Chapter Three

Bella

I was in hospital for four days in the end, four days of bed rest but at least it meant I got away from Alice's endless wedding lists although she turned up regularly for afternoon visiting and refused to let me even sit up alone. Rose came with her once but I thought Alice had probably dragged her along. Emmett popped in to see me once and Carlisle and Esme visited too with flowers. Edward was around most of the time fussing over me which was sweet and I knew he was worried about me being well enough for the ceremony despite Carlisle's assurances. The only person I never saw was Jasper and I thought this strange as he was usually with Alice. We hadn't said much since the fight, when he told me his sad story but he was there, a quiet presence in the background when he wasn't being dragged somewhere by Alice, as he nearly always was when I saw him. Maybe she thought I was still a little afraid of him, crazy because I'd never blamed him for anything and he'd been instrumental in saving my life at least twice. When Carlisle finally gave me permission to go home with strict instructions to rest, not lift anything, and have as much sleep as possible I was relieved. Another day and my mother had threatened to fly up early and the thought of an extra couple of weeks of Renee was enough to make me feel better immediately.

Edward

I was concerned for Bella, all the pressure of this wedding, an Alice epic, was making her ill but even with Esme's help I wasn't able to rein Alice in. She had never been able to organise a "proper wedding" as she styled it and she was pulling out all the stops even when I pointed out to her that every event she had organised which involved Bella had turned out to be a disaster in one way or another. I think I hit a nerve when I mentioned the birthday party because she refused to speak to me for days which in itself was pleasant but it meant she spent more time with Bella and I could see my beautiful bride beginning to flag again. Alice seemed to forget that doing everything at vampire speed was very wearing for a human, even one like Bella. Carlisle came to my rescue in the end by putting his foot down with Alice.

"I think you and I should talk Alice"

She looked at him a little surprised but then recovered her smile and followed him out like a little energiser bunny while the rest of us took deep breaths in relief. I don't know what he said to her but suddenly she was the one protecting Bella from any stress, snapping at anyone who dared to go behind her back to ask Bella's opinion on the slightest thing. I too benefited because Alice told me my only job was to look after my bride and make sure she was fit and rested for her big day. She even stopped insisting on the ridiculously high heels she had picked for Bella to walk down the aisle in which was just as well, I could see us spending our honeymoon in hospital, Bella with a broken leg or something equally disastrous.

The one thing that did concern me was the honeymoon but I wasn't sure who to talk to, Emmett was a buffoon and would only laugh and make ribald comments for the rest of eternity, Rose wasn't terribly approachable on the subject and she didn't like me much, besides which she would no doubt tell Emmett. Esme bless her, I just couldn't discuss that kind of thing with her which left only Jasper or Carlisle, Alice was far too busy for any kind of conversation not involving the wedding ceremony itself. In the end I went to Carlisle, to me he was a better bet than Jasper. I didn't trust my "brother" to give me sound advice. I found Carlisle alone in his study one day and asked if I could speak to him although once seated I wasn't sure where to begin and eventually he helped me out.

"Well there's something bothering you Edward and I don't think its the wedding so I'd hazard a guess its afterwards."

"I'm scared Carlisle, scared of losing control and hurting Bella on our wedding night. Surely you understand that? She's human and fragile and although she has every confidence in me I'm not so sure"

"Do you love her Edward?"

"Of course, more than anything."

"Well then, you haven't hurt her yet and I'm sure you wont, just be gentle, remember she is flesh and blood and not stone like the rest of us. The good thing is you have no experience with others of our kind as far as sex is concerned so you have no bad habits to break. Just keep your teeth away from her skin and everything will be fine. Remember you wanted her to remain human, if she did so this would always be a problem. Have you discussed changing her yet?"

"No, I'm still not sure its the right thing Carlisle, she shouldn't become a soulless monster like me even if she thinks its what she wants."

"Well then you should speak to her. Perhaps after the wedding when things settle down you can explain your view point, there's no rush to change her."

"But I promised her if she married me I would change her Carlisle."

"I know Edward but I think your heart was speaking then, she almost blackmailed you didn't she?"

"I think blackmail is a little strong Carlisle. I always knew she wanted to become like me, to stay with me, I just don't know if she's thought it through properly."

"Then make sure she does and don't make any rash decisions son, just take each day as it comes. You can't change her straight away in any case, her father at least will want to see her when she gets back and hear about where you went."

"You're right, I should stop and think and make Bella think too, talk it over rationally once we get back"

"And in the meantime show her how much you love her, make her happy and just be gentle."

I nodded and thanked him before leaving feeling as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. There was no pressure as Carlisle said, only our love for each other and we had plenty of time to make the big decision but I wouldn't say anything to Bella until she was safely mine, in my arms and my wife.

Bella

Although Edward and I spent almost every waking moment together he wouldn't allow me over the house for the final week and for some reason this made me unsettled and tearful,

"Its all right Bella, its just stress. That's why I think you should avoid all the excitement at the house."

"Can we discuss the honeymoon then? Where are we going Edward?"

"You know I can't tell you, its a surprise but I know you will love it Bella"

"And when we come back you'll find us a house in Alaska so Charlie thinks I'm at college and then I can become yours for eternity."

"We'll talk about that when we get back"

I looked at him, not liking the slightly shifty look in his eye but then I pushed away my fears that he was changing his mind. I loved him and he loved me, the exchange was a wedding ring for my transformation and I knew he wouldn't go back on his word. I was just nervous and seeing things that weren't really there at all.

Three days before the ceremony Renee and Phil arrived, they were staying at a motel in Port Angeles but Renee spent her time either with Alice and Esme or me. They charmed her as they charmed everyone they met and Renee practically gushed about them.

"Everything is perfect Bella. Its a wedding any girl would give her soul for"

A rather unfortunate expression under the circumstances and I saw Edward frown unhappily.

"Edward surely you can tell us where you are off to for your honeymoon now? How can Bella pack if she doesn't know if its going to be polar or tropical weather."

"Oh I'm not being allowed to pack. Alice has that all under control too"

Renee sighed happily,

"I wish I had in laws like yours Bella, they are almost unreal with all their generosity and Edward loves you like you were his destiny."

Edward hugged me tight,

"She is Mrs Dwyer, I love Bella with all my heart."

Renee was almost in tears when she left reminding me that Alice had my bachelorette party all organised for the following evening.

"I thought we were going out to Port Angeles or Seattle"

She shook her head,

"No, she decided that a girls night in would be best for you but I'm sure she has something wonderful planned."

It seemed everyone but me was in on the plans for my wedding! I felt myself getting annoyed again and took a few deep breaths to calm myself as I waved goodbye to my mother.