Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, unfortunately
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Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, unfortunately. They are owned by the genius Stephenie Meyer.
Chapter 9 – Celebrations
BPOV:
For the next few days leading up to our engagement party, Edward spoiled me with his cooking and little trips together for alone time. Mostly we went to our meadow, but occasionally he would surprise me with a new location.
He had found a lovely cliff that overlooked the forest near his house. The view was absolutely breathtaking. We enjoyed picnics under the sunset there almost every night. It was quickly becoming one of my new favorite spots.
We discussed more wedding details, like where we wanted to go on our honeymoon, what gifts we should get for our wedding party and guests, and whether we wanted to write our own vows use the traditional vows.
Edward, of course, wanted to write our own vows, but I was a little hesitant. I didn't know if I could put into words how I feel when I am with him, and I am sure whatever I came up with would be nowhere near as melodic as his.
He eventually convinced me that we should write our own because they would better express our feelings for one another, and he too would have a hard time writing them. He reassured me that everything was going to be fine, and they would flow naturally when the time was right.
Right before we got ready to leave on Thursday night, I got a call from Phil saying my mom went into labor and would call again when she had the baby. I was worried because she still had a few weeks to go, but he didn't seem too worried.
I still couldn't stop worrying about her though, so I didn't get much sleep. I wanted to know what was going on and felt bad I wasn't there with her. Edward tried singing to me to help, but it didn't work. I continued to toss and turn all night.
When Edward left me that morning to go hunting with his brothers and Carlisle, I got up too. If I couldn't sleep when he was with me, there was no way I would be able to sleep without him.
Why hasn't Phil or my mom called yet? Is there something wrong? Should I call them?
I took a long shower hoping to relieve some of the stress and worry in my life right now. I dressed and headed down stairs for breakfast.
The morning passed slowly as I continued to wait for a call and continued stressing about the wedding.
I was still terrified about 'winging it' once I got up to the altar and worried about my mom as lunch had passed and I still hadn't heard any news, so I decided to ask Esme for help while we were setting up for the party and while the boys were still out.
I walked slowly over to Esme who was cleaning the kitchen and sat down on at the counter. I let out a sigh as I checked my phone once again to see no new calls.
"Can I talk to you Esme?"
"Of course, I consider you my daughter and I would like to help in any way possible."
"I assume Edward told you my mom went into labor last night." She nodded. "I still haven't heard anything from them and it has been over 12 hours. I worried something is wrong. Should I call them?"
"I am sure everything is fine. No news is good news right?"
I nodded, but I still was worried.
"I would give them a few more hours before you call them."
"Okay," I said wearily.
"Bella, you still seem upset. Is there something else worrying you?"
"Edward wants us to write our own vows, but I am worried that I won't be able to find the right words to show him just how much I love him, and that I will look like an idiot when I am bumbling in front of everyone…"
I was going to continue, but Esme cut me off. "Don't worry. I had the same worries, but once you get up there, the right words will come to you. Honesty, I don't think Edward would care if all you said was 'I do'. He just wants to be with you."
I couldn't help but tear up. Esme has always known exactly what to say to put my mind at ease.
She continued, "I know you think he doesn't love you as much as you love him, but sometimes I think that the love the two of you have for each other outweighs the love that is shared by even Carlisle and me. You guys are truly meant for one another, and I hope that someday you will see exactly what I see when I look at you together."
Esme gave me a hug and handed me a Kleenex. If I was this messed up before the engagement party, I could only imagine what I would be like before the wedding.
Esme and I continued to talk about the vacation and wedding, but I was interrupted by my cell phone ringing. I picked it up hoping it was news about my mom.
"Hello?"
"Bella, this is Phil. How are you?"
I was worried that something happened to my mom since I hadn't heard anything in so long. "I am fine, just getting ready for the party. How is my mom? Is she there? Can I talk to her?"
"Your mom had the baby about an hour ago. We had little girl." I could hear the elation in his voice, but he sounded tired.
"Her name is Olivia Rose. She weighed six pounds eleven ounces and was twenty-one inches long. Right now, your mom is resting, but she told me I should call you."
I smiled widely. I was a big sister. I had a little sister.
"I am so happy. How did she do? Is the baby healthy?"
"She did great considering she was in labor for about eighteen hours. Olivia is perfectly healthy, ten fingers, and ten toes. I have to go now, but I will have your mom call you later tonight."
"Okay thanks Phil. Tell my mom I said hello and give her and the baby a kiss for me please. I will talk to you later. Bye."
I hung up the phone and placed it on the counter.
"I am a big sister," I said as I stared off into space.
