Author's Note:
Well this is the final one! I was so happy to write this chapter that I actually got a little choked up. I am thrilled that they finally got their 'happily ever after'. Thank you all for your overwhelming support and interest. Thank you to 'My-Bella' for always adding such amazing things to each chapter and for being a constant source of support and inspiration. At the end of the day I started writing this for her and only have her to thank for ever even posting them on 'fanfic'. Now I am off to write my own book!
Cheers!
VBR
Please remember to vote for the original Primal Desires over at the Lion and Lamb Awards. The link is on my profile page.
My-Bella's Note:
Just wanted to say a thank you to VBR for writing this story, as well as the first PD. They are beautiful stories and I love her version of Edward and Bella. I love the toughness they show when needed, and the openness they have when they are together.
And a huge thanks to all of you readers for giving these two stories a chance and proving to VBR that I'm not the only one who finds her writing amazing. I honestly just did some light touch-ups here and there. These are her stories, folks.
The plane trip home was thankfully, completely uneventful. We arrived back in London late in the evening and were thrilled beyond belief when our car turned onto the gravel road leading to the Manor.
William had mentioned there would be two guards at our gate, who had been there since our departure to Italy; his home was guarded as well. He'd made sure that our residences were protected in our absence.
True to his word, our car came to a stop at the gate. I rolled my window down and greeted the guard. "Good Evening, I am Edward Cullen. My family and I are anxious to be home, so please open the gates," I said, smiling courteously.
"Yes, of course, Mr. Cullen," the guard replied. "William informed us that you would be arriving tonight and that we should stay on until you gave word, Sir."
"Thank you, but you may go. We have put you out enough. Were there any disturbances, by the way?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Only a few messengers sending wedding gifts. We took the liberty of setting them all in your foyer before locking up, Sir," he said.
"Oh gifts, yay!" Bella and Alice shrieked in unison. I smiled and rolled my eyes at them.
"Thank you again," I said to the guard as he motioned to his partner to open the gates.
The road wound slightly before the Manor came into view. We were all laughing at the girls exuberant behavior when my eyes caught sight of the brightly burning torches on either side of the door.
"Home," I said simply.
The rest of the car quieted down as we all took in the beautiful sight. Bella took my hand and squeezed, just as elated to be home as I felt.
"Alice, are you sure you can pull this off by tomorrow night?" Bella asked, concerned about the wedding tomorrow.
"Bella, haven't you learned by now to never bet against me?" Alice asked with a smirk. "By this time tomorrow, you will be dancing the night away with your husband," she added matter-of-factly.
We piled out of the car and stretched for a moment before Jasper and Emmett raced to the front door. Realizing they didn't have a key, they began to joke around.
"I should pick the lock," Jasper chuckled.
"Nah," Emmett said, wrapping his large fingers around the door latch. "I should just give it a little yank so it's come right off."
Jasper grabbed the latch on the other door. "I bet I can yank it off without damaging the wood," he challenged.
"You had better not force those doors open and damage them! They're antique!" Esme chided.
Carlisle slipped his key into the lock and opened the door, laughing at how silly we were all acting—being home and together certainly made us all happy. "Ahhh, home sweet home!" he said happily.
Once inside, we were greeted by a sea of gift boxes and flowers. They were on tables, chairs and sprawled all across the floor; some were even at the foot of the stairs.
"Wow!" Bella exclaimed.
"We should have these set in one of the vacant bedrooms upstairs so that they're out of the way," Alice suggested.
"Already on it," I replied, grabbing an armful of gifts with Jasper, Emmett, and Carlisle doing the same.
"How do you do that?" Rose asked amused. "Just say one word, and get them to move so fast?"
Alice giggled and set her bag down. "Rosie, you know they would hear about it endlessly from me if they didn't. They just choose the easier alternative."
"Yes, eternity is a long time to get an earful from Alice," Esme mused, stroking Alice's hair maternally.
I walked by both of them on my way to grab the rest of the gifts and kissed Alice's cheek. "My little sister…the general of our home. And the Vampires want me in charge? I think Alice is better suited."
