eyes melted into me. "I want to experience every thing with you, either human or vampire." I blushed more.
"Concentrate on the road Edward." I muttered while I ducked my head from his gaze. He just laughed and entwined our hands on my lap. I rested my head on his shoulder and he kissed my head.
"So, what did Carlisle and Esme and others did instead of the cake ritual?" I asked.
"They hunted a animal together." He answered casually. It was so obvious, I should have guessed that much.
"Can I ask you something." I asked after some time, when we entered in the Forks boundaries. I was afraid he would be offended by my question but my curiosity was eating me up.
"You can ask me anything, Bella."
"Actually, I was thinking about Carlisle." I started and he raised his eyebrows, silently saying me too continue. "Yesterday, he was stiff for a moment when I called him 'daddy'. I mean if he doesn't likes it, I will never address him like that again and..." But I was interrupted by Edward's loud outburst of laughter.
"Bella, love, I wish you could read his mind just like I could!" He shook his head in amusement. "Carlisle was just over joyed, love, that you addressed him as a father. In a way, you are giving him the chance of accepting a real daughter-in-law."
"Huh?" I asked, confused.
"See, Carlisle changed me and Esme. So I was like a son to him, as it was his venom which is running in my veins. Then when Rosalie joined us, he welcomed her as a daughter." I nodded. I knew this much. "When Rose brought Emmett, even he turned technically into family as he was also brought to this life by Carlisle and so again Carlisle got a son, but not a son-in-law." He emphasized. I nodded again. "Then when Alice and Jasper joined us, they were already family, so Carlisle and Esme got another pair of son and daughter."
"Now, you see Bella. They always got a chance to welcome either son or daughter, but never an actual chance to welcome to-be-spouse of their children. So you are giving them this chance. That was one of the reason Carlisle planned for a family lunch and Rosalie supported his decision."
I pondered our his words.
Well this was true. I was connected to Esme and Carlisle just through Edward. So I would be actually going go be their daughter-in-law in every sense of way rather than their daughter just like Rosalie and Alice were.
"What are you thinking now?" Edward asked after a few seconds.
"That I may be the luckiest daughter-in-law whose parents-in-law take care of me just like I am their own little child."
"Indeed." He agreed.
"I've never seen all of them so happy and joyous never before."
"You are right. This was the first time all were really happy since the wedding of Alice and Jasper. Even Rosalie. She may never show it but she is very happy that there will be a real wedding after a long time in our family, and also because I finally got a partner to share my life with."
I wish it was not this awkward between Rosalie and I, so that I could thank her for all she did for me. I just wish that we could be good sisters in the near future, if not like Alice and I, then at least this much that I could talk with her without any awkwardness hanging between us.
The rest of the drive was settled in silence. I was content in just resting in his arms.
He was out and opened the door for me after he parked his Volvo in the garage in the same second. I tried to move my legs, but they were paining a lot – thanks to the high heels which Alice had made me wore for the whole day and the walking for shopping.
"Ugh!" I groaned and winced. My toes hurt very bad and my calves were aching a lot. All the pain of the last three days came at once.
"What happen Bella?" Edward asked anxiously.
"I'll never wear any heels again." I muttered angrily. The next thing I knew was that I was in Edward's arms and my heels were in his hands. His sudden act made me dizzy. I closed my eyes and concentrated on my breathing till I knew I was fine. When I relaxed, I realized Edward was carrying me this way in the home. It felt very good to relax and just be in his arms, but the thought that my brother-in-laws would make fun at my expense made me blush. "Was all this necessary?"
He sighed. "Yes. I'll not let anything hurt you, not even your own legs." He promised and carried me inside the house.
When we reached inside, everything was the same as it was yesterday. All the furniture was again the same as it was. Emmett and Jasper were in the lawn fighting, Alice and Esme were busy in her room, Rosalie was watching television and Carlisle was in the hospital. We went into our room – Edward preferred me referring his room as our room from now on – where my bags were lying near the foot of his bed.
"You go and change, I'll come in a few minutes." with that Edward left me in the room.
I went in the bathroom and took a shower. I tried to enjoy the warm water, but today my thoughts were running wild.
In the next two months, I would be Edward's wife, we would be on our honeymoon, I would no longer be alone in the shower, he would be joining me. Just by these thoughts, my breathing hitched and I tried to control my breathing, but to no use.
After my shower, when I was drying my hair, I looked in the mirror and saw my naked form. I was really plain in comparison to him, even my feminine curves were plain. How would I be able to satisfy him? What if he doesn't likes my naked form? I quickly dropped those thoughts – Edward loved me and that was what matters, but the questions were still in my mind.
When I came out of the bathroom, Edward was already settled on his black leather couch, his back to the armrest, his hands behind his head. I joined him there and he drew me closer to him, to which I agreed happily.
He had a cream with him. I asked him what was that but he shrugged rather than answering. He made me lay down on the couch with my legs in his lap and massaged my legs with his hands. It felt incredible. He knew where the knots were and all of them slowly loosened under the spell of his hands. He massaged my knees, calves, ankles and each toe just like an expert. He was good at everything!
"Thank you." I said after he was done.
He brought me towards him and wrapped me in his circle of arms. "My pleasure." He breathed as he dropped his head to my neck and started tracing his nose on my jaw and neck. Now and then he would plant a kiss on my ear, or behind it, or on my jaw.
"Why are you good at everything?" I asked him in a teasing tone. Edward said nothing, just laughed loudly. I swear I could hear small chuckling sounds from downstairs too.
"Sleep love." He murmured as he dropped a kiss on my exposed skin beside my neck.
"Yeah! Like I would be able to while you are reading me like this." I accused.
He frowned and started moving up so that he could carry me to the bed, but I had other plans. He raised his brow, but I shrugged and snuggled in his arms. He understood what I wanted and laid down with me on the couch. I put my head on his chest, tangling our legs in the best way possible.
"Is this fine?" He asked.
I turned my head upwards to look at him and sighed with absolute content. "Absolutely!" I breathed in his chest and tried to nestle more in his arms, which was now Allah impossible, but somehow he let me.
His leather couch was small compared to the golden bed, but I wanted to lay here for some time. It made snuggling more good in such a confined place.
He kissed my forehead. "Sleep Bella. You had a big day today and will have a big day tomorrow. Sleep, love." His voice was soft like feathers, lulling me to sleep.
He sang my lullaby and soon I slept in the enclosed place where I was more than comfortable.
Here ends the second chapter of this story.
The positions for the photos are all my imagination. Try to imagine it and you will understand that each signifies the starting of a new relation of love and trust for Bella and Charlie with the wedding.
The ring part is pure fluff but I liked this idea is I wrote it in this.
The next chapter will be uploaded by tomorrow evening. Stay connected for more updates.
And do review if you like this. Your reviews are appreciated.