***STEPHENIE MEYER OWNS TWILIGHT AND ALL CHARACTERS IN THIS STORY, BUT I OWN THE PLOT***
A/N: I hear wedding bells! It's time to marry off Rodeoward and CPAella! Let's get to it!
BPOV
The sunset was fast approaching on this late October evening. In about ten minutes, my Daddy was going to walk me down the aisle and into the arms of my Cowboy.
Edward and I had chosen to have an evening wedding. As soon as I moved in with him, I had fallen in love with how the ranch looked at sunset. I had never seen so many beautiful colors in the Oklahoma sky. Edward Cullen had single handedly given me everything I ever wanted in my life. I say a prayer every day to the incredible God that brought us together two years ago in Houston. I wasn't looking for anything close to a relationship at the time. Swan Song was just getting more recognition, and playing at The Hideout during one of the biggest rodeos in the country was only going to give us more exposure. My career as a CPA was flourishing and I was busier than ever. Everything stopped and my world shifted on its axis the moment I stepped out on that stage and saw a drop dead gorgeous cowboy looking right back at me. In that instant, I knew I would spend my life with Edward. Yes, I fought it with everything I had but in the end, the saying 'Love Conquers All' proved to be true.
I stood staring at myself in the full length mirror and taking it all in. Alice had done a wonderful job of turning me into a beautiful bride, even with six month old Annabelle on her hip most of the time. Seeing Alice as a mother made me yearn for my own bronze haired babies. Edward and I had gone off birth control last month and had decided to let whatever happened happen naturally. Annabelle Marie Whitlock was a little ball of fire, just like her mama. Jasper was so in love with both his girls and he was amazing.
Emmett had finally broken Rosalie's iron clad will and gotten her to move in with him. They were planning a March wedding next year.
My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. I straightened my dress and turned to face the other way.
"Come on in Daddy." I knew it was him.
"Hey there Babygirl. Oooh weee Bells, you look like a damn angel honey. That Edward Cullen is a lucky bastard." He winked at me and wrapped me into a Charlie Swan hug. I melted into him, relishing in his scent. He was comfort and I felt like a little girl once again.
"Thank you Daddy. It's about time to get this show on the road I guess."
"Yes ma'am it is. Your Mama just went down the aisle to her seat. I gotta tell ya Bells, she looks mighty fine in that dress. I may have to take her aside in one of the stables and.." I put my fingers over his lips because I didn't care to hear the rest of that thought.
"Ok Romeo, let's get me to my Cowboy first."
"Alrighty then Baby, let's do this."
EPOV
Edward Cullen didn't get nervous. I rode bulls for a living, I had no fear. Ok, that's complete horse shit because I was nervous as hell. Any minute now my Bella was going to walk out of that house and down this aisle. Two years of being head over heels in love with this woman and she was finally going to become Mrs. Cullen. I couldn't help the shit eatin' grin that I wore because I felt like I had won the damn lottery. Bella was everything I ever dreamed of.
I heard the music begin just as Emmett touched me on the shoulder. I looked at him and the big bastard had a tear in his eye. Sure, on the outside he looked like a mean son of a bitch, but inside he was all mush.
There are few things in life that are truly beautiful. The Oklahoma sky immediately after a thunderstorm, perhaps the way a newborn calf tries to stand moments after it's born. Nothing I had ever seen in my life was as beautiful as Bella standing at the end of the aisle, her eyes immediately finding my own and the amazing smile that graced her angelic face. It's in this moment that I know just how truly lucky and blessed I am. Never in my wildest dreams would I have believed that I would meet someone like Isabella Swan.
I barely noticed anything else as Charlie guided her to me. When they reached me I wanted to grab Bella and kiss her within an inch of her life. Reverend Milstead noticed my anxious gaze and gently patted me on the shoulder. Luckily it's enough to bring me back to reality.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today before God and these witnesses to join in Holy Matrimony, Edward Anthony Cullen and Isabella Marie Swan. Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?"
