Chapter 7 – Reception

Bella POV

A/N: I hope I do this right… Charlie's gonna talk to Bella in this chapter. And she's gonna tell him everything. But Edward and Bella have to be perfect; I think this may be the hardest chapter I've had to write. Thank you all for the amount of wonderful reviews I've gotten, I love you all, and please continue reading and reviewing!

Edward and I got into the back of the Rolls Royce and drove slowly back to the house. Jasper was driving, but the screen between the driver's seat and the back seat was up. Edward drew me into his arms and kissed the top of my head. There was a moment of silence, before Edward laughed out loud. I looked up startled.

"You're officially my wife!" he exclaimed, laughing. I smiled. "You're Mrs. Edward Cullen," he added softly. I kissed him softly and he kept me there, before we heard Jasper give a loud cough.

"I can feel emotions you know," he reminded us loudly. We both laughed.

"Sorry Jasper," I muttered. Jasper pulled the car over outside of the house. Edward opened the door for me and offered his hands to me. I took it, and stepped out of the car. Judging by the amount of cars outside, it looked like everyone was already here. I looked around for Jasper, but he had already run inside, probably to be with Alice. All of a sudden, Edward swung me up into his arms and walked me into the house. As soon as we walked through the door, there was a loud round of applause and cheering, from Emmett. I smiled at them all, so obviously happy for me. But then my eyes locked onto Charlie's, who was sitting in his chair, not clapping, not smiling, but staring steely to Edward and I. Edward followed my gaze, and I felt him tense. Edward lowered me when Renee and Phil walked up to us. Renee hugged me, and then she hugged Edward.

"Bella, I'm so proud of you, baby! Edward, you're very welcome with us," she smiled warmly. Edward smiled at her.

"Thank you, Renee," he said, smiling back. "Maybe we could come and visit you some time?" he asked. I cringed. I knew it would be awhile before I could see her, and Renee would notice the difference. I made up my mind there and then, to tell both her and Charlie about the Cullen's. Renee smiled and walked off, just as Alice brought us all to attention.

"People, if we could reconvene in the dining room, we'll be having lunch and there are some speeches to be made!" she cried out, and everyone made their way to the dining room. Edward carried me again, and placed in the one of the two chairs at the head of the table. Edward sat down beside me. All of a sudden, waiters appeared, and served a delicious steak Diane. I looked at Alice who was sitting next to me.

"Alice!" I hissed. She looked at me innocently. "This is too much!"

"Okay, I'll ask the waiter to bring you a smaller steak," she said. I rolled my eyes.

"I mean, you made it all too fancy!" I whispered.

"Bella, relax," she said. I sat back in my chair feeling sulky. Edward stood up and cleared his throat.

"Hello, everyone. Thank you all for coming to our wedding," he stated loudly. "I believe I'm kicking off the speeches." I heard him take a deep breath.

"I met Bella two years ago in biology class," he said. I smiled as I remember the ups and downs of knowing him. "I figured out I loved her by the next day. The feeling that coursed through me was incredible. I'm sorry, I'm not very good at speeches, but I'm sure you don't want to sit through a ten minute speech with one ultimate point – I love you, Bella. You are my life, my soul, my existence, my reason, my love. Bella, I love you." He sat down and kissed me. I threw my arms around his neck, and whispered in his ear, "Thank you." Carlisle was the next to stand up. Charlie looked at him sourly.

"Hello, I'm acting as Bella's father of the bride," he said, looking apologetically at Charlie. I wished he wouldn't. Edward squeezed my hand. "Bella, we are very happy to welcome you to our family. You don't see the changes we see in Edward every day, you've made him sparkle. Bella, there is not much I can say, except this: welcome to the family." He raised his glass to me and everyone around the table imitated him, except Charlie.

"Thank you," I said softly. Suddenly, I heard a pianist start playing. The melody was sweet and familiar. I realised it was my lullaby. Alice stood up.

"Please, if you'll follow through to the living room, the bride and groom are invited to share their first dance together," she told us. Edward swept me up into his arms and walked through to the living room. He placed my feet on his, and wrapped his arms around me and drew me close. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against his chest. We danced slowly until the music morphed into Esme's favourite, and everyone else joined in and danced too. The rest of the night passed in a whirlwind of laughing, dancing, being amongst friends and Edward. Edward never left my side. Finally, it was time for all the guests to leave. The celebrations had carried on for hours; it was now nine thirty at night. I needed to talk and explain to Renee and Charlie. I was nervous about this. They walked up to me and Edward to say goodnight, but I stopped them.

"Umm, Mum, Dad? Can I talk to you for a minute?" Or two, or three, or more, I thought. However long it took for them to believe me.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Edward whispered into my ear. I nodded; I might need him there for proof. They both nodded, and I led them up to Edward's room. I motioned for them to sit down.

"What is it Bella?" asked Renee. "You're not pregnant are you?" I shook my head.

"No, Mom, it's something more serious than that. Err.." I trailed off. Edward nodded and smiled at me, and I took comfort from it. I came right out and said it. "Edward is a vampire. So is his entire family." They both stared at me incredulously, and then looked to Edward, then back to me again.

"Nonsense," said Renee, laughing nervously. "There's no such thing as vampires! Why, that'd be like saying that werewolves are real!"

"They are," I told them. "Jacob Black's a werewolf. Billy used to be." Charlie's mouth fell open. Then his eyes narrowed.

"Prove it," he said meanly. "How do we know you're not just having us on?" I looked at Edward, who nodded. He picked up the bed with one hand. Renee screamed and curled closer to Charlie. I looked apologetically at them.

"Edward's going to turn me into a vampire soon," I told them. "Edward's family don't feed on humans. They're 'vegetarians', if you will." Charlie stood up angrily.

"I knew there was something weird about him! Bella, you are NOT to be turned into a vampire!" he yelled. I was stunned he'd come to terms with it so quickly.

"It was MY choice, Charlie!" I yelled back. Edward looked worried, as Alice and Jasper came sprinting into the room. Soon Esme, Rosalie and Emmett joined us, and last of all, Carlisle. Carlisle walked closer to my parents who shrank back.

"I'm sorry we didn't tell you earlier," he murmured. "We're not dangerous." Renee screamed and ran out of the room, with Charlie following close behind. No one followed them. All the vampires flinched as they heard the door slam. Everyone looked at me as I opened my mouth soundlessly. Edward came over to me and rubbed my back and drew me close.

"Are you okay?" he murmured into my ear. I nodded.

"It had to be done," I muttered to him, but I meant it for everyone. "I'm actually fine." I was surprised that I was. I wasn't even sad! I mock glared at everyone.

"Excuse me, but I believe it is our wedding night! A little privacy, if you will!" I exclaimed. Everyone laughed. Jasper stepped forward.

"Bella, welcome," he said softly. I thanked him and gave him a hug. He hesitantly hugged me back. Everyone was out the door in a flash, with Alice calling back "Have fun!" That left just me and Edward.