19
Bella made sure to give the girls extra special attention, pulling them into hugs and showering them with kisses. She knew Elizabeth was going to need help watching the girls so she began making rooms for them.
She let them pick out all the furniture as well as the decorations. Kelly loved the color purple and chose a simple white wrought iron bed. Annie loved the color yellow and chose a canopy with yellow bedding.
They were so excited to work on the rooms and Bella even allowed them to paint, but only in the closets. She got most of the work done as they slept at night and it kept her mind off of Edward.
Billy brought in the furniture and Bella made up the beds before they let each girl run to see the results of the rooms. They screamed and ran back and forth between each others rooms as Bella laughed and secretly wished they could stay with her forever.
It had been over four days and she still hadn't heard from Edward, so she called Elizabeth, after putting the girls to bed. She was running out the door for work, but told Bella Edward's plane had just landed and he should be home around midnight. Bella was sure he wouldn't come get the girls so late.
Her bed felt too empty with them in their own rooms and she couldn't get to sleep so she took a blanket and curled up on the porch swing to listen to the soft rain. She remembered as a child when her mother would rock on the swing and sing to her as she drifted off to sleep.
She hummed softly as she rocked and felt her heart skip a beat when Edward's car pulled in front of the rose covered fence. She stopped moving and watched as he walked toward the house, running his fingers through his hair.
He started up the stairs and froze when he saw Bella sitting on the swing. He looked so tired and her arms wanted to give him comfort. Instead she smiled softly as her head leaned to the side in anguish for him.
He sat his tall body on the top step, out of the rain, and leaned against the railing as he looked at her. His eyes saying what his mouth couldn't, he was worn out and wasn't sure how much more he could deal with.
"I'm so sorry," Bella said softly.
"I wanted her gone, I wanted her out of my life forever, I even wanted every memory of her erased from my mind, but I never wanted her dead," he confessed.
Bella remained quiet and waited for him to find the words he needed to explain. He let his head fall back against the rail and stared at Bella to gather strength.
"I left here so messed up," he began, "I worked my ass off to get through school as fast as possible to come back to you. I studied so hard to keep the memory of you from sending me running home. But my senior year I didn't have enough classes to keep my mind busy. I was haunted by your memory, so I found if I drank the weekends passed quickly. I was so arrogant that I felt I could handle the liquor."
Bella reached up to wipe the tears which were falling from her eyes. He hadn't forgotten her after all, but her memory hurt him, and that was hard to hear.
"Tanya was an ex-girlfriend of my roommates. I woke up with her in my bed after some really serious consumption of alcohol. I couldn't remember a thing, but she told me I had come on to her and told her I had wanted a relationship. I knew I would have only used those words if I had been hallucinating about you. I never called her after that night, but she came to me six weeks later and told me she was pregnant."
He finally moved his eyes away from Bella's and she wasn't sure if it was his pain he wanted to hide or keep himself from seeing hers.
"I knew I blew it and you would never want me now. I had to do the right thing and take care of my child. Tanya lied and told me she had been disowned and begged me to let her move in. I was honest up front and told her I didn't love her, but I would marry her to be with my child. I never thought she would agree," he said with a disgusted chuckle.
"I went into the marriage knowing a divorce would be eminent. Then Kelly was born," he said and his mouth pulled into a smile. "The second I held her in my arms I was gone, she owned me body and soul."
Bella smiled at his face and noticed how much his eyes lit up and the mention of his daughter.
"I got accepted to Northwestern for medical school and I took care of Kelly while Tanya worked nights at an assembly plant, or so I thought. She was an awful mother and I worried about Kelly's safety. I was looking into a divorce when Kelly got sick. I took her to the hospital and when they drew blood my world crashed in on me. There was no way Tanya and I could have a baby with that blood type."
Bella gasped loudly and covered her mouth.
"She was mine in my heart," he said as he hit his fist on his chest and his tears fell. "I held her, and fed her, and cared for her, I loved her and she was mine in my heart."
"Of course she was, Edward," Bella said knowing how much Kelly loved her daddy.
