Twilight character names belong to Stephenie Meyer. The inspiration for TLB is credited to Lavender Mornings by Jude Deveraux. No copyright infringement is intended.

Thank you Ann, Jess and Steph, (my amazing betas at project team beta dot com) for walking me through this process.

Special thank you to Sheena (Savannah-Vee on FFN) for her help in making sure that Jenks sounds like he's from London and not from Cleveland.


Trust

"How is it possible that no one at Mill Hill knows anything about my daughter or where she's buried?"

Carlisle came over to put his hand on my shoulder. The light from his desk lamp shown down on the scribbled notes I had made over the last two weeks. Bella's doctor had left London for the United States shortly after Bella delivered Serena. The hospital records were mishandled, and no records of Serena's birth or death came to the 8th Convalescent with Bella.

"Edward, they have enough challenges trying to keep track of the living, let alone the dead. I'm not saying this to be callous, but it's true. Look at your own situation; you and Bella were both told that the other was dead."

"I'm frustrated with the total lack of direction. Every time I call they connect me with the burn unit. The nurse there tells me that Bella's doctor was transferred back to the US. She says that she's contacted the groundskeeper for the cemetery to ask for his help and so far, nothing. How can this happen? I know that they need to keep track of the bodies for transport back to the US. I feel like I'm being stonewalled."

"Maybe we need a different approach. Do you remember telling me to find new colleagues when I was searching for a way to fight Bella's infection?"

"Yes." I added asarcastic, of course, in my head.

"You need to find a way around the wall. If you're always connected with the burn unit, and you're not getting any results, go directly to the undertakers or the groundskeepers."

He was right. It was at least worth a try. I picked up the phone and dialed the main number for Mill Hill. I practically had the number memorized by now. The switchboard answered.

"Mill Hill switchboard, how may I direct your call?"

"Cemetery or undertaker, please."

"One moment, sir."

My eyes widened; could it really have been that easy? A moment later, a voice answered on the other line.

"This is Jenks… 'Ello?" it asked.

It was a man's voice with a gruff cockney accent.

"Yes, I'm looking to find the body of a child buried in your cemetery this past summer. It would have been around July. It was a newborn baby actually. She was my daughter, her name is Serena Masen."

"Oh, sir." He paused swallowing hard. "I'm very sorry for your loss. It was July you say?" I heard him shuffling papers around in the background.

"Yes, late July or early August. The records that came with my wife didn't give me an exact date."

"It's not every day that I bury a newborn. I remember it." There was a long pause. "The box was so small. I 'ad to make it myself. The young mother died in the burn unit. She was an American."

"Yes, she is an American, but my wife is very much alive. She was transferred to the 8th at Stoneleigh Hill. She's been recovering here for months. She'll likely be released soon, and we want to take our daughter with us back to the United States."

"I see. I'm very 'appy to 'ear that your wife survived, sir. Lauren was so sure…"

"Who is Lauren? What was she sure of?"

"Lauren, is actually Lauren Mallory; she's a nurse in the burn unit. She brought me the baby to bury out 'ere. Said the doctors gave your wife the best care they could, but she didn't have any 'ope that your Mrs. would survive."

"Does she still work at the hospital?"

"Yeah, she's the head nurse for the burn unit now. Lovely woman. She was very upset when she brought me the child. You see, she is a young mother herself."

"I can be at Mill Hill in a few hours," I said.

"Sir, transfers like this need the right paperwork. They won't let you leave the country without it. If you're planning to go back to the US, you'll need 'em before you get on a transport."

"How long?" I asked not hiding the agitation in my voice.

"I'll 'ave 'em by Friday."

It went against my better judgment to allow him two days to stall. Something felt off, but I didn't have any evidence, only a feeling.

"What papers do you need? I have some connections with the ETOUSA in London; I can probably get them pushed through quickly."

"Sir, I actually do the paperwork 'ere, but it does take some time. I need to update the Report of Interment. I 'ave to make copies and send them to the Quartermaster General, the Central Records Office, the Adjudant General's Department, the Theater of Operations, and a final copy for the Chief Surgeon."

