Disclaimer: These stories are based on characters and situations created and owned by Stephenie Meyer, publisher Little, Brown and Company, and Summit Entertainment. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

A Mother's Love

I sat on the plush sofa trying to appear interested. Alice flitted around the spacious living room, rambling on about plans for the wedding that still needed to be determined. She set a stack of bridal and beauty magazines on the ottoman in front of me. "You need to pick a hairstyle so I can figure out how to do it. " Alice said.

"Your hair is always perfect Alice, its fine the way it is." I replied, clueless to her implication.

"No, for you silly," She giggled. "It's going to be such a special day, with a special dress and you will need special hair." She was amused with her own cleverness and ability to usually get her way. She definitely had a knack for using feminine wiles; however, these skills were typically reserved for men in any other woman's case. The fact that she was a vampire explained a lot, as her skills were not to seduce men but prey. She was a master, but since human sustenance was not part of her diet, she merely used her skills to get her way in most situations.

"Oh, yeah right," was my reply. It was just easier to agree with her than to state the obvious; that my hair was probably just fine left down. Although, remembering back to the ordeal of guinea pig Barbie when they made me go to prom, it was nothing short of amazing what they were able to create with the myriad of product and pins.

"Please Bella, just look and see what you like, for Edward. It's the first wedding for both of you," Alice pleaded.

"What?" I asked shocked, then realizing what she meant "I'm not Rosalie. Once will last me forever Alice." Rosalie and Emmett had had two weddings, so far. Rosalie loved to be the center of attention, which was usually the case when she entered a room of normal humans.

"Well then, all the more reason to make it perfect. Here you go," she smiled handing me the magazine on top. I was undeniably in love with her 'brother', Edward. It was my sole objective to spend my life with him, but he was immortal, froze at the youthful age of 17. Currently I was 18 and not immortal. I had every intention of changing that fact and I wanted him to do it. In return he wanted me to marry him. I would become the eighth member of the Cullen coven.

With my left hand, the one not in a brace, I opened the magazine up, looking at the page but not really seeing what was there. It would be easier if Alice just decided. Couldn't she just see what I wanted? Of course not, because her visions of the future only worked when a decision was made, and that future existed as long as that decision was not changed. It was inevitable, I had to decide first. I had decided much earlier that I was fine with her choices about the wedding, as long as I held the veto. I turned to tell her that whatever she suggested was fine, but I was alone. Edward and Jasper were not expected back from their hunt for another four to five hours. I sighed running my hand over my head and through my hair.

"Is Alice overwhelming you dear?" I heard Esme's voice from the direction of the front entry. Edward's adoptive mother had a permanent air of ease about her. Her compassion for her family was evident, and her capacity to nurture was her gift.

"Oh, no," I lied. Esme raised her eyebrow, she knew her 'daughter' well. "Well, not this time. I just have no idea what I'm doing. With hair, all I know is brush it, wash it, leave it down, or put it up in a band or barrette. I'm out of my league."

Esme lilted across the room to sit beside me. She looked down at the pages I had open before me, with her bright golden eyes. "Does this style interest you?" she asked.

"Not really" I replied "I just need it to be right, no, perfect for him."

"I have a suggestion, but let me know if I'm overstepping my bounds," she said, always considerate.

"No, no, never, please anything would help," I pleaded.

"Since your dress is vintage, from a time I have some personal connection with, I think I can help. If you come to my room, I can show you." With a sincere smile, I stood and we walked up the stairs to her room.

I had only been in her room one other time. That time had been under much duress and panic, to exchange clothes with her to make my hasty escape from James, the tracker. This time Esme was adding relief to my stress. "Bella dear, sit at my bureau, I have some pictures to show you." She went to the window and opened the top of the window seat and removed an album. "These pictures are of some of my family and a few of my friends, back in the day. I found them in some historical archives and had copies made." She said as she placed the book on the bureau top in front of me. The photos were of people posed quite stiffly and definitely dressed in their best attire. "My family was of moderate means. This photo," she said turning several pages into the book "is of my cousin's wedding day." The girl in the photo seemed only just a bit older than myself and was bearing only a slight meek smile on her face. Her dress was white with a bit of lace and stopped about mid-calf to the floor. However the veil upon her head was what drew my attention. It was the sheerest fabric with what appeared to be lace or embroidered edges. The veil looked as though it was just lightly placed atop her head and softly wafted down the sides of her face. The most dramatic thing about the veil was the extreme length. "Back then the trains existed in the veil and not the dress. Many times the dress was just a suit or a Sunday best. The splurge was in the veil." She continued "Alice did a good job with the style of the period, don't you agree?"