I still couldn't wrap my head around it. I couldn't wait to meet my little sister. There was a little pain in my heart as I realized I wasn't going to get the chance to see her grow up.
"That is wonderful, but why do you look so sad?" Esme said as she looked at me with concern in her eyes.
"I just realized I won't get to see her grow up. I mean I might be able to see her from a distance, but I won't be there to help her through her important milestones…" Tears started to form in my eyes. I tried my best not to let Esme see them, but it didn't work.
She pulled me into a loving embrace. "It will be okay. You won't miss out on anything if we can help it, I promise."
We stayed still for a few more moments before I broke free. She handed me another Kleenex; I gratefully accepted it.
"Please don't tell Edward about this," I asked while wiping tears from my face. "I just don't want to give him another excuse not to change me. It is what I want. I know all that I am giving up, but I am gaining so much more. I just need a little time to get used to having a little sister, another thing to give up."
"Oh, Bella, you don't need to 'give her up'. You may not be able to see her for a while, but one day you will see her. You can keep in touch with your mom, so you will get to see many pictures I am sure. Once she grows up, you can call her or email her. You will never leave her."
I sniffled a little and continued to brush tears from my face. "Thanks, I needed that. You have always been like a mother to me, and I am thankful that soon you really will be. Thank you for everything."
I gave her another hug before I headed upstairs. I needed to calm down before Edward came home and the party started, so I decided to take a shower.
I loved Edward's shower. It had a big spout that looked like a sunflower coming down from the ceiling with three smaller jets on two of the adjacent tiled walls. It was very relaxing. He even had a stereo in the bathroom, so I could put on some relaxing music.
I started the shower and pressed play on the stereo hoping that whatever Edward had in there was good. A smile came to my face as I realized that Debussy was playing.
Ever since the day I had listened to it with Edward as he drove me home after my fainting spell in biology and I felt I needed to be closer to Edward when he was not with me, I would play this CD. It had become one of our favorite CDs.
I quickly undressed and climbed carefully into the shower. Edward had bought some of my shampoo months ago so I didn't have to keep bringing mine when I stayed the night with 'Alice'.
His house was quickly becoming more and more my home than Charlie's house. I had been slowly moving stuff into his room, and soon, all my stuff would be here. It will be only a short time until we moved after I was changed, but this house will always be my home.
Halfway through my shower I heard the door open. I saw a blur, but I could tell that it was Edward. He set something on the counter and left.
I hurried to finish my shower. I opened the shower door and wrapped myself in Edward's robe. I had my own, but I loved to use his because it smelled like him.
On the counter, Edward had placed a fresh set of clothes, a rose, and a note. I picked up the rose and smelled it as I read the note.
Bella-
I heard about your little sister. Congratulations. Put these clothes on and meet me in Carlisle's study. I have a surprise for you.
I love you,
Edward
I dressed as fast as I could in the khaki capris and blue tank top he had left for me and opened the bathroom door only to be grabbed by Emmett.
He gave me a bear hug. "Congratulations, Bella! You have a little sister."
"Thanks Emmett. How was hunting?" I tried to get past him, but he wasn't having any of that.
"Where do you think you are going? Didn't you miss me?" He looked down at me with his puppy dog eyes.
"Of course I missed you, but I am sorry to report that I missed my fiancé more. And right now, you are keeping me from him, so if I were you, I would move before Edward makes you."
We couldn't help but laugh at my statement. Edward was faster, but Emmett was stronger.
"Oh, right- your surprise. I almost forgot. Would you like a lift?"
Before I had a chance to respond, Emmett picked me up, threw me over his shoulder, and ran me to Carlisle's study.
"Emmett, I would appreciate it if you would gently return my fiancée to the ground," Edward said a little crossly
Emmett obeyed and Edward rushed over to me. I threw my arms around him and kissed him passionately. Our lips molded together as if they were one.
He broke our kiss only to keep kissing me from my cheeks to my jaw to my neck. I breathed in and out slowly trying to regain my composure, but Edward was making it very hard.
I turned my head a little bit so could I kiss his ear. I whispered, "I missed you."
He stopped and looked directly into my eyes. They were dark with lust. "I missed you too. I am very much looking forward to the next two weeks together."
I could have sworn I saw a little glint in Edward's eye. Maybe he knew what Alice and I had planned for him.
"Okay that's enough. I really don't know how much more of this I can take," Jasper said angrily as he entered the room.
I reluctantly released my death grip on Edward. He led me over to the computer and turned it on.
I saw my face appear on the screen and seconds later, I saw my mom. Edward handed me a head set.
I put it on and said, "Hello?"
"Bella? I can see you. Can you see me? How are you?"