"Nah, she would just start up a dress code or something," Emmett said. His comment was rewarded with kick in the rear from Alice as he passed her heading to the stairs.
"That idea isn't half bad, though!" she quipped, chuckling at how her heel had ripped the back pocket on his jeans.
With the gifts having been put away, everyone seemed to split up and go to their rooms to relax. I set the last of the gifts down, amazed that we'd almost filled the room, when I sensed Bella in our room. I headed in that direction and stopped at the slightly open door.
I watched her go in and out of our closet, placing items in a suitcase on our bed. "Going somewhere?" I asked, leaning on the door frame, arms folded across my chest.
"Yes, I'm getting married tomorrow and am going away for a month," she replied, smiling coyly as she went about her business.
"Oh, really? Who's the lucky man?" I asked, playing along as I sat in my armchair.
"You wouldn't know him," she said, playfully ignoring me.
"Oh, well tell me about him. I mean, he must be pretty special if you're running off and getting married like this," I replied, unbuttoning the top few buttons of my shirt and leaning back in my chair.
"Well…" she paused looking me over, "…he's utterly gorgeous, with a body a Greek God would get jealous over."
"Oh, I see. So it's purely a physical attraction then?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow at her as I enjoyed the view of the gorgeous woman before me.
"Not just physical no, he is…loaded too," she added, unable to contain her giggles now.
"Well, that's a plus!" I said, narrowing my eyes and pretending to be annoyed. "It just so happens that I too am marrying someone tomorrow."
"Oh, really? What is she like?" Bella asked, stopping what she was doing and eyeing me reluctantly. Did she really think I would say something she wouldn't like? Silly Bella!
"Let's see…" I said, pretending to think about it. "She is absolutely beautiful, of course," I started with a wave of my hand.
"Oh, I see. So it's purely a physical attraction then?" she questioned, using my words from earlier.
"Why don't I describe her further and you can tell me?" I suggested. I closed my eyes, leaning my head back on the chair as I thought of what to say next. "Her beauty isn't in the perfection of her skin, although hers is so silky smooth it's hard not to touch her. I'm pretty sure it's in her smile, though. She has a smile that lights up my world. And her eyes…the most amazing shade of gold with the ability to see into my very soul. I've been through hell and back from the moment I laid eyes on her, and I've never been happier," I finished, opening my eyes just enough to see her reaction.
She was standing at the edge of the bed, biting at her lip and looking as though she would cry if she could. "Oh, Edward," she whispered, clearly moved by my words.
"I'm not done," I interrupted, waving a hand at her. "You should know more about her since I'm spending the rest of my existence with this woman."
"Of course. I'm sorry, go on," she said, taking a step closer to me.
"Well, she is stubborn and willfull, brave and caring—I love how her brows furrow together when she is intent on getting her way. She always knows when I need some space to sort things out, and when I need her close. And God, how I love it when she bites her lower lip whenever I say things like this to her." I opened my eyes fully aware that she was doing just that and reached out to her, pulling her on my lap. "Bella, I love you and I will spend the rest of our lives making sure you know that…every single day of forever," I whispered, kissing her soft lips.
She melted into my arms and showered my neck and face with her soft, loving kisses.
"I am going to marry you tomorrow, Isabella, and forever is ours," I promised with a kiss.
"Did I mention the guy I'm marrying is a romantic sap?" she joked between kisses.
I spanked her bottom playfully and then proceeded to tickle her until she squealed.
The next few hours were spent ushering in florists, interior designers and other "wedding" people Alice had commissioned to help put our ceremony together. She had also mentioned that from the early afternoon until the wedding started, the east wing of the house would be for the men only, while the west wing would be for the ladies. We were forbidden to cross over under pain of torture from Alice.
I was in the middle of bringing my clothes for this evening to the men's side of the house when I decided to go back into our room to find my journal.
Bella was sitting at her vanity and as soon as I collected my journal, I walked over to her. "See you tonight, Love. I'll be the one with the giant smile at the end of the aisle," I teased, kissing her neck.
"I'll miss you, but get your butt out of here," she said, playfully pushing me toward the door. "I have to take a long hot bath," she added, stopping near the bed to close her suitcase and set it on the floor.