"I don't think she has it in her not to do something 150. I hadn't notice the length of the veil when I saw it though" I replied.

"It's the perfect length, it should trail about 4 feet behind, just enough dramatic affect for a fairytale wedding."

"Yes, but can just a dress make me look like a princess?" I glumly asked.

"Every bride is a princess, you will see. May I" she asked picking up a brush.

"Sure" I said.

She ever so gently brushed my hair down and then proceeded to brush it all up above my head. As I watched in the mirror before me, it looked so effortless. Giving my hair a quick couple of turns she positioned it atop my head and then, before I could even tell she had it in her hand, clipped a barrette to hold the style in place. The barrette was obviously very old. She pulled a small section of hair down at either temple and wrapped it around her fingers, then with a downward motion she let the curl develop into two perfect spiral wisps framing my face. At that moment I felt so close to Esme. Tears started to well up just a little in my eyes.

"Is this a reaction of approval?" she asked.

I nodded "It is perfect."

"As you are for him, don't ever forget that." She leaned in pressing her check to the side of my head and gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. As she stood back up I saw the smile on her face grow and felt her sincerity in my heart. "Now I think we have all the bases covered. This barrette Edward had given me and he told me it had belonged to his mother, so it will mean a lot to him to see you wearing it. This also qualifies for something old."

"It would be for borrowed too." I input.

"Yes, I suppose it would. The new is your dress and I think Alice has put a touch of blue on your garter."

"Oh geez" I sighed rolling my eyes.

"Alice is all about the details, you just need to stand your ground and keep it on your terms. If you would like, I could show Alice how to do this with your hair."

"Would you?" I said trying to stop a yawn. "Esme" I asked.

"Yes, dear"

"What is it like being married? I mean married and it's right, forever. You know, like you and Carlisle."

"Oh," she began "There's really nothing special about being married. The special part is being with the one that is everything to you. Being with the one you can't imagine yourself being without. The wedding is to show the public that you are committed to each other. The marriage certificate is the legal paper that confirms it. Above all that, is the love you share. It's the culmination of your devotion. I can see the way he watches you. I see how relaxed you are around him. The both of you balance one another. Carlisle does that for me. I could never be without him."

"No, never" I whispered relating to what she meant. I thought my whisper was so quiet that it could not have been heard by human ears, but I was not in that company. The warmth in her smile and in her warm hued eyes, reflected in the mirror before me. She patted me reassuringly on the shoulder. I needed him with me forever and I wanted it to be what Esme and Carlisle have. I knew it would be.

"You look a little worn out. Are you sure you're okay?" She said. voicing her concern.

"I just need some fresh air to clear my head. Do you mind if I take a walk outside in your garden?"

"Bella, dear, you are going to be a Cullen, our home is yours too. There are some benches down near the river and the sound of the water is very relaxing. Go and take some time for yourself." she offered.

"Sounds perfect" I reached up and unfastened the barrette and shook my head to let my hair fall back around my shoulders. I stood and faced her placing the hair clip into her hand.

She placed her other hand on top and said "I am so happy he found you and I can see in your eyes that you deeply love him. This will be such a special blessed day for you both."

I escaped the house through the back kitchen door. The air still smelled of the rain shower only a few hours ago. The clouds looked lighter being relieved of some of their burden. But my burdens remained, weighing heavy on my heart. Maybe burden is not the word, guilt for sure. If only the rain could wash it away, or better yet the bright, warm sun evaporate it. The sun, my sun, Jacob, was not shining brightly at all and this caused the tear in my heart to ache. He 

once said to me that he wished the love we shared was enough. How was it not enough? I just knew in the deepest depth of my soul that it was not the same as what I had for Edward. It was not as vast, vibrant, addictive, or powerful, but none of these words really reflected the intensity of the feeling. I was sure that any girl would feel extremely lucky and in sheer bliss to have the feelings I have for Jacob. That girl would be the one everyone would be jealous of, happily in love for the rest of her life. But I had something more with Edward, indescribable. Who was I to have both of these? I was just some girl, nothing special, why me?