"All right, Jenks, I'll see you bright and early on Friday morning."

"Yes, sir."

I heard a click and then the phone went dead.

"What did he say?" Carlisle asked. He was staring at me intently through the entire conversation.

"He said Friday."

I took a deep breath and pursed my lips to one side.

"What's the problem, Edward? Aren't you relieved? You have the information you were looking for, and you'll be able to bring your daughter home, right?"

"Bella's the problem. She's going to want to go."

"Edward." He sighed. "Bella is stronger, and I believe that she'll be ready to go home soon. Maybe we should look at this as a trial run to see how she does away from the hospital? Take my car. You can go down to Harrow on Thursday afternoon and be there early on Friday morning. It's about a two hour drive and breaking it up over two days will be easier on her. We'll take some precautions of course; I'll give her a round of penicillin to combat anything she would come in contact with while her immune system is still recovering."

He trailed off looking up at the ceiling to do a calculation in his head. I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. I didn't want to take any chances with her. Unfortunately, Bella wasn't going to see it my way.

"I need to call Colonel Swan."

I pushed on the door leading into Bella's room. The afternoon sun was shining in through the windows. Bella was leaning forward with her hands on the windowsill. The light lit the strands of her hair as they fell across her shoulders. Her eyes were closed as if she was letting the sun warm her face. She took a deep breath filling her lungs. The sight of her still stunned me; her every breath made me happy. I moved quickly to her side and wrapped my arms around her waist. I pulled her into my chest to lift her weight off of her legs. My chin rested on the top of her head. Bella wrapped her arms around herself and over my own arms to hug me tightly to her. I dropped my head forward to place her cheek against mine and felt her smile in response. Unable to contain my emotions any longer, I lifted her and pulled her legs out from underneath her, carrying her over to the bed.

"You're not ready to stand up on your own." My voice was filled with disapproval. "I know you're anxious to be independent but give it some time. That's what the physical therapy is for.

She huffed at me, but she saw something more in my eyes. She jerked her head back to get a better view. Her eyes squinted. She was appraising my expression, my posture, my breathing. It was as if she was running through a checklist in her head.

"What do you know?"

I suppressed a laugh, knowing it would only frustrate her and get me into trouble. She had completely dismissed my comments about it being unsafe for her to stand without someone to support her. She was good at reading people. She'd always been good at that. I thought about passing off my trip as fact finding, but she would see through me. Further still, she'd be angry with me once she found out I went off to find Serena without her.

No, as much as I wanted her to stay here, I wouldn't be able to lie or to dissuade her from coming with me. Still, I had to try…

"I finally got some information about Serena."

Her eyes widened and then retreated into an inner pain that crushed me. How could going be anything but wrong for her? She wasn't strong enough physically and emotionally…I could only begin to imagine what this would do to her.

Bella waited impatiently. She tightened her jaw, tensing in anticipation.

"I was being stonewalled when I called the hospital. Carlisle suggested I contact the groundskeepers directly for help finding her."

I couldn't bring myself to say the word undertaker. It would only bring Bella unnecessary pain.

"And?" she huffed.

"He said he remembered burying the child of an American this summer. It was Serena; I'm sure of it. He said that a nurse in the burn unit brought him the baby.

The sadness in Bella's eyes pulled a painful ache through my chest. It was as if some faint memory was being wrenched away from her. I struggled with what to say next. I didn't want her to go with me. It was going to be too dangerous, too costly, for her.

My voice was a whisper.

"Bella, I'm going to get her on Friday. By the time you finish your morning session with Mike, I'll be back."

"Edward," she said curtly. "There's no way in hell you're keeping me from going with you."

She expressed her words with so much conviction and intensity, I knew that I would have to chain her to the bed or have Carlisle knock her out to be able to escape without her. Would I do that to her? Could I? The idea seemed both right and wrong at the same time.

"I will be there," she continued. "I will hold Serena. I will be her mother and care for her, if only once, before we bring her home."

Her words pierced me. She would be a mother again. I promised her that. I hung my head and stared at my hands in defeat. I would have to find away to protect her. New fear swelled within my chest restricting the air in my lungs. Carlisle said something about more penicillin…

"Edward!" Bella shouted at me. "Answer me."

