Awesome Author's Note #1: Wow. I want to thank each and every one of you guys who have put me your Favorite Authors/Stories and Alerts Authors/Stories list, especially those who have me on more than one. You guys are truly awesome, and thank you so much for reading my story. You guys are the reason I keep writing. Much thanks for the support and praise—I know I sound like a puppy right now but oh well. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: See it in the past chapters.
Chapter 9: The Wedding
My cold heart soared as I realized that, after today, I would never again have to part with my Bella.
As Emmett parked the Jeep in our cavernous garage, my long-empty stomach was suddenly filled with butterflies. Marriage was something I had never given much thought, but now I was anxious and even nervous to have Bella finally belong to me.
I stepped out of the garage and heard the sound that calmed some of my stress: Bella's heartbeat. Her heart's song was literally a lullaby to me, soothing me whenever I worried too much which was pretty much everyday.
It was an amazing relief to be here, to be able to hear her again. I realized that I wasn't truly at ease unless that was the case. Nothing was right when I was away from her.
I listened as Rosalie announced our arrival. Bella's breathing increased in response, and Alice ordered to keep me away from Bella.
As if on cue, Esme appeared at that moment and ushered Emmett and I to the backyard to help finish decorating while Jasper left to go pick up Renée and Phil from their hotel.
After I finished streaming the lights through the trees, I sprinted to the upstairs bathroom. As I turned on the hot water, I focused on my personal melody to slow my accelerated breathing. Bella's heart was pounding frantically as our wedding approached. My heart would have been thumping wildly if it were not frozen.
As soon as I had my tux on, I walked down the hall and into my room where Carlisle was waiting for me.
"Edward," he said sincerely. "If you have a minute, I would like to speak with you."
"Of course, Carlisle," I replied for I had a few questions for him as well.
"Edward," he started earnestly. "Marriage is a serious commitment between a man and a woman and is not to be taken lightly. I can see how much you two care for each other, but you're going to have to give yourself to her completely, Edward. She deserves that much."
"I know she does, Carlisle," I sighed, "but what if I can't control myself? What if I hurt her and can't give her what she wants? What I want?"
"Edward, you will be putting her at risk. You put her at risk every second that you are with her—we all do. But you do have the restraint it takes to control your desires—if you didn't, she wouldn't be alive right now. Trust yourself as she trusts you, and everything will be fine."
"Carlisle?" I hesitated. "What should I…expect? What will it…be like?" I imagined how Bella would have blushed to be asking this out loud. I had already asked Jasper and Emmett's opinions while we were hunting but wanted to know what Carlisle thought.
He smiled sympathetically. "It is a very powerful thing, like nothing else. In all my six hundred years, I have yet to experience anything that can compare. But be warned, Edward: it should not be treated flippantly. You know that we are similar to stone in more ways than one—with our rarely changing temperaments, strong emotions can alter us in permanent ways." His grin turned teasing. "But you needn't worry about that part, Edward, because Bella has already altered you so completely."
"Carlisle, I—"
"Trust yourself, Edward," he interrupted. "And enjoy today because you only get married for the first time once."
"Thank you, Carlisle," I said, smiling slightly.
"Of course. Now come, or you'll be late."
He turned and headed downstairs. I paused and looked around my room one last time before I followed him down the stairs and toward my future.
Alice had really outdone herself this time.
My nose was assaulted with the perfectly blended scents of orange blossoms, roses, lilacs, and—my favorite—freesia. Alice had strung white delicate ribbons along the ceiling, with white blossoms hanging from them in garlands. There were several rows of satin-draped chairs already filled with our guests who were waiting for the ceremony to begin. Over the altar where the minister, Mr. Weber, stood, was an arch brimming with more flowers and gossamer.
Rosalie sat down gracefully on the bench of my piano. She gave me an encouraging smile before turning toward the keys.
Carlisle placed one hand on my shoulder and led me to the canopy where the marital union between Bella and I would occur.
I listened as Bella's heart broke into a sprint and knew that it was time.
Rosalie drifted into the Wagner's traditional march, and Alice appeared at the top of the staircase. I was barely aware of her lithe dance down the steps; my eyes were searching for the most important person in my world.
Bella, with Charlie at her side, emerged at the top of the stairway, and my breath caught.
She descended the staircase cautiously, looking down, while my eyes gazed at her angelic form. The silk of her dress flowed sinuously over the curves of her body. Her hair was intricately braided, framing her face softly.
Bella has never seen the beauty inside her. She sees me as beautiful but cannot she the true beauty she holds. It was obvious to me that she belonged in a fairy tale. And now I was in the story with her.