"Tanya didn't care, she said if I left she would marry Kelly's real father and take her from me. I lived in fear of coming home from school to find them gone. I decided to try and have a real marriage. I did everything I could to make Tanya happy but it was never enough and it was never the right things. She ended up pregnant again and this time I had DNA testing done at the beginning. Annie isn't mine, either."
"God, Edward," Bella cried, hurting for the sweet boy who deserved nothing but love.
"I was the only thing those two little girls had to keep them from living a life of hell. I lived it, but I couldn't let them do it. When I graduated I came here for my training so my mother could look after them. Tanya would hurt them, and I couldn't walk away and let it continue. I got a lawyer and he found out Tanya was a dancer, but it wasn't enough to take the girls away. A judge would see it as a way to pay for my medical school, something I had pressured her into doing. It was what she told her friends, anyway."
"I had a run in with Tanya before she died," Bella confessed and Edward looked at her with shock. "We actually had an argument in the ladies room."
"About what?" he asked.
"About me, still loving you," she said softly wanting to spare him anymore pain.
His eyes closed, spilling tears down his face, and he whispered. "Do you still, after hearing everything?"
"Edward, I waited faithfully. I will always love you and I love your daughters, too"
"What about Jimmy?" he asked hesitantly.
"He came by to show me he was sober and to tell me he wouldn't bother me. He lives in Port Angeles and wanted me to know."
Edward nodded and opened his tired eyes for a moment. "I was thinking about everything that has happened to us on my drive home. I think Kelly and Annie were meant for us, and this was the only way to find them and bring them home."
Bella let out a muffled sob as she tried so hard to control her emotions. She had seen so much of herself in Kelly and so much of Edward in Annie. His words made sense; she had felt love for them the moment she met them.
"Bella," Edward said with a pleading voice as his chin quivered, "I want to come home."
She jumped from the swing and rushed to where he sat on the step, falling into his open arms. He pulled her onto his lap and buried his face in her chest as he let everything he had been holding in over the years come rushing out.
Bella kissed his head as she held him tightly trying to savor the feeling of holding him once again. "Welcome home, Edward. Welcome home."
Once he calmed down he lifted his head and looked into her eyes. She wiped his tears and leaned in to kiss his lips. He moaned loudly and pulled her tighter into his arms. Bella was overwhelmed at the sensation of his body responding to hers. She felt like she couldn't get enough of him and prayed he was real and not a dream she was having.
"Let's go inside," she said, worrying she would begin to remove his clothing.
He let her up and stood before wrapping his arms around her from behind and walking together into the house. "Are the girls here?" he asked and Bella nodded and pulled him down the hallway. She opened the first door and Edward walked over to where Kelly lay sleeping. He got on his knees and ran his finger down her face.
"Daddy," she said with a sleepy voice
"Shhh, just sleep, princess," he said softly.
"Can we stay here?" she asked.
"Yes, baby, we can all stay here." He kissed her gently and stood to smile at Bella. She smiled back and nodded to the next room. Edward walked in to find Annie asleep in the canopy bed and chuckled. He walked over and kissed her as she continued to sleep soundly.
"I can't believe you did all this," he whispered and Bella shook her head to stop his compliments. "I've never loved you more," he added.
She took his hand and led him to her room and shut the door. Edward pulled her into his arms and kissed her in the way she remembered from so many years ago. She felt loved and safe and wanted to make him hers again.
They continued sharing soft kisses as they each undressed the other. Bella noticed how thin he was now and made a mental note to put some weight on him. Edward stared at her body with a reverent awe and when she led him to her bed he pulled her into his arms and asked, "Bella, will you marry me?"
"You didn't need to ask," she said, "Of course I will."
He lay her on the bed and let his body rest over hers as he stared into her eyes. There was nothing odd in his gaze, she saw what was there all along; he looked at her with nothing but love. "I love you, Bella," he vowed.
"I love you, Edward, forever."