I walked towards the sound of the stream. There was a misty haze across the lawn as the warmer temperatures helped the rain rise from the grass. The lawn gave way to the timber that thrived amidst the fresh water flowing through it. As Esme had said there was an intimate open area with a rustic log bench and a weathered Adirondack chair surrounded by a smattering of wild flowers around the clearing's edges. The flowing water was a few yards away, easily visible.

Tipping my head back as far as I could with my hands bracing my back and my feet far enough apart to steady myself, I took in the deepest breath I could. I held it in for what seemed like more than was necessary and then exhaled as steady and consistent as I could. I had watched Renee do this many times when she was in her yoga phase. Granted she was sitting in a lotus position in our living room and I was standing, alone in a forest, which should be serene and relaxing but it was not. How had it come to this balled up mess? I should be ecstatic, elated, on top of the world and part of me was. I was going to be with the man of my dreams forever. That was more than anyone, human that is, could ever ask for.

I walked closer to the water and watched the current surge swiftly, never stopping, never distracted, never confused. I needed to be like a stream. I must focus and go forward. I had nothing to be confused about. It was all very straightforward or should be. I was getting married to the man I loved. I would say my goodbyes to my parents and go off happily ever after to live a life of immortality. It was as simple as that. Yeah, sure, but I was leaving in the wake, a broken friendship with someone who held a part of my heart.

Looking down to my feet I saw a fist sized rock, picked it up and flung it into the current, losing my footing on a slime covered rock and slipping. My right leg was submerged in the brisk water up to my thigh. Great, now half of me was soaked. I looked back to the rock I had chucked into the stream, but the current did not stop. It flowed around and over the top of the rock, not slowing one bit. I was sure it would be best for me to reduce the distance between myself and the water before I managed to immerse my whole body in it. I sat down in the chair, removed my sopping trainer, took off my sock and rung it out. My falling into the current didn't even change the stream. That is what I needed to do. Just go forward. Over time my feelings would change and redirect to a better course. That's what I was telling myself, but I didn't believe it.

It was only two days ago, that Edward and I had gone to tell Charlie about our engagement. On the way to my house I filled Edward in on the request my Dad had made to tell him if I was going to do anything big. At what point, he suddenly developed this acute intuition, I have no clue, but I hoped his suspicions would be enough to make this non-confrontational.

"You should let me go in first and break the ice." I told Edward.

The look on his face was reproachful. "Now, you know that is not going to happen. I need to give Charlie the respect he deserves and ask for his approval to marry his daughter. It needs to 

be man to man. It will be a big change to view me as your fiancé as opposed to just your boyfriend" he said with a smile in his tone and then he put his hand on the sides of my face and lightly but slowly kissed me. As he pulled away I let out a sigh, knowing I didn't really want to begin this discussion with Charlie.

"Good, keep breathing. This will be okay, Bella. I love you and I will do my best to make Charlie understand how much. He loves you too and only wants what is best for you." He said taking my hand and urging me forward beside him. With his arm around my waist I opened the door and stepped inside.

"Bella?" Charlie said from the living room. I could hear the television giving sports updates and scores.

"Yeah, Dad it's us." I answered back.

Edward pulled me into the kitchen and holding up one finger and said "Just go up stairs. Let me talk to him. Please, trust me." Edward's maturity and confidence was evident. If only Charlie really knew how truly mature he was for his one hundred plus years.

I could feel the nervous tension collecting on my face, within my eyes. I tried not to appear panicked but I was sure I was failing. My heart was racing and my hands were starting to sweat. I walked to the stairs and peered in at Charlie with what I sure was the most pathetic weak smile. "I'll be upstairs." I announced taking the stairs two at a time, but sure to hold the railing.

"Okay." Charlie replied. His tone was suspicious of my obvious statement.

From the top of the stairs I looked back to see Edward stepping through the door way into the living room. "Charlie, do you have a moment? Can I talk with you, about Bella?"

"Why, what's wrong?" he asked with definite concern.

"No, it's nothing like that" He recanted. "May I sit?" I heard no response from Charlie but I was sure there had to be some kind of gesture because Edward thanked him.

I was sitting on the top stair but I couldn't help myself, I had to get down there and hear what was being said. It would be so perfect to borrow Edward's gift for times like this. I scooted myself down a few steps at a time, being sure to miss the one that creaked.