She was too beautiful. I couldn't believe that this angel was meant for me. I don't know what I did to deserve such an immaculate being, but I was glad that she was mine.
As her feet cleared the stairs, her wondering gaze met mine, and I broke into a smile of pure joy. Her face filled my vision and overpowered my mind. Despite her previous qualms, I could see that she wanted this, too.
I wanted to run to her and whisk her away to keep her all to myself. Carlisle squeezed my shoulder compassionately, keeping me next to him.
The march was too slow as I struggled to wait patiently. Thankfully, the aisle was exceptionally short. And then, finally, Bella arrived, and I eagerly held out my hand. Charlie took Bella's hand and, in an ancient symbol of marriage, placed it in mine. Her warmth enveloped my hand, and I was home.
Our vows were the simple, traditional vows that had been spoken numerous times, though never by a couple quite like us. We'd asked the minister to trade the line "till death do us part" for the more suitable "as long as we both shall live."
In that moment, as the minister said his part, my world, which had been so empty for nearly a century, felt complete at last. I gazed at Bella's joyous, tear-stained face and was thrilled that I was the one she said yes to. Nothing else mattered except that I could be with her forever.
Before I knew it, it was time to say the words that would bind us for all eternity.
"I do," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"I do," I vowed, and my voice rang loud and triumphant.
Mr. Weber declared us husband and wife, and then I raised my hands to embrace her face as gently as I could in my bliss. I tried to grasp the dreamlike fact that this beautiful person was mine. Tears of joy streamed down Bella's cheeks, and I leaned down to press my lips to hers. She met me halfway, standing on the tips of her toes, and threw her arms—bouquet and all—around my neck.
I tried to convey all of my love for Bella through that one binding kiss. She loved me and wanted me, and now I belonged to her.
I pulled back after a moment and smiled victoriously down at Bella. She wore an expression of deep ecstasy that mimicked my own.
The crowd exploded into a round of applause, and I turned us to face our friends and family. She kept her wide eyes on my face, not seeming to be able to look away.
Bella was then passed from embrace to embrace while I was congratulated with a handshake and a quick hug. While we moved through the crowd, Bella kept a firm grasp on my hand, for which I was grateful. Now that she was mine, I never wanted to let her go.
Just as Alice had seen, the ceremony flowed perfectly into the reception party. The wedding had lasted exactly the right amount of time, allowing the sun to set behind the trees.
I led Bella through the glass doors, and things relaxed into the evening. The small crowd dispersed under the soft shine of the twinkle lights, and we were greeted again by the guests who had just congratulated us.
Angela and Ben were the first to claim us, followed by Angela's parents and then Jessica and Mike—who eyed my arm that was wrapped around Bella's waist enviously. In response to his suddenly malicious thoughts, I tightened my arm around Bella and leaned down to kiss the hollow beneath her ear. Mike's thoughts burned with envy, and he pulled Jessica toward to buffet table.
Behind Bella's human friends was the Denali clan who were practically family. In the years past, when my family would visit theirs, Tanya expressed her…desire for a romantic relationship with me. I could see that her feelings were based solely on lust rather than actual love, and my feelings didn't echo her own. I let her know, as kindly as I could, that she was not meant for me. Though she had never given up hope, Tanya respected my wishes to remain family.
All of this was not something I wished Bella to know, but she had asked me about it after one of my hunting trips, compliments of Rosalie.
After I told Bella of Tanya's infatuation with me, Bella started to see Tanya as somewhat of a threat, but I couldn't comprehend why. Bella had touched my heart as no one else had. She was everything I wasn't—beautiful, selfless, loving. How could she possibly doubt her hold on me?
Tanya stepped forward, opening her arms to embrace me. Bella became stiff next to me as Tanya's arms enclosed around me, her strawberry hair brushing against my shoulder. Bella and Tanya were no doubt considering the other as her rival as Tanya's embrace lengthened. But there was no competition.
"Ah, Edward," Tanya whispered in what she intended to be a seductive voice. "I've missed you." In more ways than one, she added silently.
I chuckled and furtively maneuvered out of the hug, placing my hand lightly on her shoulder and stepping back, as if to admire her from a distance. "It's been too long, Tanya. You look well."
"So do you."
I felt the need to reassert my commitment to Bella.
"Let me introduce you to my wife." Did they hear how my voice caressed Bella's new title? It was the first time I had said that word since it was officially true; that simple word brought such pleasure to my mind that I thought I would burst with pride. The Denalis all laughed lightly in response to fever in my voice.
I pulled Bella closer to me as Tanya eyed her resentfully, but then she reached out and took Bella's hand.