They let their wanting, and needing, and love break free with the certainty of never leaving one another again. Edward had so much to offer her now and Bella could ask him to live here without diminishing his dreams. The most important thing was their love remained strong during the horrible trials they had faced for the past several years.
When Bella cried out, "You're mine.
Edward responded with, "I'm yours, forever."
They were sleeping peacefully when the little girls came running into the room and jumped onto the bed.
"Daddy," Annie laughed, "How did you get here?"
Edward tightened the covers over his nude body and chuckled nervously. "Why don't you girls go make your beds so your daddy can see your new rooms?" Bella said and both girls ran from the room.
Bella jumped up and grabbed a robe as she threw Edward his boxers. "Sorry, I'm not used to locking the door."
"Lock it now and come get back in bed," he laughed.
"They won't give up until you see their rooms, and act surprised," he instructed him.
He climbed out of bed and pulled on his jeans before heading down the hallway. Bella went into the kitchen and started some coffee before pulling out a selection of cereals. They all came into the kitchen laughing and looking so happy.
Kelly ran up to Bella and threw her arms around her, "I always wanted you for my mommy."
Bella looked at Edward with shock and he smiled. "I told the girls I love you and want us all to be a family."
"I think you two are the greatest little girls in the world and I would be honored to be your mommy," Bella said as tears filled her eyes.
"No crying," Edward said and pulled her into his arms to kiss her as the girls giggled and screamed.
They sat down to eat and Edward said, "I'm off for three more days. What should we do?"
"I want to ride a horse with you, daddy," Kelly said with hope and Bella laughed at Edward's expression.
"I want to swim with you," Annie said with a frown, thinking her sister would get her wish first.
"Bella, what do you want to do?" Edward asked with a slight smile.
"I want to do daddy," she said and winked at him.
"No, Bella, you're the mommy," Annie explained making them laugh.
"I know," Edward said, "Let's go to Port Angeles and get married."
"Yes," the girls screamed and Bella shook her head.
"No way, I want a wedding this time. I want the girls to be my flower girls and Jessica to be my matron of honor, with Billy walking me down the aisle."
"Why don't I get you a larger diamond and we drop the Jess idea."
Bella sighed in frustration, knowing Jessica and Edward were most likely never going to get along. She was feeling happier than she ever felt in her life, but something was…off. A nagging feeling remained in the back of her mind and she tried her best to ignore it.
20
Edward worked such long hours and would not be home for several days in a row. Bella did everything she could to make things easy and comfortable for him. The girls adapted quickly to their new family and seemed to blossom under Bella's watchful eye and constant love. She worried about how they would react to her discipline but they seemed to take her corrections in stride.
Jessica was helping Bella plan the wedding and the list of attendees was growing daily. It was going to be held in the arena with large sections of carpet to cover the dirt. They found the perfect princess gowns for Kelly and Annie, but Bella's dress was proving to be difficult.
The girls were asleep as Bella searched online for a dress style she liked when Edward walked in the back door. She looked up to see his beautiful, tired eyes smile at her. "You look exhausted," she said and rose to pull him into her arms.
"I'm fine," he said and kissed her neck. "God, it feels so incredible to walk through that door and find you waiting for me. I keep thinking I'm hallucinating."
"I'm real, and I will always be here waiting," she said and kissed him softly. "How are things at the hospital?"
"Good, did you call me today?"
"No, why?" she asked.
"Nothing, I got a page for a phone call, but when I answered the line it was dead. Maybe it was my mother," he said without much concern.
"Are you hungry?" she asked and tried to pull away but he tightened his arms and smiled.
"I'm ravenous," he said as he licked his lips.
"Anything I can do to ease your hunger?" she said as she pressed herself against him.
He placed his hands on her backside and pulled her tightly, adding the pressure he desired. "Yeah, you can do a lot," he sighed and closed his eyes.
She pulled his medical scrub over his head and tossed it on the counter. Just as she got hold of his underlying t-shirt Annie walked into the room rubbing her eyes. "Mommy, can I have a drink?" she asked.