"Oh, is that supposed to make me leave? The prospect of you, naked, in a bathtub?" I asked, trailing my fingers from her cheekbone to her collarbone.
"Edward Cullen, you have two seconds to remove your horny ass from this room before I remove you myself," Alice threatened, arms folded and the look of a hellcat in those golden eyes of hers as she stood in the doorway.
Bella giggled at the look on my face. I playfully looked hurt and annoyed.
"Don't threaten the groom, Alice. It's not nice." I said, tugging a lock of her hair as I left the room. I was so excited about this day that nothing was going to dampen my mood—not even cruel, Pixie-sized threats.
I met William and Carlisle at the top of the stairs as I crossed the hall to head to our "wing".
"Edward, it seems we have been sent away by the ladies downstairs," William said smiling.
"Yes, Alice and Rose are pretty adamant about us staying out of the way until 'showtime'," I added, leading the way to the large great room that would be our lounge area for the afternoon.
"Add Esme and Camille to that lot," Carlisle joked, entering behind me.
The room was large and the wide balcony doors were open, allowing the long, thick drapes to dance slightly in the breeze.
"Why don't we go for a hunt?" I suggested, suddenly excited at the prospect of feeding.
"Now that sounds interesting," William replied reluctantly, knowing I did not mean human prey.
"Oh, c'mon, William. Live a little!" I teased, giving him a devious smile.
"I have lived plenty, dear boy, and I have had my share of animalia in my time. But you know, I am always up for a hunt," William replied, clasping his hands together.
"I'll find Jasper and Emmett! We definitely cannot be cooped up here all afternoon!" Carlisle said, leaving the room excitedly.
"We'll meet you in the forest," I said, motioning William to the open balcony doors.
We smiled wickedly to one another and sped off toward the doors in unison. Laughing as we hit the ground running, I was glad that we were on the far side of the house from the wedding site. Had we accidentally destroyed anything in our excitement, Alice would surely rip our heads from our bodies.
We entered the forest in seconds and I paused, closing my eyes and letting my senses take over. William's thoughts relayed that he was doing the same, waiting to catch a scent.
Within moments I sensed Carlisle, Jasper and Emmett speeding toward us. "Alright, men, let's go find something that puts up a fight!" I shouted, starting to run again.
"We're going to have to be faster than usual, Edward's thirsty!" Jasper quipped, from somewhere behind me.
"Keeping up with Edward is always exciting," William replied sounding a little closer than the others.
We sped through the forest like ghosts, hardly making any sounds as we traveled. The sun shone through in patches along our path, and for those few seconds, we shimmered like diamonds.
Reaching a clearing before the others, I crouched low, focusing on the small group of Red Deer. They were not aware of us just yet, lazily grazing in the small clearing.
Emmett came to a stop above me; he'd been gliding through the trees like the very wind itself, not making a sound.
Carlisle and Jasper came up behind me, along with William. "They're beautiful," William whispered.
"They're lunch!" Jasper added, laughing out loud and sending the deer running.
"Time for some fun," Emmett growled as he jumped to the next tree.
Jasper took off, chasing the deer, and I grinned as I pulled William along. Carlisle took to the trees after Emmett, both of them calling out left and rights that we didn't really need. William began to really get into the chase, stepping off logs and tree trunks for propulsion, and catapulting himself forward for even more speed.
We finally surrounded the deer and took them down as a united group, feeding until we were satiated—even William seemed to enjoy his kill.
"It's not so bad, is it?" I asked him, patting his shoulder as we carried the deer carcasses away for disposal.
"It's tolerable," he replied with a grin.
Once we cleaned up after ourselves, we decided to walk the grounds, discussing light-hearted matters along the way. None of us were up for any more talk of Italy or leadership. I did what I could to follow the conversations around me, but my mind kept turning toward my wedding and the honeymoon to follow. Bella had left the destination to me, only requesting that it be romantic and fun. And since we were going away for an entire month, I chose two destinations: two weeks in Inverness, Scotland and then another two in Paris, France. I hoped both places would thoroughly meet her stipulation of romantic and fun.