"Welcome to the family, Bella," Tanya greeted her, showing her teeth in an attempt to frighten Bella. "We consider ourselves Carlisle's extended family, and I am sorry about the, er, incident when we did not behave as such. We should have met you sooner. Can you forgive us?"
"Of course," Bella answered, out-of-breath. "It's so nice to meet you."
"The Cullens are all evened up in numbers now. Perhaps it will be our turn next, eh, Kate?" She turned and smiled conspiratorially at Kate.
"Keep the dream alive," Kate smirked, rolling her topaz eyes. She took Bella's hand from Tanya's and squeezed it softly. "Welcome, Bella."
Carmen placed her hand on top of Kate's gently. "I'm Carmen, this is Eleazar," she said, gesturing toward her partner. "We're all so very pleased to finally meet you."
I was glad to hear the sincerity in their thoughts and voices.
"M-me, too," Bella stuttered. I smiled.
Tanya glanced over her shoulder at Charlie's deputy, Mark, and his wife who were waiting behind them. Their eyes were wide as they took in the Denali's inhuman beauty.
"We'll get to know each other later. We'll have eons of time for that!" Tanya giggled as she and her family moved on.
As Alice had promised, all the customary traditions were kept. Cameras flashed blindingly as we held a knife over a grand cake. Bella watched in awe as I swallowed the piece of cake she had thrust into my mouth. Though I would have to regurgitate it later, I would do anything to please and amuse her. She threw her bouquet gracefully into Angela's startled hands for which I was grateful. After everything Angela had done for Bella and me, she deserved happiness in her life.
Emmett and Jasper doubled-over in laughter at Bella's flushed cheeks as I removed the garter very carefully with my teeth. As I slid the thing down her leg, my body was fighting a desire—not to take her blood—but to make her mine, right then and there. I decided to distract myself with shooting the garter straight into Mike Newton's face, and his jealously burned even more.
For the traditional first dance, I asked Alice to play Bella's lullaby, and, as the music started, I pulled Bella into my arms. She came eagerly, despite her fear of dancing. I twirled us easily under the glow of a canopy of lights and the bright flashes from the cameras.
"Enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen?" I whispered into her throat, my dead heart flying.
She chuckled. "That will take a while to get used to."
"We have a while," I reminded her, my voice full of pure enjoyment, and I leaned down to kiss her while we danced. Cameras flashed wildly.
As the music changed, Charlie tapped on my shoulder, wanting to dance with his daughter. I relinquished Bella to him and sought out Esme. We didn't speak as we danced, but Esme gazed adoringly at me, her eyes shining. She looked like she would be crying, if such a thing were not impossible.
After Bella had danced with just about everyone, I claimed her again, hugging her into my chest. She smiled up at me and then pressed her lips softly into my chest.
As we danced, I realized that I had been unconsciously blocking out all of the thoughts in my head, focusing solely on Bella, until my mind was bombarded with thoughts who were less-than-happy with Bella's recent marriage. At first I thought it was that loathsome Mike Newton—whose thoughts turned malevolent whenever I kissed Bella—but, as I listened more closely, I recognized this immature mind.
I can't believe Bella got married to a reeking bloodsucker! he shouted silently. Even after everything he did to her!
And then Jacob Black did something that caused me more pain than anything else had. He remembered Bella in pain—Bella's pale, lifeless form coming over to visit him, Bella wrapping her arms around her chest, struggling to breathe, and, worst of all, Bella curled up on the forest floor, mumbling my name after I broke her.
I tried my best to hide my agony, but Jasper glanced apprehensively at me, no doubt feeling my sudden anguish.
What the hell is she thinking? he growled. What could a leech possibly give her that I couldn't?
I abruptly realized that he was right. What was Bella thinking? At any given moment, I could easily end her life with a flick of my hand. I was a monster who didn't deserve to be happy with her.
I was so caught up in my thoughts and those of Jacob, that I didn't notice Emmett's approach until he spoke.
"You're monopolizing the bride," he said lightly, but I could hear the urgent undertone in his voice. "Let me dance with my little sister. This could be my last chance to make her blush." He grinned.
Edward, Emmett thought as I turned to go and find Carlisle. We have a…problem. Aro decided to check for himself if Bella was really a human who knew about…us. He also brought a few…friends.
I froze as I seen Jane, Demetri, and Felix surrounding Aro.
Don't worry about Bella, he continued, I'll take care of her. Aro wants to talk to you, so you better hurry. Carlisle and Jasper will be there with you. Don't do anything stupid. This is your wedding, remember?