"Yes, I can see you? I'm great, busy getting ready for the party tonight. How are you? How's Olivia? Phil called me earlier, but you were sleeping."
"I'm good, just tired. Olivia's good. She is right here. Would you like to see her?"
Renee slowly went out of the camera and came holding a little bundle wrapped in a pink blanket.
"Bella, I would like you to meet your sister, Olivia Rose."
She stared at her for a few more moments before turning her attention back to the camera.
"Thank you so much for the baby gifts, but how did you know I was having a girl?"
I snapped my head up to see Alice winking at me. "It was just a hunch. I am glad you like them. I am looking forward to seeing you soon and meeting my little sister in person."
"I am looking forward to seeing you for the wedding too. I still can't believe you are getting married. It seems like yesterday I was holding you like this."
She grinned down at Olivia who started to squirm and cry. "I am sorry I have to cut this short, but your little sister has decided she is hungry. I will talk to you soon. I love you. Bye."
"I love you too. Bye."
I took the head set off and turned towards Edward with tears in my eyes. We were both smiling ear-to-ear.
I jumped up and buried my head in Edward's chest. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
He gave me a little squeeze back. "You are welcome. I would do anything for you, and I know how much you wish you could have been there with her. Since you couldn't, I figured this was the next best thing."
Edward paused for a moment and let out a little sigh. "Once you are one of us, you can talk to your mom and whoever else through the computer until you can see them again."
I looked up at Edward. He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. I could tell the thought of me leaving my old life behind still bothered him a little.
I leaned close to his ear and whispered in the softest voice I could, "Can I show you just how much I love you and everything you do for me?"
Within the next second, we were safely in Edward's room on his couch. My legs were locked around his waist, as were my arms around his neck. We just stared at each other not wanting to ruin the moment.
Edward started kissing all over my neck and collarbones.
I tilted my head up to grant him better access, ran my hands through his hair and moaned, "Edward, I love you so much. Never forget that."
He stopped and gazed up at me. I could tell, in that very moment, that Edward did in fact love me just as much as I loved him.
"I have loved you from the very moment I set my eyes on you without knowing it. You have brought life to my lackluster existence. I could never live without you by my side."
We shared another passionate kiss that didn't last long enough.
"I hope you didn't just recite your wedding vows," I said jokingly.
His lips curled up into my favorite crooked smile. "That is just the beginning of how I feel about you. If I tried to fit everything I loved about you and what you have done for me into my vows, the ceremony would last years. I hope that someday I will be able to share all these reasons with you, but I think it is a never-ending list."
I looked intently into his eyes as he did to mine for what seemed like hours, neither one of us moving.
We were disrupted by a gentle knock on the door.
Edward said without his eyes leaving mine, "Come in Alice."
"Sorry to interrupt the moment, but Bella needs to start getting ready for the party tonight."
I continued to stare at Edward. "It's okay Alice. I will be in your room in five minutes."
I heard the door click shut and Edward sigh. "I need to go before Alice gets mad. She has worked really hard on this party, and I don't want to screw it up."
He gently picked us up off the couch and placed me back onto the floor. "Do you really need to go now?"
"Yes, Alice and Rosalie want to do my hair and makeup, and I think it would be in your best interest to let me go now."
"Why is that exactly?"
"I think you might enjoy what I am going to wear tonight, but you won't get to see it unless I go now."
He closed his eyes for a moment. I saw a flash of his teeth. He must have seen my dress.
I playfully hit is shoulder. "You cheated! You can't look into other people's thoughts for your own benefit."
"I am sorry. I couldn't resist, but you are right; I am going to enjoy seeing you in that. Don't expect me to leave your side for one moment tonight." He wiggled his eyebrows and starting dazzling me once again.
"Bella, don't make come back in there!" Alice yelled from her room. For being such a little thing, she is very forceful.
I gave Edward one more kiss and headed to Alice's room. She was in her closet and Rosalie was sitting on her bed painting her nails.
"Okay, where do you want me?" I asked rather excitedly.
"This is a change. Normally you don't want to play dress up," Rosalie said mockingly.
"She's not doing it for herself. She is doing it to make Edward jealous so by the time vacation rolls around, he won't be able to resist her," Alice bellowed from her closet.
"Alice! I can't believe you would suggest a thing like that."
"Don't try to fool me. I know exactly what you are up to. Remember, I am the one who first put the idea into your head."
I really didn't want to talk about this right now when anyone could overhear and inform Edward of my plan. "Can we just get started please?"
I went into Alice's monstrous bathroom. It was bigger than my room at Charlie's house. I sat on the bench and waited patiently for the process to begin.
It took over an hour of prepping before I was ready to go. I stood up and turned around to see myself. I gasped. I don't think I have ever looked this good.