We made our way back to the Manor in time to take showers and get dressed; the entire house buzzing with excitement. From what we'd seen of the gardens and house on our way in, everything looked amazing. This time, Alice had decided the color scheme would be black and silver, with the only dash of vivid color coming from the deep red roses she had strategically placed throughout. There was no doubt in my mind that it would be a beautiful ceremony—then again, I was marrying the most stunning woman in the world.
As I finished dressing, the thoughts of the others filled my mind. They were all ready, waiting in Carlisle's room, laughing heartily at something Emmett was up to.
I tried to reach out to Bella as I buttoned up my shirt. "My love?" I asked in thought.
"Yes, Mr. Cullen?" she replied. I could literally feel the happiness in her thoughts and I knew she was smiling.
"There is still time."
Her thoughts were a confused muddle as she tried to figure out my meaning. She gave up after a few seconds, not having come up with anything that felt right to her. "For what?"
"For you to marry me instead of that other guy you were talking about," I joked, finishing up my tie.
"You know I think I might take you up on that offer. Meet me downstairs in about an hour," she replied, her thoughts relaying her amusement. "I love you, Edward."
"And I you, Bella."
We closed the connection with one another and I went to the small table where my journal sat. Taking the pen in hand, I tore a page out and smiled as the words I wanted to express poured out.
I was about to seal the envelope when I noticed a small gift box on the bed with a card attached. I pulled the card from the ribbon and opened it.
"Edward,
I saw this and immediately thought it would be something you would get Bella.
I know the last few days have been crazy, so I had a "friend" pick this up. Congratulations on your wedding day and thank you for giving us Bella.
Your little sis,
Alice"
I opened the box and marveled at the teardrop shaped diamond sitting on a thin titanium chain. Alice was right; it was definitely something I would have purchased for Bella. I went back to my note and added a few lines before sealing it and the necklace in the envelope.
Hearing Emmett just outside my door, I called out to him. "Hey, Em?"
He entered the room wearing his full on tux with his curly hair neatly styled.
"Very sharp," I commented, waving a hand at his tux.
"Yeah, thanks," he replied with a huge grin. "Hopefully Rosie likes it."
"I'm sure she will. In the meantime, I was hoping you could do me a favor and deliver this to Bella," I said, holding the envelope out to him.
"Are you insane? Go into 'no man's land' and suffer the wrath of Alice?" he asked even as he took the envelope. "I am so up for the job."
I couldn't help but laugh at his silliness. "Just be polite and I'm sure Alice will let you live."
"Well, if I so much as get a scratch on me, I'm blaming you and you'll have to deal with Rosie," he said, pointing one of his large fingers in my direction.
"I'll take my chances," I replied, trying not to laugh.
"It's your funeral!" he called out as he left the room.
I was standing in front of the mirror, making sure my jacket and tie were on straight when Emmett's thoughts invaded. I've never seen Bells look happier.
And then I heard his booming voice as he spoke up. "Nice rollers, Bells," he teased, handing her the envelope. "Slap some green paint on you and we have our very own alien."
"Out!" the woman shouted as they their hairbrushes at Emmett.
"Hey, I'm just the delivery boy," Emmett fussed as he ran toward our wing of the house.
My quiet laughter over Emmett's antics was interrupted by Bella's soft "voice". "Edward, what's this?" her thoughts questioned.
"A little something for you before we walk down the aisle," I replied, sitting at the window so I could focus all of my attention on her mind.
She became excited and tore into the envelope, gasping when the small chain fell out and landed on her lap. I could feel the awe coming from her as she watched the light reflect from the diamond's surface.
She carefully set the necklace into her lap and picked the letter up to read it.
My Dearest Love,
This is the happiest day of my life. My heart soars at the thought that by the end of the day you will be my wife. In all my days, I never thought that I deserved happiness. I never thought that I would find anything or anyone in the world to give me any sort of joy. But from the moment I met you, your love was given me all of these things. The world has become a beautiful and colorful place. I only hope that I can offer you as much. I vow to love you more and more as each day passes. My very soul I lay at your feet. Yes, I know now that I indeed have one. It was simply dormant, waiting for your touch. As I write this, I fear that my heart will burst with happiness. Please accept this small token of my love and do me the honor of wearing the 'tear of joy I could never shed upon your heart."