She hadn't asked a question, but still she wanted a response from me.

"You have to trust me when I tell you that I need to do this. It's as strong as the need I had to find you after my accident." She looked down and furrowed her brow in determination. "I'm not asking for your permission, Edward; I'm going. Please, don't make it any harder for me."

I closed my eyes and turned my head away from her face. I nodded. She threw her arms around me. Her warm tears wet my neck and shirt collar. I pulled my arms around her and stroked her from behind her head down to the small of her back. I resolved myself to the fact that she was going. Still, I was determined to keep her safe. I pulled away from her and stared into her teary eyes.

"Promise me you'll do whatever Carlisle instructs. Everything, rest, penicillin shots, whatever… You also have to trust my judgment. I'm the lead."

She knew what I meant. We had always been partners, but I was asking her to listen, no, more like to obey if I told her to do something. Not in a controlling way, but more like the way we were in Ultra. Back then she was the lead; I followed her direction. Regardless of our partnership, she was still the lead. Now I was asking her to relinquish that part of our partnership to me.

"Promise me, Bella."

She nodded and looked up into my eyes.

"I promise."

The plan was set. I had the car ready with a map and food for the trip. We were staying in a hotel in Harrow for the night and we would be at Mill Hill at seven am on Friday morning. I put the last of the blankets for Bella onto the front seat of Carlisle's car.

"Edward," he said, putting his hand on my shoulder.

I turned to look at him. His expression was somewhat…embarrassed perhaps?

"Edward. There's something I need to tell you as Bella's physician."

My eyes grew wide. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, Edward. Esme told me that you and Bella were planning to have a family some day."

"Yes." I nodded.

"Edward, pregnancy is very hard on a woman's body, especially in the later months. There will be swelling and a lot of pressure on her legs to carry the weight of a child."

And then it hit me. Could we have more children? How stupid of me to promise her something I couldn't control.

"Are you saying she can't bear anymore children?"

"No, Edward, it's not that. I'm quite certain she could conceive a child. I'm just cautioning you as her doctor. She needs more time to heal before she can carry a baby. Even if she were to conceive a year or two from now, I would probably put her on bed rest for most of the pregnancy. There will be a big risk for her and for her unborn child. A pregnancy for Bella will have to be watched very closely."

"Oh," I said. "I understand. I won't put her in any danger."

"I know that."

I shut the door, still rolling over Carlisle's words in my mind. I walked through the lobby to the elevators and up to Bella's room. She would always be fragile; she would always need to be looked after. But the best way for me to love her was to make her think that she was still as strong as a lion in my eyes.

When I entered the room, I saw Esme was packing something in a bag on Bella's bed. She turned to me as I walked toward her.

"Edward, this is the penicillin that Dr. Cullen prescribed. The syringes are already filled. You need to use alcohol and cotton to clean the skin before you give her a shot. Pull the skin taut, grasp the syringe and jab it into her skin, then push the plunger down. Be careful with the amount of force you use. You want to pierce the skin and enter the first few layers of muscle tissue."

She looked at me warily.

"Are you sure you can do this?"

"I'm sure."

I looked across the bed as Esme slipped the box into Bella's bag. A white cloth was folded delicately on top. I walked over toward her and reached out to touch the sheer fabric. My hand lightly traced the embroidered circles that edged the fabric of what I knew was Bella's wedding veil. The touch sparked a memory of one of the happiest days of my life. I silently wondered why Bella would want to take it with us to Harrow. Esme caught my stare and answered my unspoken question.

"It's for Serena. I think Bella intends to wrap her in it."

Esme lifted the edge of the fabric allowing it to fan out beneath her fingertips. A hint of a smile crossed her face as she traced the intricate pattern formed by the scalloped edge.

"It's lovely."

"She loved this veil. She told me it was exactly what she would have picked out herself."

The expression on Esme's face was full of surprise.

"She didn't pick this out herself?"

I shook my head and grinned at the memory of Siobhan.

"No, but she sort of had a fairy godmother."

"When we got back from the trip to Warwickshire, Bella told Siobhan that we were engaged. Siobhan could not have been more pleased with herself.