"Oh, yep, that would be me. Me and her Mama that is." Bella and I giggled at Charlie's lack of filter. He wasn't a "proper" person by any definition of the word, but absolutely unique in every way. He kissed his little girl on the cheek and placed her hand in mine as he slapped me on the shoulder and winked.
"Edward and Bella have chosen to speak their own personal vows, so Bella, go ahead and tell Edward what's in your heart."
"Edward Cullen. Where on earth do I even begin? Who would have known that one March day in Houston, my life would change forever? I had never seen someone so downright gorgeous in all my life. The way you fill out a pair of Wranglers, wow. I'm one lucky lady. But your physical beauty has nothing on your inner beauty. You are so much more than I ever expected or hoped to find. Your courage and your compassion far surpass anyone I've ever known. The way you love me is truly a wonder. You love with your whole heart, your soul, and with every fiber of your being. Today I become your wife legally, but I've been wholly yours for much longer than that. No amount of time we spend together will ever be long enough. I can't wait to grow old with you. I love you Cowboy Hotness." She winked at me as I reached up to wipe away the tears that had fallen from her beautiful eyes. I had to quickly swallow the lump in my throat that her heartfelt words had invoked. It was my turn now.
"Bella, baby you are so much more than I ever thought I wanted. Until I found you, I merely existed. Day to day, I went about my life not knowing what tomorrow would bring and really not caring to look too far ahead into the future. My life consisted of when the next rodeo would be and countless days on the road. It wasn't until I laid eyes on a beautiful cowgirl in Houston that I stopped in my tracks. After that first night, when I thought I'd never see you again, the feelings deep in my soul were unlike anything I'd ever experienced before. I knew that you had awakened a part of my heart that I'd long since sealed away and buried. Sharing my life with you has been, God baby, I can't even put my feelings into words. I promise to always love you Bella, today, tomorrow, and forever, until my heart stops beating."
Reverend Milstead continued with the ceremony and soon I placed Bella's rings on her finger as she placed my wedding band on my hand. He pronounced us husband and wife and I couldn't help the whoop of laughter that escaped my lungs. I grabbed Bella around the waist and flung her around in a circle, both of us giddy as hell. Setting her back on her feet, I did something I had been waiting on all my life. I kissed my bride.
BPOV
Edward's mouth was fierce and hard and was exactly what I needed. Our first kiss as husband and wife was passion personified. When the wolf whistles got louder and the coughing started, we finally pulled away from each other smiling with every part of our hearts.
"Well Mr. Cullen, it seems like we are hitched."
"Yes ma'am Mrs. Cullen. Hot damn, I love the way that sounds." Without another word, Edward scooped me up and threw me over his shoulder while he slapped me on the ass, hard.
"Put me down! Edward Anthony! So help me God if you don't put me down…"
"You'll what Darlin'? Take away my birthday? I do believe there is a reception we need to attend." With a loud yee-haw, Edward took off running back up the aisle, me still thrown over his shoulder, fighting him every step of the way as our guests' laughter rang loudly in my ears.
The reception was in full swing in the tent we erected behind Carlisle and Esme's home. The beer and whiskey was free flowing and the Bar BQ was plentiful. Never in my life had I tasted ribs nearly comparable to the ones Emmett managed to cook up for today. He had missed his calling by not opening his own restaurant, of that I was sure.
Edward and I stood behind our six-tier wedding cake and cut a slice as the photographer snapped away all around us. When we lifted cake to each other's mouth I raised my eyebrow at Edward in silent warning for him to be good. The evil glint in his eye assured me he would do no such thing.
"Edward….."
"Isabella….."
As if we had the same idea at the same time, each of us ran our forefinger through the icing on our piece of cake and gently made a swipe right over the other persons' lips.
"Well now what Cowboy?" I watched Edward's green eyes become completely black with desire.