Bella heard Edward groan as she pulled away and got a small glass from the cupboard. She handed the water to Annie and when she ran her hand through the child's hair she gasped and looked at Edward. "She's burning up," Bella said with shock.
Edward walked over and picked her up to set her on the counter. Let me see your throat sweetheart. Annie opened her mouth wide and Edward felt her neck, causing her to cry out when he pressed just under her ear.
"Have you been swimming?" he asked her.
Bella chuckled and said, "Do you even need to ask?"
"I'll write her a prescription for an antibiotic, she only has an ear infection," Edward said and kissed her forehead.
Bella opened a cupboard and pulled out some pain relieving liquid. "I don't like that stuff," Annie protested.
"It's okay, Bella, I'll just give her a shot," Edward said and Annie quickly opened her mouth for the medicine.
"I'll go get her prescription before the pharmacy closes," Bella said to Edward. "You get showered and changed."
"I guess I'll be sleeping hungry tonight," he said as he let his finger tap the end of Annie's nose.
"I'll make you a huge breakfast," Bella said with a wink.
"Pancakes?" Annie asked.
"Whatever daddy wants," Bella answered.
Edward walked over to where Bella waited for the prescription. He wrote quickly on two separate pages and tore them off the pad to hand them to her. She saw one was for Annie's antibiotic and the other was her. It read: Hurry home and fuck your husband senseless.
Bella looked up at him and whispered, "You're not my husband, yet."
She meant for it to sound teasing but Edward's smile fell and he took hold of her wrist and pulled her into his arms. "We're a family, Miami, and a piece of paper won't make it any more real. I've loved you since I was thirteen and the dress isn't going to make any difference to me."
Bella suddenly felt foolish for stressing over finding the perfect dress. It was not about the dress or the wedding; it was about standing up in front of the entire town and vowing to love Edward forever. It was about taking care of the sick little girl and making sure she was healthy and happy, and helping Edward fulfill his dream of being a doctor, anyway she could. For Edward it was about finally having the only woman he had loved forever as his.
"I'll be back, to thank you properly for what you just said. I love you," she said as tears threatened to fill her eyes. She kissed him quickly and headed out the door as he picked up Annie to place her in their bed.
Bella pulled out of the large gate and saw a car parked along the side of the road quickly take off without turning on its lights. Her heart sped up and she turned in that direction to shine her lights along the road to see if anyone lurked in the darkness.
She decided it was most likely kids making out and headed to the pharmacy. There was an uneasy feeling she couldn't quite shake and wondered if it was Annie being sick or the phantom car spooking her.
She walked up to the drop off window and handed the pharmacist the script as she searched her purse for the insurance card Edward had given her earlier.
"I'm sorry, but I can't fill this," the man said and handed it back to Bella.
"Why?" Bella said angrily, dreading Annie having to wait even one night for the medicine.
"You are going to have to fuck your own husband," he said as he tried to keep a straight face.
Bella gasped and grabbed the paper from his hand as her entire body turned bright red.
"I'm sorry, I handed you the wrong…I mean, it was a joke, oh God," she finally settled with and handed him the right slip of paper.
The man walked away as he laughed loudly and Bella was going to thrash Edward when she got home. She walked around the store as she waited, looking at various items and purchased Annie a little plastic mermaid to make her feel better. After paying for the medicine, and apologizing yet again to the laughing pharmacist, she hurried out to her car.
She saw all four tires had been slashed and she quickly ran back inside the store. She pulled out her cell phone and called Edward. Her hands were shaking and she was finding it difficult to speak. When he answered the phone she began to cry from relief. "Edward lock the gate and turn on the alarms," she said in a panic.
"What's wrong," he asked and she could tell he was a bit panicked.
"My tires have been slashed. When I left, a car was parked by the house and took off without any lights. And then your phone call today, oh God, Edward, are the girls safe?"
"Calm down, I'll be right there," he said and Bella quickly objected.
"Stay with the girls, don't leave them," she insisted. "I'm calling the police."
"Keep me informed," he said, "I'll lock up everything."