Edward began, "I know you can see how enamored I am of your daughter, she is a very special person. Being her father I know you see this about her. She and I have discussed plans for college. It is very important to both of us. I know she told you her school of choice is the University of Alaska Southeast. I have also been accepted, as you know and will also be attending there in the fall. The truth is I love your daughter very much. She is everything to me. I want to be there for her. I need to be there for her." He paused, "Charlie, I would like to marry Bella and have your consent in doing so." I heard a sigh. Would he keep to what he said and try and see Edward as the decent guy he was.

"Bella, come on in here. I know you're on the stairs listening." Charlie said. I stood and walked into the room looking at Charlie's face but not directly into his eyes. "Go ahead and sit down, Bells." His voice was tense but not necessarily angry.

I looked at Edward expecting him to be a little angry with me for not staying upstairs, but I was sure I could see amusement in his eyes. Was the amusement on account of my lack of restraint or did he hear something Charlie was thinking that I was not privy to?

"I assume Bella told you about the discussion I had with her yesterday?" "Yes, sir" Edward replied in a smooth voice. "And Bella, I see by the ring on your finger, that the question has been asked of you and your reply was affirmative." I covered my left hand defensively with my right and could feel the rush of panicked blood flowing to my face.

"Yes, I did because I love him and…" I started but Charlie cut me off.

"I know you do, Isabella. You need to understand that this is a big step. Technically you both are adults and are free to do as you please. I just hope you have considered all the options. Edward, how does Carlisle feel about this?"

"He is very fond of Bella and supports me in my choices. I see what he and Esme have and I only see the same for Bella and myself. I can and will always make her my first priority" Edward said glancing my way with a smile in his eyes.

Charlie put his hand to his mouth and rubbed his top lip and sighed. "Bella, if this is truly what your heart tells you is right…" this time I cut him off

"It is Dad; I want to be with Edward for always. You remember. You understand?"

"Yes, Bells I do understand. Your happiness and safety is all I wish for you." I saw him shoot a suspicious glance at Edward, but then Charlie surprised me and stood up stretching out his right hand to Edward. Edward took his hand and rose shaking it. "Take care of her. She's the best thing I have in this world."

I jumped up throwing my hands around Charlie's neck and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks dad." When I stepped back, I thought I saw a tear in the corner of his eye. When he saw me notice he looked down to take my hands in his.

"Well, Edward you have some taste in rings, this looks rare and maybe antique?" Charlie said trying to avoid a deeper emotional scene. "It was my mother's and now it will forever be Bella's" he said with a warm smile and soft eyes.

"Speaking of mothers," Charlie interjected "you should be the one to call her and tell her Bella."

"Yeah, Dad I will call her right now." I grabbed Edward's hand and headed to the kitchen to dial the phone. Renee's response was a little less predictable, which was typical for her. I made sure to tell her to sit down and then I just told her Edward asked me to marry him. She asked if I was pregnant and I told her no and that I was saving myself. Edward tried to stifle a laugh and rolled his eyes to the ceiling. I had told him someone would jump to this kind of conclusion no matter how unfounded it was. She reiterated the big commitment and if I was sure he was the guy. "Mom, I love him. He loves me just as much." Edward mouthed the word 'more' and I rolled my eyes. "I said yes. Alice is already starting plans for a wedding"

"Well, have you told your father? How did he take it?" Renee asked.

"Dad, Renee wants to talk to you" I called out loud. Charlie came into the kitchen with a scowl on his face and took the phone from me.

"Yes, Renee…. She is eighteen… Yes I believe she has and I believe they are… Yes, here she is" Charlie said as he very deliberately handed the phone back to me and went back into the living room.

"Well, I don't think there is anything I can say to postpone this decision. You were always the one to thoroughly think your decisions through, a talent I don't possess. If you know in your 

heart of hearts, then it is right. Just let me know what you need me to do?" "I will mom. I'll talk to you soon. I love you." I could have never imagined it going so smoothly, though I'm sure I caught her a little off guard.

I looked down at the ring on my finger. It did feel right being there, but I was still uptight. As I sat in this chair in the woods, alone and peaceful, my tensions should have been fading. I leaned my head back staring up into the leaves of the trees rustling with the breeze. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths. The breaths felt good this time and they came slower and more relaxed as I drifted to sleep, but it was not to be a peaceful slumber.

I would like to thank my Betas Lillie, Sweetishbubble and Sandart. There work and compliments gave me nerve to post. All comments are appreciated.