I snarled under my breath and walked to the dark side of one of the giant cedars that grew in the farthest corner of the yard. I recognized the forms of Carlisle and Jasper despite the darkness and walked over to stand with them. Carlisle placed a restraining hand on my shoulder, and I turned to face our uninvited guests.
So this was the infamous Aro.
He stood closest to us, surrounded by three other vampires. He looked just the same as he did in Carlisle's memories—his skin was chalky pale, almost fragile-looking, and his eyes were a clouded red.
Felix and Demetri both stood to Aro's left, grinning widely with anticipation.
Jane, a small and inconsequential-looking vampire, stood on Aro's right side, barely reaching his shoulder. Though she seemed the least threatening, I could see from Aro's gloating thoughts that she should not be mistreated.
Edward, Carlisle cautioned, be careful. Aro doesn't know what you can do and it would be best to keep it that way.
I shifted my weight minutely to let him know that I understood. Three pairs of red eyes flickered toward me.
"Edward," Aro said in a wispy voice. "It's so nice to finally meet you, but I am sorry that it's under the present circumstances. We have business to discuss."
I snarled furiously. Carlisle tightened his grip on my shoulder, and Jasper took a step closer.
"Now," Aro continued as if nothing had happened though his cohorts were tensed. "You have broken the rules, Edward. Your…mate knows of our secret, and we cannot let that go unpunished."
I growled and tried to launch myself at him, forgetting Emmett's earlier warning. But Carlisle and Jasper restrained me at the same time Aro's guard sank into a crouch around him.
Easy, Edward, Carlisle rebuked me while Jasper sent out waves of calm around us.
Despite both of their attempts, my snarls continued.
Aro raised his hand toward his guard. "Peace."
They stood up reluctantly, but their eyes never left my exposed teeth.
So the guard was nothing but a bunch of gifted puppets.
"Edward, you know the rules: no mortal can know of our existence because it would put us all in danger. You have put us all in jeopardy of being exposed, and she needs to be disposed of. Immediately."
As if on cue, Demetri, the biggest one of the group, stepped forward, flexing his arms. Jasper and I stepped forward, too, growling furiously. In the distance, Alice and Esme snarled quietly.
Only Carlisle and Aro remained calm.
"There has to be someway around this, Aro," Carlisle insisted in an urgent tone. "It doesn't have to be this way."
"Well…" Aro hesitated. "I suppose, if you intended to change her, we could leave peacefully."
"Yes," Carlisle agreed quickly. "Edward had already decided to change Bella after the wedding."
I didn't like Carlisle telling the murderer our plans, but I didn't protest because this could save Bella.
Hmm, Aro thought, turning his gaze toward me. I wonder what draws him to this human girl. She must have some potential to become powerful once she's one of us. That would explain Carlisle's fixation with her; he's even willing to marry off one of his own to secure her. Well, I want to be able too see for myself if she has an ability worth fighting for…
I stiffened, and a low hiss escaped through my clenched teeth.
Aro shot me a questioning glance before turning back to Carlisle. "Very well. But I will return to make sure you follow through with your side of the bargain, Carlisle."
"Of course," Carlisle replied, eyeing Jane furtively. "Goodbye, Aro."
"Goodbye, Carlisle, my dear friend. It was so nice to meet you, Edward, Jasper. I will see you all soon."
I glowered at them. Jasper simply nodded.
Aro turned and left, his guard following after him. Felix hesitated, looking thirstily behind me at our human guests. Jasper and I growled threateningly at him in unison, and he turned and fled into the forest. Even he was not foolish enough to challenge a whole coven a vampires alone.
As soon as their thoughts disappeared, I turned to face Carlisle and Jasper.
"Don't worry, Edward," Carlisle said, reading my apprehension. "Everything will be fine. We won't let them touch her."
Yes, Edward, Jasper thought. We will protect her.
"Yes, but no matter what, my presence is constantly putting her in danger of our kind," I answered them both. "I—"
"But you love her," Jasper interrupted. "And you can't live without her. I know how it feels, Edward, not being able to protect the one you love. But you have to trust us. We will protect her."
I sighed. "I know. Thank you, Jasper, Carlisle. I truly appreciate it."
"Of course, Edward," Carlisle said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Now go back to your Bella."
It was exactly the right thing to say. Her name was the only thing that could lighten my dark mood.
I nodded, smiling slightly, and turned back to the canopy of lights. Jasper felt my hesitation to believe them fully, but he said nothing, wanting me to get back to my wife.