Your ever loving husband,
Edward
I couldn't help but close my eyes, feeling how overwhelmed she was in the moment—no doubt would be crying heavily if she could.
She composed herself enough to let me hear her thoughts clearly. "This is the most amazing gift, Edward. Thank you. I…I'm speechless. I can't wait to marry you and belong to you in every way."
"Neither can I, Bella. We've waited long enough. Now hurry up so I can whisk you away already!" I joked, hoping to make her smile.
Her thoughts swirled once again, some humorous as she replayed my last comments, and some extremely loving as she thought of being able to hug and kiss me again. I closed our connection, wanting her to be able to focus on getting ready for the wedding.
I was grateful to Alice for once again thinking of everything. In all the insanity of the last few days I, of course, wasn't able to get Bella something special, and my sister had taken care of it, anticipating my desire to make this day amazing for my very soon-to-be wife.
As I moved in front of the mirror again, I ran my hands through the maddening bird's nest on my head—it was hopeless to try to keep my hair tame, but then Bella seemed to like it. With one final check, I was satisfied that I hadn't forgotten any parts to this suit and headed off to join the others. Carlisle, William, Jasper, and Emmett were playing pool to pass the time.
"There he is, Miss America," Emmett sang as I entered the room.
"Wrong event," Jasper chuckled. "That's next month."
"I'm not going to let either of you annoy me today," I said as I took a seat.
"Then how the heck are we supposed to have fun at this thing?" Emmett asked. "It's not like Bells blushes or trips anymore."
"Boys, it's your brother's wedding day. Can't you cut him a little slack?" Carlisle questioned, looking between the two of them.
Jasper and Emmett both turned their heads, looking at the other. "No," was their unanimous decision.
Before I could respond, Alice burst into the room, bringing all of her energy with her—as if the buzzing of the guests downstairs wasn't enough already.
"Wow, you guys look amazing!" she chirped, smiling wide as she made her way to Jasper.
"You look pretty spectacular yourself, honey," he replied, wrapping his arms around her.
Alice wore a black floor-length gown with a red sash across her waist that tied at the back—she really did look lovely. Looking at her attire made me wonder about Bella's and I felt my stomach somersault at the thought of seeing her in her wedding dress. I had no idea what it even looked like, but I was sure I would soon be floored by it.
Alice came to me and adjusted my bow-tie, smiling wide the entire time. I wrapped my arms around her and just hugged her. "Alice, thank you for everything," I whispered into her hair. "You have made every event for our wedding amazing. I love you, Sis."
She pulled away and smiled up at me. "I don't know who I love more…you for what you just said or Bella for making it all possible. I am proud of you, Edward, and I am thrilled that this day is finally here for you," she said, getting up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek.
"Oh heavens, look at you!" Esme shrieked as she made her to way to me hastily. "Edward, you are so handsome!" she beamed, holding my face in her hands.
"Thanks. And you look beautiful, Mom," I replied, embracing her.
Rose and Camille soon joined us, all four ladies wearing the same outfit as Alice and looking elegant and demure. Rose, of course, rendered Emmett speechless, both aloud and in thought.
"Well, Dad, we should get to Bella," Alice said, motioning to Carlisle. "You guys go downstairs and take your places," she ordered with a giddy clap of her hands.
We wasted no time in following her orders, greeting our guests as we made our way through the house and into the garden. There were many familiar faces and even some of the people we'd met in Voltera had made the trip.
I scanned the room for anything menacing, a little afraid of letting my guard down. We were so close to getting married now and I couldn't stop the paranoia that something would go wrong. Emmett, Jasper and I moved through the room like one entity, each surveying the guests in our own way. I guess we were all feeling a little bit of the same concern.
We had just entered the den when Camille motioned for us to come outside—it was time.
I immediately took an eager step toward the French doors that lead to the garden, but Jasper caught my arm, holding me back. "Edward, you can relax. We're here with you and nothing will go wrong. This is your day; yours and Bella's."