It took fifteen minutes for the police to arrive and they felt it was only kids messing around. They had several cars vandalized in recent days and tried to assure her she was not targeted, but a victim of availability. A tow truck was sent for her vehicle and she arrived home over an hour after she had left the house.
Annie was asleep, but Edward was waiting up for Bella. He came outside to see the tires slashed and shook his head, "I'll take tomorrow off and get new tires put on."
"No, I'll do it, you need to be at work," Bella told him and wrapped her arms around him, feeling instantly better.
He led her into the house and reset the alarms before she buried her face in his chest. He held her tightly as he rocked her back and forth. "I'm sure it's nothing," he whispered against her hair and she nodded in agreement.
"I'll move Annie and then you can sleep in my arms," he said but Bella held him to his spot.
"Do you know Carl Linder?" she asked with her head still down.
"Yes, he works at the hospital pharmacy two nights a week, why?"
"He filled Annie's script," Bella answered.
"And?" Edward asked, not following where the conversation was going.
"I accidently handed him mine," she said and waited nervously.
"Your what?"
"My prescription you wrote for me."
"I didn't….Oh shit," he laughed loudly and Bella turned red again.
"You realize we have to move, right?" she said as she placed her hands to cover her face.
He laughed louder and used his hands to pull hers away so he could see her face. "I'm your doctor; you shouldn't be ashamed to talk frankly with me. I'm only concerned about your health and feel my treatment plan is what is in your best interest."
"And like a true medical professional, I am sure the fact you benefit from my said treatment plan was a pretty big motivator."
"I'm not going to bill you," he said as he laughed ever harder.
"You should have married Jessica," Bella said to take a jab at him.
"I'm turning off the alarms," he said as he pulled away from her and Bella quickly grabbed his arm.
"I'm sorry," she laughed. "Go move Annie, so I can take my medicine."
Edward ran quickly as Bella laughed behind him. He picked up Annie and took her into the kitchen to give her a dose of medicine before putting her back in her own rom. He sat on the edge of the canopy bed and gently rubbed her back until she fell back asleep.
Bella was lying under the covers and when he finally made it back into the room she scooted over and held the blanket open for him to climb in. He saw her nude body and moaned loudly before turning around and locking the door.
He got into the bed and she quickly climbed over to straddle him before he had a chance to remove his pajama bottoms. "Your body is so beautiful," he sighed and ran his hands over her flesh. Bella took hold of both of his wrists and pulled them over his head.
"You embarrassed me tonight, Edward. I'm going to have to punish you," she said with a sultry voice and he let out a nervous laugh.
"This is new," he said with a whisper and she leaned over to bite his lip, causing him to inhale sharply.
"Don't speak," she demanded.
He nodded and took hold of his left wrist with his right hand, keeping it over his head. Bella surprised herself with the ease at which she completely lost her inhibitions with him. She loved him so much and didn't doubt his love for her, giving her confidence to act out her fantasies. Her only worry was if his loud affirmations to God, and her body, would wake up the girls.
She finally collapsed next to him as he struggled to catch his breath. His body was sweating lightly and his eyes were wide with shock. He looked at her face with his crystal eyes as his chest heaved up and down. "Oh my God, you are mine forever," he said with astonishment.
"I just followed my doctor's order, that's all," she said with a sly smile.
He looked up at the ceiling and shook his head lightly back and forth, "You seriously just fucked me senseless."
21
Bella could not imagine life getting any better than it was at this moment. Their separation seemed like another lifetime and she kept waiting for the moment when doubt or life's pressures would add stress to their perfect existence, but for now everything was perfect.
They decided on Labor Day weekend for the wedding and took a family picture for the announcements. Bella found a dress at a department store and even Jessica thought it looked good.
When she took the girls to the elementary school to register Kelly for first grade, she showed them the picture of her mother that hung in the hallway. She stared at her smiling photograph and whispered, "I found the perfect man, mom, and he made me a mother."