"Now I plan to kiss you woman." He pulled me roughly to him as he ghosted his lips along the shell of my ear and whispered, "And when we're alone, I plan to spread some of this icing along the lips of that sweet pussy and lick it all off, inch by fucking glorious inch."
"I'll hold you to that." As our lips found each other, we had to fight to control ourselves. The sooner this was over the better.
The girls and I decided we would sing a couple songs at the reception. We'd been toying around with the idea of putting Swan Song back together around the surrounding area. I had been working on a special song for my cowboy and I hoped he would like it.
We danced our first dance as husband and wife to George Strait's I Cross My Heart. Edward sang to me the entire time and I wondered why he had never pursued singing as a career. His voice was amazing and smooth. As the song came to an end, Rosalie caught my eye and I knew it was time for my wedding gift to Edward.
"I have a surprise for you Cowboy. Follow me."
"Mmmm I love surprises Mrs. Cullen. Will you be naked for this one?" He wiggled his eyebrows and I had to laugh. Edward's brain was always on sex.
"Well, I suppose I could be but I'm not sure you'd like all our guests to see my goodies."
"That's not funny Bella. You know I don't share." Rolling my eyes, I led my cowboy to a chair right in the middle of the dance floor that had been put there earlier. He looked at me with confusion for a moment as I gently pushed him down to sit.
"Stay here Edward. Relax."
EPOV
She pushed me into a chair and sashayed her gorgeous ass to the stage and grabbed a microphone. I couldn't help the smile on my face. My Bella was going to sing to me. Hell yeah.
All of our guests had come to form a circle around the dance floor where I was seated in the middle. I noticed that Alice and Rosalie had taken their positions on the stage. It appeared that Swan Song was in the house tonight.
"Hey ya'll, thanks so much for coming tonight to share in our special day. Edward and I love each and every one of you. Right now, if ya'll don't mind, I'd like to give my Cowboy his wedding present." The applause and whistles rang out as Bella stepped down off the stage and made her way to stand in front of me. I sat up and put my elbows on my knees with my hands clasped between them and looked into her gorgeous eyes.
"It was a little more than two years ago down in Houston when this beautiful cowboy rode into my life and stole my heart. I never saw him coming. That night, I fell in love with Edward Cullen. Sure, he was a rodeo champion, he was amazingly gorgeous, and his green eyes saw clear into my soul, but the man behind the cowboy hat and sexy smirk was what truly captured my heart. When I tried to think of something to give him on our wedding day, I was at a loss. What could I possibly give him that equaled one tenth of what he had given me? So, I turned to music. Edward, baby, I wrote this song just for you. I hope you like it. I call it From This Moment On."
Bella had walked back to the front of the stage and turned around as the music began. With each word she sang, she stepped closer to me.
I do swear that I'll always be there.
I'd give anything and everything and I will always care.
Through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow,
For better for worse, I will love you with
Every beat of my heart.
From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
I tried not to let the lump in my throat overcome me, but it seemed like it was going to be a losing battle. The way her voice caressed each word and gave it life sent chills up and down my spine. Knowing she had written this song just for me, with me in mind, was almost more than I could handle. No one had ever done something so wonderful for me.
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
By this time, my beautiful wife was circling me while I sat in the chair. She would reach out and stroke my face gently, or run her fingers through my hair. I'm not sure if she intended to do it, but Bella was driving me mad. I wanted to grab her and kiss the living shit out of her and I didn't care who saw it.
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on
As soon as the song ended, you could have heard a pin drop. Bella simply put the microphone on the floor and curled into my lap. As soon as our lips met, the entire place erupted in applause. Wrapping my hand around the back of her neck, I brought her ear to my mouth.
"Isabella Cullen that was the single most beautiful moment of my life. Words fail me Darlin'. Thank you so much Sweetheart. The song was amazing."
"It's exactly how I feel Edward. I love you so very much." We kissed several more times right there in the middle of the dance floor, the world seemingly slipping away moment by moment.