"No one is going to cause any problems. We're good, Bro," Emmett assured me. "Now let's get your ass married!" he added, pushing me toward the doors.
My apprehension was greatly eased by their words; it was amazingly comforting to know that my family was so supportive and truly protective of each other.
We entered the garden, finding that most of the guests had now taken their seats. The sun was setting, turning the sky into a canvas of orange and pinks and casting a glow on all of the beautiful decorations Alice had assembled. Candles and twinkle lights lit up the area, lending an ethereal feel to the whole affair. There was even a narrow white rug laid out all the way down to the altar. Bella would absolutely love this.
Alice and Rose joined us, each of them taking their mate's hand. "Alright, guys! It's show-time!" Rose said excitedly.
Alice and Jasper went out first and as they stepped onto the white rug, the orchestra outside began to play. Classical music filled the air and a wave of calm came over me; I wasn't sure if was the music or Jasper, but I was grateful either way.
Once Alice and Jasper were about half way down the aisle, Rose and Emmett followed. I watched their progression, starting to wonder if this was all a dream, before feeling a hand take mine.
"I am so proud of you, Son," Esme said softly as she laid her head against my shoulder. "Are you ready?" she asked.
I let out a breath and slipped her hand on the inside of my arm gallantly. "I have never been more ready for anything in my life, Mom," I replied, leaning down and kissing her cheek.
I walked her down the aisle slowly, taking in this moment, as my sisters and brothers smiled proudly at me, letting me hear their thoughts of congratulations.
I kissed Esme's hand and then took my place by Emmett, turning to face the Manor. William and Camille were in the very first row and gave us all a loving smile.
I felt like I was riding an electric current, and having my own excitement mingled with all the voices in my head was a little dizzying. My mind reached out, wanting desperately to hear Bella, but couldn't seem to clear the noise in my head enough.
Within seconds, the band stopped playing and the doors on the far side of the house opened. The guests turned their heads in response and that was when I saw it…one perfect white heel stepping out into the garden.
But it was all I saw because everyone stood, whispering in excitement, and completely obstructing my view. I was so eager to catch a glimpse of my bride that I found myself standing as tall as I could and craning my neck to see her.
Just when I thought I couldn't take another second, Carlisle and Bella reached the aisle, bringing complete silence with them. The guests seemed to be just as stunned as I was by the vision of beauty standing at the edge of the white rug.
"Breathe, Bella," I heard Carlisle say under his breath. She of course didn't need to necessarily, but she looked a little taken aback by having so many eyes focused on her. The music started to play again, sending a soothing melody into the air as Carlisle and Bella began to move up the aisle.
The gown as absolutely exquisite—the dress was strapless with tiny pearls and intricate lacework all along the bodice and train. Her rich auburn hair was taken back at the sides so that the rest of it framed her shoulders. The diamond teardrop necklace adorned her magnificently. In a word…Perfection.
We made eye contact and we both seemed to calm instantly. I could faintly hear the voices buzzing around us, but my connection with Bella was now strong enough to block the rest out.
"Dear God in heaven, my angel approaches," I said under my breath. I was not a praying man, but I found myself doing just that, hoping that this wasn't some sort of dream. Emmett's elbow nudge and snickering were a sure sign that this was real, but I wouldn't believe it complete until I had her hand in mine.
Bella smiled, having heard my words and moved a little faster toward me. She seemed just as anxious as I was to be reunited.
As they reached the altar, Carlisle kissed her check and looked to the man marrying us—Sir Martin Crane. He was a spry hundred and twenty year old vampire, who had presided over one of Carlisle and Esme's marriage ceremonies.
"Who presents this woman in marriage today?" Sir Crane asked, smiling formally.
"I do, Sir," Carlisle responded proudly.
Bella was beaming at him and she squeezed his hand before letting go and turning to me.
"Glad to see you chose me over that other guy," I teased in thought to her as she took my arm.
"Yeah, the diamond did it," she retorted, leaning her head on my shoulder.