Annie was signed up for preschool and insisted on having her own backpack covered in dolphins. Kelly announced that since she was a first grader she didn't want a 'baby' backpack and found a plain purple one.
They shopped for school clothes and new shoes and when Bella led them to the car, holding their hands in hers as they walked, she was beaming with pride. She was filled with excitement for them, knowing the journey they were beginning would lead them to friendships, great memories, and first loves.
When they got home all three girls, including Bella, shrieked with excitement to see Edward was home. They were gathering their packages when he opened the door to watch them. "Did you leave anything left in the store?" he asked and Bella smiled at the memory of her father using that same line.
They entered the house to find Billy sitting at the table. "Grandpa, I got yellow shoes," Annie said as she ran to his side.
"Well, well, what will they think of next. Shoes are supposed to cover your feet, not make you look like you stepped in horse piss."
Both girls laughed loudly and Edward said, "Kells Bells and My Annie, take your stuff into your room." Bella looked at him with wide eyes realizing she had been in his thoughts when she was sure he had completely forgotten her. Edward looked a bit embarrassed by the fact Bella saw through his girl's nicknames so she walked over and hugged him tightly.
"What's up, Billy?" she asked and he stood to leave.
"Just talking to Edward, nothing you women need to worry about," he said as he headed out the door.
"Is something wrong?" Bella asked Edward with concern.
He smiled and shook his head, "It's a good thing, I promise."
"But you're not going to tell me, right?"
"Right," he laughed. "But I will tell you my sisters are coming to the wedding. Then my mom will head to Seattle to stay with them for a bit. She's going to fully retire, finally. I think my girls were hard on her."
Bella looked at him for a moment and asked, "Why didn't you bring them to me, I would have helped you?"
"How could I, Bella? Tanya knew I was in love with you and she threatened me often with taking them away."
"Was she drinking? I mean, the accident," she finally asked.
"I don't know, I didn't have an autopsy done. She was badly mangled; you don't want to hear the details, love."
Annie came walking into the room with the outfit she decided she would wear on the first day of preschool. She had on a little plaid skirt over her stripped swimsuit with her new yellow shoes. "Oh my," Bella laughed and walked over to pick her up into her arms and take her back to her room for another try.
Jessica walked in yelling for Bella. She saw Edward and sneered. "I hope you got your tux rented."
"No, I didn't. I bought one since I will need it for the hospital galas," he said smugly.
"Did you have Bella approve it?" she asked as she folded her arms.
"Approve it?" he asked hatefully.
"Yeah, you know, make sure you didn't screw it up."
"I handled medical school; I think I can pick out a tux. Did you find a litter of Dalmatians to make your coat?"
"Disney reference, how Edward of you," she said as she rolled her eyes.
"Are you still married to the ugly blind guy?" he asked and tried not to laugh.
"He isn't blind," she said angrily.
"Wow, shocking," Edward retorted and Bella walked into the room so they both quickly shut their mouths.
"I got a band, what song do you guys want to dance to? I assume, Hot for Teacher, or, Smells like Teen Spirit?"
"Jessica," Bella said with a warning tone. "I don't know, what do you think, Edward?"
He thought for a moment and then smiled widely, "Faithfully, by Journey."
"That's perfect," Bella smiled and Jessica rolled her eyes.
"So, where is Edward going to stay for the next three days?" Jessica asked.
"What do you mean?" Bella asked.
"He can't sleep with you until after the wedding, so it will be exciting and intense on the wedding night," she answered as if Bella was so clueless.
Bella looked at Edward and they both smiled at each other knowingly. They automatically took steps in the other's direction as if being drawn together by a magnet.
"I don't think it will be a problem," Bella giggled and Jessica stood in disgust.
"God, how can you possibly have sex with him," she mumbled and slammed the door on her way out.
"I want her photo shopped out of all the wedding pictures," Edward said seriously.
The next morning delivery trucks began to arrive and the arena started its transformation. Billy watched everything that was done as he complained about messing with his work schedule. The light yellow and purple gave the space a soft intimate feel.