I spotted her twirling on the dance floor with Mike Newton. His hand was slowly trailing down the small of her back, and I growled quietly. I tapped his shoulder lightly, but still enough to startle him. He reluctantly let go of her, and I wrapped my arms around her. She smiled and laid her head against my chest, and I was able to unearth my earlier sense of joy, my certainty that everything in my life was in the right place tonight. I pulled her closer to me.
"I could get used to this," she whispered into my chest.
"Don't tell me you've gotten over your dancing issues?" I teased her.
"Dancing isn't so bad—with you. But I was thinking more of this,"—and she pressed herself tighter against me—"of never having to let you go."
"Never," I vowed, and I leaned down to kiss her.
The kiss was slow, but a fire was beginning to form between us, gradually building.
I was so focused on Bella's lips moving with mine that I had practically forgotten where we were until Alice called, "Bella! It's time!"
Irritation flashed through me at Alice's interruption, but I ignored her, my mouth more urgent against Bella's. Bella tightened her arms around my neck, and her heart sped up.
"Do you want to miss your plane?" Alice demanded, right next to us now. "I'm sure you'll have a lovely honeymoon camped out in the airport waiting for another flight."
I unwillingly broke away from Bella to murmur, "Go away, Alice," and then pressed my mouth to Bella again.
"Bella, do you want to wear that dress on the airplane?" she demanded in an irritated voice.
Bella ignored her, knotting her fingers into my hair.
Alice growled quietly. "I'll tell her where you're taking her, Edward. So help me, I will."
I froze. I could see from her thoughts that she was telling the truth; she would do anything to make sure the wedding flowed smoothly.
I pulled away from Bella and glowered at Alice's tiny, pixie-like form. "You're awfully small to be so hugely irritating."
"I didn't pick out the perfect going-away dress to have it wasted," she retorted, taking Bella's hand. "Come with me, Bella."
Bella sighed and followed Alice halfheartedly.
As they disappeared into the house, I went to Carlisle, finding him in the front room.
Don't worry, Edward, he thought as I approached him. Everything will be fine. And remember—you owe her.
I nodded solemnly and embraced him.
"Congratulations, my son," he said aloud.
"Thank you, Carlisle."
After he released me, Esme quickly enveloped me in her arms.
"Oh, Edward," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so happy you found Bella."
I squeezed her gently before pulling back. She reached up to brush my hair out of my eyes and smiled. Then she stepped back, and Carlisle put his arm around her shoulder warmly.
I moved to the bottom of the staircase to wait for Bella while Jasper brought the car—with the suitcases inside—to the front.
As Bella descended the stairs, I held out my hand. I was remembered of earlier this evening when she had walked down the steps to say "I do."
I led her through the crowd to her father where he leaned awkwardly against the wall. Pain hit me as I watched Bella say goodbye to Charlie—both in tears. She shouldn't have to make sacrifices for me.
I pulled Bella tight against me as we made our escape.
"Are you ready?" I asked, leaving the final decision up to her.
"I am," she answered in a sure voice.
Everyone applauded when I kissed Bella on the doorstep. Then I rushed her to the car as the rice storm began. Most of it missed except for the handfuls that came from Emmett.
The car was decorated with more flowers that trailed in streamers along its length, and long gossamer ribbons that were tied to a dozen of Alice's unwanted, designer shoes dangled behind the bumper.
I shielded Bella from the rice while she climbed in, and then I was in and we were speeding away as Bella waved out the window.
I took her hand in mine and squeezed it gently.
"I love you," I said.
She leaned her head against my arm. "I love you, too."
I kissed her hair, breathing in her intoxicating scent.
As we turned onto the black highway, I pressed down on the accelerator, anxious to begin my new life with Mrs. Bella Cullen.
Author's Note #2: Sorry this chapter took so long to get up, but it's so long. It took much longer than I anticipated to write because so much happened. Then, my internet crashed, and I had to reconnect it. The next chapter will probably take a while, too, so please bear with me. I promise that I won't abandon this story unless something really big happens.
Since this chapter is so long and it took a while to get up, you guys get two songs! Yay for you!
Chapter 9 songs: "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls. Beautiful song; it's one of my favorites. "And I'd give up forever to touch you" and "You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be" and "When everything's made to be broken/I just want you to know who I am" are all completely Edward lines. This is an absolute beautiful song, and I strongly recommend that you give it a listen.
"Forever" by Chris Brown. I chose this song also because it says "It's you and me/Movin' at the speed of light into eternity" and "It's like I've waited my whole life/For this one night/It's gonna be me, you, and the dance floor/'Cause we only got one night/Double your pleasure" which I think is pretty much self-explanatory. Great song.
I'll try to get the next chapter up as soon as possible. As always, thanks for reading! Bueno or malo?