Those around us sat down, except for Carlisle and Esme who stood to our sides as Sir Crane began.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered her today to witness the union of Isabella Swan and Edward Masen-Cullen. Two souls who have come together despite insurmountable odds; two hearts that have become one; two people who can only be complete together. Ladies and gentlemen, we are in the presence of true love in its most pure and basic form."
Sir Crane smiled, focusing his attention on Bella. "Do you, Isabella Swan, take Edward to be your husband for all the days and nights of his eternity, promising to love him forever?"
Bella looked up at me and melted my insides with her smile. "I do," she said confidently.
"Please place the band on his finger." Sir Martin said.
Bella turned to Esme who held out a ring resting on a soft satin pillow. Bella lifted the small object carefully and then slipped the ring onto my finger, squeezing gently as she smiled at me.
"Do you, Edward Masen-Cullen, take Isabella Swan to be your wife for all the days and nights of her eternity, promising to love her forever?
"I do," I replied, lost in her eyes. There was a softness to them that made them seem more like butter than gold, and I knew this moment meant as much to her as it did to me.
"Please place the band on her finger," Sir Crane instructed.
I turned to Carlisle who was holding a similar satin pillow. I slipped the ring onto her finger carefully and kissed her hand.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand as I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Masen-Cullen!" Sir Crane shouted happily.
The entire wedding party erupted in cheers and Sir Crane could hardly be heard over their voices. "You may kiss your bride!"
With my eyes still locked on hers, I placed my hands on either side of her neck, slowly leaning toward her. "I love you, Mrs. Cullen," I whispered against her soft lips before kissing her passionately.
"And I love you, Mr. Cullen," she replied in thought, smiling into our kiss.
Reluctantly, we broke the kiss and faced the crowd; white confetti and rose petals rained down into the garden from the windows above as cheering guests leaned out and waved to us. As hard as it was to fathom, these people really saw us as some sort of royalty.
We were surrounded almost at once by our family, everyone talking and hugging at the same time. We were all so filled with emotion that I swore we would be the first vampires to shed actual tears of joy.
We gathered ourselves and I noticed that Camille and William were nowhere to be found as we walked back down the aisle, followed by the rest of the guests.
"Hey, you guys! Come inside the house for pictures," Alice ordered. "We'll give the guests a minute to get settled in the tent."
"Tent?" I asked, still holding Bella closely.
"What tent?" she added, surprised at Alice.
"You'll see soon enough!" Alice replied, ushering our family into the house.
I felt so at ease now that it was official that not even Alice's insane need for thousands of pictures of the same pose could bother me. I was a married man—married to the love of my life, no less! I was complete for the first time in my existence and for all intents and purposes, alive again.
Once the pictures were finally done, Rose and Alice came over to us excitedly.
"This next surprise was totally a secret and we hope that you love it!" Rose announced, smiling wide.
We were eagerly ushered outside again and led to a path on side of the house that took us into the forest.
It was completely dark now, but still easy to see; the blazing lights coming from the large clearing ahead illuminated the path perfectly.
As we got closer, I could see a massive, white tent lay ahead. There were torches on either side and I could see that the inside was lit up with thousands of candles.
I could hear them before I saw them…the flapping of flags and banners in the night wind. A feeling of deja-vu struck, but I wasn't apprehensive in the least.
We stepped into the clearing and Bella's breath caught. "Edward, look!" she exclaimed, pointing up. Strung above the tent were black and silver flags with a lion's crest on them, moving fluidly through the wind. Here was a variation of my earlier visions come to life.
The partially opened flaps of the tent were raised higher by two attendants, allowing us to enter. All of our guests stood inside, facing us and eagerly awaiting our entrance.
Two trumpeters sounded their horns as men dressed in medieval garb with the same lion's crest on their chests lifted their swords to meet at the tips, creating an aisle leading into the tent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Cullen!" one of the trumpeters announced.
I looked back at Alice and our family momentarily, feeling like this was too much, but they only nodded us forward.
Bella and I walked through the arch of swords, surrounded by the loud cheers of our guests.
As we reached the inside of the tent, the crowd parted, allowing William and Camille to greet us. "We hope you enjoyed that introduction!" William said cheerfully.