A constant stream of people came and went until everything was finished and ready for the big day. Bella dressed in her room and Edward dressed at Billy's. Sue came into the room wearing a beautiful cream colored dress. Bella couldn't ever remember Sue wearing a dress the entire time she knew her.
"Wow, you look gorgeous," Bella exclaimed.
"Nonsense today is about the bride," she said and hugged Bella before handing her some tissue.
"I'm not crying," Bella said with a smile and Sue chuckled as she opened the door and let Kelly and Annie into the room.
They were in their purple and yellow gowns, holding a white basket of flower petals, with their hair curled onto their head. Bella's eyes filled with tears and she had to work quickly and furiously to keep them from spilling over and ruining her makeup.
"Can I wear this to preschool?" Annie asked.
"It is only for weddings," Kelly pointed out and Annie frowned, just like Edward did when Bella first met him.
"You two are the prettiest little girls in the world," Bella said and gave them both a hug.
Jessica came running into the room and gasped when she looked at Bella wearing only a slip. "Get ready, you only have five minutes."
"I only have to slip on my gown. Is Edward ready?" Bella asked.
"Yes, and he got the tux right," Jessica said as if it angered her.
"Okay, help me put on my gown," Bella said and the women placed the strapless dress on her body and laced it tightly up the back.
"You look like and angel," Sue said and kissed her cheek softly.
"Don't make me cry," Bella insisted and when the door opened Billy was waiting dressed in a western suit and shiny black boots.
He took Bella's hands and said with a very tight voice, "I feel Charlie with me. He leads my footsteps today."
"I love you, Billy. I never could have made it all these years without you and Sue to help me. Charlie was so lucky to have you as his friend."
"Let's go get you married to the kid with the freaky eyes," he said as he held out his arm, making Bella laugh.
The wedding party lined up in front of the arena and the wedding music began to play. Edward waited in the middle of the decorated ring with Emmett and Jasper by his side. Sue walked in first holding a small bouquet of flowers, followed by Jessica. Kelly and Annie walked in together and a loud sigh could be heard by the full crowd.
Bella walked through the door on Billy's arm and Edward took a step toward her, having to be pulled back by Jasper. She walked slowly down the white carpet as she stared directly into Edward's translucent eyes.
It was actually happening and both of them felt such a relief. He would never have to watch her clandestinely, hoping she wouldn't see his thoughts in his face. She would finally have not only love, but love from the greatest man she could ever hope for.
They joined hands and only remembered the years filled with shared moments. Jimmy and Tanya didn't exist anymore; it was only Edward and Bella, parents of two precious souls.
When they were announced man and wife Edward pulled her back and to the side. She looked at him with confusion and he nodded back to the altar. "Surprise," he said with a smile.
Billy and Sue stepped up to the minister as Bella gasped loudly. She was unable to contain her tears as she watched them wed, knowing finally Sue had let go of her demons and kicked his ass out of her head.
The crowd cheered loudly as both couples kissed passionately. Bella was grateful she didn't have to watch Sue and Billy kissing and took advantage of having Edward in her arms.
They all hugged and people were invited down to the arena floor for a dinner. Bella and Edward made the rounds to accept congratulations as the band played energetically. The girls were meeting new people and announcing proudly Bella was now their mother.
When a woman who looked vaguely familiar walked up to them and offered a very forced congratulations Edward tensed. "Thank you, Victoria," he said and moved on to the next table.
"That was Victoria?" Bella asked in shock. "Wow, I feel great now, I look years younger than her."
"Does it ever bother you, my age?" he asked and she wondered why he would ask now, it was a bit too late to worry if age was an issue.
"No, we'll die together now," Bella laughed.
The band announced the first dance so they headed to the dance floor and held each other without moving very much at all. Toward the end of the song Edward held his hand out for his girls and they joined the couple as they all swayed to the music.
The next song was for Billy and Sue so they moved to a table to eat a little bit of the food they were paying so dearly for. Jessica was ecstatic that the crowd seemed to linger and the dance area was constantly crowded.
