Chapter 3:

As we walked up the front steps to the Cullen's house- mansion might describe it better- Alice opened the door and greeted us wildly.

"I can't believe this! Just earlier I wasn't sure if you were actually going to do it, but-"

I cut her off, smiling profusely.

"Alice, you more than anyone should have known I was going to do it!"

I hugged her anyway, as she jumped at me. We walked up the last couple of steps, and I looked into the open doorway.

The whole Cullen family was present, now that Edward and I had shown up. Esme and Carlisle stood off on one side, beaming at me. Jasper and Rosalie stood back a little ways, Jasper with an intense grin on his face and Rosalie a small- but more than beautiful- smile. Emmett was laughing, and Alice was dragging me up the stairs before I knew it.

"We have to get planning, Bella," she said quickly, "I have the guest list almost finished!"

I looked at Edward, pleading with my eyes for him to follow me, but I wasn't disappointed when he didn't come.

"Bella, I need to go get something to eat, I will be back later tonight."

It made me laugh, the way he put it, making his need sound so human. I just nodded at him as he, Emmet, and Jasper walked out the front door. I had better things to do, I told myself- smiling at my thoughts- but not for long.

Alice pulled me into her room, and I was ready to get started.

"Ok, here is the guest list. I figured you could deal with most of the people I have there, but," she added, almost pouting, "feel free to cross anyone out."

I looked over the list, musing to myself.

"Charlie, Renée, Phil, Jess, Mike…" I quietly read the list to myself, "Angela, Lauren…"

I was more than relieved when I didn't see Jacob's name on the list. I knew that I wanted him there, but I also knew better. After what I had said to him, I couldn't just take it back and invite him to my wedding.

"Looks good to me, Alice. But do we really have to invite all of Forks?" I joked.

"Come on, Bella, you know all of these people, and they are entitled to an invitation," she called to me from her closet.

I laughed, partially because I knew that nothing could dampen my mood, partially because I knew how much joy Alice found in planning huge parties for me.

"And I suppose the reception is gonna be at the Lodge?" I asked her, thinking of cramming the whole town into that restaurant. It might get a little crowded, I smiled to myself.