BPOV
Finally after what seemed like forever, Edward and I said goodbye to the last guest and went back to our house via horse drawn carriage. We would be spending our wedding night at home and leaving tomorrow around noon for our honeymoon in Colorado.
I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed when I felt him enter the room. I glanced into the mirror and the vision before me nearly knocked me over. Edward was wearing black satin sleep pants that hung low on his hips and showcased the delicious V of his lower abdomen. He was shirtless and rubbing his left hand lazily over his chest, the newly placed ring on his finger catching the light just right and shimmering. His hair was in its normal state of disarray and behind him I could see that he had candles lit throughout our bedroom. We stared at each other in the mirror for what seemed like an eternity until he finally spoke.
"I hope you are about ready for bed Darlin'. I'd like to make love to my wife for the first time." I put down the hairbrush I held and turned to face him. His sharp intake of breath told me he appreciated the outfit I had chosen for our wedding night.
"Take me to bed Cowboy. Now."
"Yes ma'am Miss Bella."
In two short strides, Edward scooped me up and walked me over to the bed, gently placing me on my back as his body covered mine. Our mouths claimed each other slowly and languidly. When he placed the weight of his body on top of me, I thought I'd die from the need I felt for him. Edward and I had made love countless times in our relationship, but this time was different. This time he was my husband.
"You're so damn beautiful baby, I can't believe I get to keep you forever." He moved his kisses to the column of my neck, across my collar bones and down the center of my breasts. As he kissed, he took my nightgown with him and before long I was completely bare beneath him.
"This is hardly fair Cowboy, you are still wearing pants."
"Well baby, do something about it." He brought out the panty dropper and I melted further into the bed. The panty dropper was my weakness and he knew it, the beautiful asshole.
Using my feet, I pushed his pants down as far as I could and Edward kicked them off the rest of the way. He moved his hand to my aching sex and moaned when he felt the wetness there.
"Always ready for me my Bella. I think I should reward you. What do you need Darlin'? Do you need my mouth on your swollen clit? How about my tongue baby? Do you want me to lick and nibble on that gorgeous pussy for a while?"
"Yes Edward, God yes. I want all of that. Please." I wasn't above begging. My desire for him had me nearly drowning in a couple different ways.
"Whatever you need baby, I'll give you everything you need." With that, he moved down and began to lick me from my entrance to my clit and back down again. The man was perfection with his tongue and once he added his fingers, I was spiraling over the cliff in complete ecstasy.
"Fuck, I love to watch you come baby. You have no idea how sexy you are."
"I need you inside me Edward. Please baby, make love to me." I didn't have to ask twice as he slowly slid into my wet heat.
"Mmmm Damn baby….fuck you feel good."
"So do you Cowboy, so do you. I love you my husband."
"I love you Sweetheart." He leaned down and kissed me passionately as he began his slow thrusts, eventually catching a rhythm that had both of us panting and moaning.
We made love through the night, finally succumbing to sleep in the early morning hours. As I drifted off to sleep in the arms of my cowboy I thought back to Houston and that first night. When Edward made love to me, the feelings I felt were immediate. I told myself there was no way anything could ever come from our coupling save for a one night stand. I couldn't have been more wrong.
That night, I found my future. When we eventually found our way back to each other at the end of the rodeo, Edward asked me if I thought a long distance relationship would work. I had no clue if we'd make it but I was willing to try. Now, I was lying in his arms and he was my husband. I grinned at my memories and knew I had done exactly what I intended to do. I hadn't let my cowboy ride away.
A/N: And that my friends, is that! Thank you so much for making this contest entry a winner and for encouraging me to continue it after the contest. We'll have an epilogue coming shortly and then I'll mark this one complete. By the way, the song Bella sang for Edward actually belongs to Shania Twain and is called From This Moment On. Thanks to my writing soulmate, Ally for her suggestion of that song! See ya'll later with the Epi!