As the night wore on several people took to the microphone to make toasts to the couples. Billy seemed nervous as he looked at Bella and Edward and said, "I think of you as my own children and hearing the girls call me grandpa, well, it is pretty damn nice." He then turned to Sue and said, "I was determined to remain a bachelor for my entire life until the day I met you, it took me over twenty five years to convince you, but I did it."
Sue grabbed the microphone from his hand and announced, "He didn't do anything; Bella convinced me. I saw how hard she worked to get past her issues and figured I better catch up. You are my portion of spotted dick, old man."
Billy looked confused so Bella leaned over to tell him it was the name of a pudding dish in England. "I thought she was giving me a spirit guide name," he teased and Sue pulled him into a big kiss.
When Jessica took the stand Edward tensed and looked down at his feet so Bella nudged him in the ribs. Jessica smiled at Bella and said with tears forming, "You are my best friend. You always stood by me, no matter what. I know most people in town put up with me just because you found something likeable about me, thank you."
Bella wiped away her own tears as Jess continued. "I wish you nothing but happiness, because you deserve it. I look forward to the many memories we have yet to make."
Bella stepped forward and hugged her tightly. When they finally parted Jessica said, "Oh and Edward, yeah, I like how many hours you work."
"Jessica," Bella said in anger, but actually felt it was much softer than what she was expecting Jessica to say.
Several people spoke to Sue and Billy before Kelly took the microphone and spoke very softly. "Daddy, I love you and you got the best mommy in the world for me and Annie."
Edward's tears instantly began to fall and he held his arms open for Kelly to rush into them. He kissed her head and thanked her for the kind words. Annie decided to give it a try, not fully understanding the concept of toasting the couple. She took the microphone and put it right against her mouth, speaking so loudly Kelly had to cover her ears and said, "Can I go swimming?"
The crowd fell into laughter and Edward reached over and relieved her of the squealing microphone. He went to speak and had to let his hand fall for a minute as he composed himself. When he finally spoke he looked at Bella with his amazing eyes and smiled. "How do I find a way to say what I feel in my heart in only a few short sentences?"
Bella smiled and felt her own heart beating wildly as she looked into Edward's loving gaze.
"You had on a pair of khaki shorts with a white t-shirt the day I first set eyes on you. You were wearing a blue pair of sweat pants with a tank top the moment I knew I was in love with you. You had on a pair of boxers and a grey shirt the first time I made love to you, and you were wearing a red and white nightgown the night I asked you to marry me.
Bella was stunned to hear his words. She couldn't believe how much he paid attention to everything about her and it made her love him that much more. If he would have come to her as a grown man wanting a relationship she would have sent him away. She needed to heal and build trust and it worked out perfectly that they grew together slowly over the years.
It was too painful to remember the years without him, but she had two little girls to love and everything she went through was now worth it.
Edward finished by saying, "Bella, I will love you forever and I can swear to you, we will never be separated again."
They kissed as the crowd cheered and then Bella took the microphone. "I used to look into your eyes and see something I didn't understand. I didn't know what love looked like and I didn't recognize it when it was looking right at me. All I knew was life was so much better when you were around. You taught me about love on a rainy night and made me yours forever. I waited for you, faithfully, and you came back, bringing even more love with you. You made me a mother, Edward. I can't ever repay you for…"
She was unable to continue as she sobbed loudly and Edward pulled her into his arms and let her cry into his tux. The band began playing again and people slowly started filtering out. The crowd was thin as the decorators began breaking down the tables and food stations.
Bella changed into some jeans and a sweatshirt while Edward removed his entire tux except his pants and a t-shirt to help Billy put the arena back in order. The girls were running around playing as Sue and Bella talked together. Edward walked past Bella and suddenly stopped with wide eyes.
"What?" Bella asked his stunned face.
He dropped what he was holding and spun about to look around the stands of the arena and then back at Bella's chest.
"What?" she asked again and looked down to see a red tracer from a gun shining right over her heart.
Edward grabbed her arm and pulled her behind his body as he searched for who was placing a target on his wife.