My makeup was very natural but it brought out my eyes and lips. My hair was slightly curled and had some of the hair in the middle pulled up and pinned in the back. My dress was white with black beading and a black sash under the bust. Everything was absolutely perfect for tonight.
"You may just get your way with Edward. He is going to have a hard time resisting you tonight," Alice chirped as I continued to gaze at myself in the mirror. I didn't seem real.
The party started in an hour. Alice had hired a photographer, so we headed down stairs to take some pictures before the guests started to arrive.
The sun was just starting to set and the clouds were beginning to dissipate. Alice had a huge white tent set up in the back yard instead of having it indoors. The tent had hundreds of lights and crystals hanging from the ceiling. She had even set up a dancing floor outside under the stars. It was all very romantic.
I made it to the top of the stairs without tripping. I had fought Alice on the shoes. We eventually decided on black sandals that had an inch and half heel and a strap that wrapped around my ankle so they wouldn't fall off. She insisted I wasn't going to fall, but I was still cautious.
I looked down the stairs. Edward was pacing back and forth with his hands in his pockets. He was dressed in black dress pants and a crisp, white, button-down shirt that had the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. He looked so handsome.
I slowly started to descend the stairs. Edward turned to me. The look on his face was what I pictured myself looking like when I saw him sparkle in the sun: utter amazement.
Edward shook himself out of his trance and met me at the bottom of the stairs. He gripped me in a tight embrace.
"You look even more incredible in that dress than I had pictured."
"I am glad you like it. You don't look half bad yourself."
Smiles crept across both our faces. This was going to be a wonderful night.
"Time for pictures. Where is everyone else?" Alice asked. She was bouncing up and down in front of the door.
Emmett, Jasper, Carlisle, Esme, and Charlie all walked into the living room from the kitchen and stopped abruptly. They were all staring at me wide-eyed with their mouths hanging open.
Did I have something on my dress or face?
I turned towards Edward to have him fill me in on what I was missing, but he was just grinning widely at me.
"Bella, you look amazing," Esme said with everyone nodding their heads in agreement.
I blushed. "Thank you. I couldn't have done it without Alice and Rosalie. Let's get going." I grabbed Edward's hand, and we led everyone out into the yard for the pictures.
People started to arrive just as we finished taking pictures. Alice had taken a picture of every possible combination of people.
Edward and I mingled with everyone. We really didn't have much to talk about since we had just seen most them less than a week ago. Most of the conversations revolved around the wedding and our plans for the fall.
Around 11:30, most of the adults had left, so it was just some of our classmates and us.
Alice reached for a microphone and tapped it lightly to get everyone's attention. "Okay, if everyone will make their way to the dance floor, we can get the real party started."
Everyone filed out and surrounded the floor. No one wanted to be the first one dancing.
Edward winked at the DJ and one of our favorites, Claire de Lune, started playing. I smiled up at him. He led me out onto the dance floor.
He wrapped one arm around my waist and took one of my hands in his. I followed his lead. He was a remarkable dancer. I hoped that someday I would be just as good as he was.
We kept dancing while others joined us, but we never broke our eye contact. It felt like it was just the two of us.
After a couple more slow songs, the DJ played fast-paced 'clubbing' songs. Alice and Rosalie were dancing sexily but gracefully with Jasper and Emmett. Even Angela was dancing somewhat provocatively with Ben.
"Edward, I can't dance like that."
"Of course you can. We will be doing the same dance just faster. Follow my lead."
After a few songs, I was getting the hang of it. Edward was even throwing in some twirls and dips, but kept one hand on me at all times so he could catch me when I fell.
We danced into the night. The stars were so bright, that they were causing Edward's skin to sparkle a little.
By 3 AM, everyone had left except the six of us. Even Carlisle and Esme decided to call it a night.
Another slow song came on. I yawned and looked up wearily at Edward. He smiled and laughed a little.
"I think it's time for the human to get some sleep," Edward announced to everyone else.
"Goodnight, Bella. See you in the morning," Alice called as Edward carried me up to his room.
After my human moment, I climbed into the bed and snuggled up to Edward.
"Thank you for an amazing night. Goodnight. I love you," I said to Edward as I was trying to get comfortable.
He started to say something, but all I heard was 'I love you too' before I was asleep.
Thanks again to my amazing beta, Flamingo1325!!
Please review… Tell me what you liked and what you didn't like or what you might like to see in the upcoming chapters; anything and everything is greatly appreciated. I really enjoy reading them and am grateful for the people that take time to tell me what they think. Thanks again to everyone!
Also there are pictures of Bella's dess and hair on my profile page.