"It was amazing!" Bella replied.
"Thank you," I added, holding back my other comments. I still wasn't completely comfortable with being looked to as the leader of the Vampires.
Camille hugged us both as the rest of our family joined us. We spent the night dancing and laughing together; I doubted I'd ever had such a good time or had been more relaxed. Bella and I seemed to dance with most of our guests and family—we'd shared our first dance and once that was over, it seemed everyone wanted a piece of us.
Bella was currently dancing with Emmett so I stepped outside for a moment. It was beautiful out; the sky was clear and star-filled and the air carried the sounds of joy coming from the tent. Maybe this would really work: peace amongst vampires. Maybe we could really pull this off and live happily now. My mind began to reel, hosting various scenarios about what the future might hold.
It abruptly stopped at Bella's light touch. "Oh no you don't!" she said, smiling in disbelief as she held my arm.
"What, Love?" I asked, taking her into my arms.
"You are not going to stand out here and let your thoughts carry you away! This is our wedding night, Mr. Cullen, and you have more important things to attend to!" she chided, motioning with her head toward the tent.
"You're right. I do," I replied, cocking an eyebrow and smirking.
"What's that look?" she asked concerned.
I simply walked us back into the tent without replying. "Everyone, may I please have your attention?" I shouted over the music.
"Edward, at least let us say goodbye!" Alice moaned, already knowing my decision.
I smiled down at my little sister. "Make it quick," I told her. And then I lifted my head, surveying the crowd before me. "Thank you, all of you, for coming here tonight to share in the happiest day of our lives. This night has been amazing! Please stay and enjoy yourselves, but we must leave you now. As my wife has just informed me, I should not let my thoughts 'carry me away' tonight, so instead I am carrying her away! Good night, everyone!"
Bella had an amused look on her face as I turned toward her. I gracefully picked her up and kissed her passionately as I walked us out of the tent.
The cheers and laughter finally faded as we entered the Manor.
"I can't wait either," she said, replying to my thoughts as she kissed me again. "Let me change and we can go!" she added, jumping out of my arms and picking up her gown as she made for the stairs.
I followed her up and within moments we were changed and heading back down with our bags. We were met by our family at the foot of the stairs.
"You two better call me soon!" Esme warned, kissing each of us.
"Yes, a month is a long time," Carlisle added, hugging us.
"We will, of course," Bella promised.
"Bella, keep out of trouble and keep him in check!" Emmett said loudly as he took us both in his arms simultaneously.
Rose watched us amused and just put a hand out to each of us as Emmett let us go. "I love you guys, have a wonderful honeymoon!"
"Thank you, Rosie," I said, softly kissing her cheek.
"Bella, you give me a call if he gives you any trouble!" Jasper joked, shaking my hand.
"Ha, I will!" Bella replied, hugging him next.
I turned toward the door and my little Alice stood there with a bittersweet look on her face. Bella went to her and hugged her tightly. "It's only a month, Alice," Bella promised her.
"I know, but it's never the same without you guys," she said sniffling.
"Thank you for the most amazing wedding ever," Bella added.
Alice nodded and kissed her cheek, and then Bella moved to stand behind her, waiting for me to say something.
I went to my little sister and put a hand on either side of her face. "I know there needn't be any words between us, Allie. I will miss you and fully expect you to let me know if anything comes up," I said firmly. "I mean it, Allie. Call me, even if you just need to talk. I love you, and thank you for making this day unforgettable. All of you," I added turning to my family once more.
"We'll be home before you know it!" Bella chimed in.
They walked us out to our car and more good-bye's ensued. After a few more minutes, we were finally speeding off in the Jaguar, waving to our family.
Bella turned to me as I drove down the winding road, heading toward the airport. "Thank you," she said softly.
"For what, Love?" I asked, furrowing my brows as I tried to guess.
"For the rest of our lives," she replied, taking my hand and kissing my wedding ring.
I smiled and pulled her hand to my lips, kissed her fingers as I sped off into the night with nothing but the woman I loved and the diamond on her finger to light my way.
The End.
