Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): T, Parkward
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Prompt: fidgety

Edward's eyes widened, then softened when I stepped out of the bathroom. He didn't say anything, he didn't have to, the look in his eyes was enough. Placing a kiss on my forehead he took my hand and pulled me out to the car. Emmett and Rosalie climbed into the backseat while the others all loaded into Carlisle and Esme's Escalade so we could car-pool to the restaurant.

No sooner were we seated than Edward became fidgety. He kept glancing over to an elderly couple who were giggling and waving at him. "Edward, why can't you sit still?" Esme said, but then sighed when she saw the couple. "Bella, that's the Smiths, the ones who gave you the 'gift.'"

I looked at them, over to Esme, and back to the elderly couple. "That's the Smiths? How old are they?"

Esme giggled. "I think at least in their eighties."

My jaw suddenly found it difficult to close. They noticed me and started pointing in my direction, talking animatedly to each other. I gave a little wave, to which Mrs. Smith waved back, said something to her husband, and they both got up from their seats.

"Hello dear, you must be Bella," Mrs. Smith said, taking my hand in her slightly shaking one. "Did you receive our wedding gift?"

There was something just so engaging about the elderly woman. I wasn't sure if it was the directness of her question, the smile lines etched deeply into her face or the way her eyes twinkled with merriment, but I was enchanted.

"Yes, Mrs. Smith, I did. I'd thank you, but I'm afraid you might have given them to the wrong couple," I said, earning gasps from Edward's family. "Edward and I don't plan to use them. I suppose we can find a way to repurpose them."

They both started to laugh while my future in-laws looked aghast. "Oh, my dear, I think I'm really going to like you," Mrs. Smith said, patting my cheek. "If they aren't to your taste, that's fine. You can return them to the Blue Boutique where I got them and pick out something you'd prefer. I don't mind at all."

"Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate that," I said.

"Such a beauty," she said before turning to Carlisle and Esme. They began discussing the opera season so I turned to Edward. He and the rest of his family were looking at me, trying really hard to pretend they weren't looking at me as we also started to discuss the upcoming event. Even Esme was glancing my way occasionally. I knew better than to question them with the Smiths still there, but didn't hold back from rolling my eyes.

Nobody discussed the fact that I had said anything to Mrs. Smith about the inappropriateness of her gift for the rest of the night. That doesn't mean that not everyone was thinking about it. Every now and then one member of the family would look my way, shake their head, some would snicker as well, then continue on with whatever was happening.

The opera was fantastic. La Traviata was as beautiful and heart-wrenching as ever. The soprano managed to acquit the final scene, singing softly, painfully and powerfully. There wasn't a dry eye in the theater.

We saw the Smiths again at the opening night celebration. They waved when they saw me but were busy talking to the conductor so I didn't go over to speak with them. The conductor was looking very happy.

The rest of the weekend was spent going over the final details of our wedding. I couldn't believe it would be happening in less than a week, the time seemed to be flying by. Yet, whenever I looked at Edward it seemed so far away.

Monday morning I made time to return the gift. I couldn't imagine what I could possibly find at that store, since I was embarrassed to even walk in the doors, but was willing to give it a try. I was in for quite a surprise.

The lady behind the counter was actually quite helpful. She had a huge smile on her face when I explained I was returning a gift, somehow immediately knowing who it was from. When she asked what I would be interested in I stammered as I explained that I hadn't found anything for my wedding night yet. She walked me over to a corner that had beautiful, tasteful, modest and still sexy silk nightgowns. These were something I thought I could wear without embarrassment.

I made my way to the register with some trepidation. There was no way the beads cost more than the nightgown I had chosen, and it wasn't like we had much extra money, but I was too excited about my find to not purchase it if it was possible to swing the cost at all. Unfortunately the tag didn't have a price, so there was no way for me to know until I went to check out.

The helpful saleswoman took my nightgown from me and rang it up. As soon as the price came up my heart fell. "Three hundred twenty dollars?" I asked, completely incredulous that it could cost that much.

"Don't worry dear," she assured me, smiling broadly. Reaching behind the counter she pulled out the beads and an envelope. After exchanging the beads I still owed three hundred five dollars. Then she opened the envelope. I watched as she pulled out five one-hundred dollar bills, rung up the rest of the sale, and handed me the change.

"I don't understand," I said, looking at the money in my hand.

"You're the first to actually exchange one of their gifts for something you wanted," she told me. "They do this with every couple, hoping that the youngsters will be brave and polite enough to speak to them. If they do, the Smiths would send them here."

A smile grew on my face. Not only was I able to get what I wanted for my wedding night, I had money left over. "One rule though," she said as she wrapped up my package, "you are sworn to secrecy. Don't tell!"

She was holding my bag hostage until I agreed. I did, readily. "But what do I tell Edward?"

"Oh, you can tell him, but only after he promises not to spill the beans."

"Deal!"

I told some of you that you would be surprised by the Smiths! I hope everyone in the states enjoys their Labor Day weekend!