"I knew ye were a smart boy, Edward. I'd like to help make some arrangements for you and Bella, but it will take a little time. Can ye wait until August?

I was still getting used to the idea that I asked her, let alone the fact that she said yes to me. August was only two months away. Bella would be my wife in two months!

"I can wait as long as she can."

I couldn't get the smile off of my face. I knew that Liam and Seth had turned in for the night, but my poker face had evaporated the moment I began to imagine Bella in my arms and kissing her as my new bride. Siobhan patted my leg as we sat together in the parlor. She smiled at me with a deep sense of satisfaction. Her grin resembled a Cheshire cat.

"I'm gonna need some time to plan. I need an excuse to give ye a night alone together. Bella needs a gown, and ye'll be needin' some wedding rings…."

"Siobhan, how are you going to do all of this? We're in the middle of a war."

She looked at me with reproach in her eyes. "Edward, a wedding is somethin' ye celebrate no matter what is going on in this here world. It's once in a lifetime. I ken it'll be that way for the two of ye. I want it to be memorable for ye. Liam and I hadn't any bairns of our own. You can give an old woman the pleasure of plannin' a wedding, can't ye?"

"Of course but-"

"No buts, it'll be done."

When we came down in August, I could barely keep my eyes away from Bella. The nervous excitement made me grin every time I looked at her. She was in far better control than I was, or at least she seemed to be.

True to her word, Siobhan had everything planned. She tapped on my door on when we got there on Friday evening.

"Edward?"

"Yes, come in please."

"I've got somethin' for ye." Siobhan's poker face was no better than mine. She slid two gold bands out from a small manila envelope and into the palm of my hand.

"How did you ever?"

"No questions," she said with immediate haste and authority. "Just be happy, mon crideaugh." Her expression softened as she picked up the rings and placed them back in the envelope before Liam could come find her.

"Tomorrow you're taking Bella and me on a trip." She winked. "I've told Liam that I need to call on my sister in Manchester. Liam isn't very fond of Heidi. He is quite content to let me go on with you and Bella alone. Seth'll stay with Liam and I'll spend the night at the rectory with Father Clapp. He's happy to have the company and, for once, a good meal."

I was dizzy at the way her web of planning had all fit together.

"After the ceremony you'll be goin' to stay at the old vicarage, aye. Alistair and Maggie are very excited about hosting ye for the evening. I'm sure ye'll have a lovely time." Siobhan was grinning at the idea herself.

She saw my own far off glance, and this time she smacked my leg. "Gu leoir!" she hissed. "Back to business. Did ye bring your uniform like I'd asked of ye?

"Yes ma'am."

"Good, we'll leave at ten. You'll drop Bella and me off at the church, and then I have an errand that'll take ye to Olney."

"Okay, anything. What do you need?"

"I need ye to pick out a wee wedding gift for, do luiadh, Bella. This region has a long history of lace making datin' back to the 1560s. I'm sure you'll find somethin' lovely for her. The shop in Olney is not more than a quarter hour from Hanslope. You shouldna have any trouble getting back to the church by noon. DON'T BE LATE or I'll brain ye!" I want you to come in through the priest's doorway. You'll no be seein' your Bella 'til she walks down the aisle."

My eyes grew wide and a grin plastered itself across my face. I shook my head almost in disbelief. We were really going to be married in the morning. Siobhan noticed my reaction.

"Cold feet, moi ghille?" she asked smiling.

"No!" I said with far too much enthusiasm. "Even Colonel Swan couldn't keep me away. But how will I give Bella her gift if I'm not allowed to see her?"

"Ye leave that to me. No ruinin' the first sight of her, ye hear?"

She glared at me. There was no convincing her otherwise. With that, I quickly decided to let Siobhan have her fun.

The next morning I was jittery and nervous. I put on my chauffeur's uniform and slipped the gold rings into my pocket. I grabbed an overnight bag with my uniform and a change of clothes for the evening. I scrambled down the stairs and into the kitchen for breakfast. Siobhan had a full feast for us. Liam and Seth were already scarfing down the eggs and bacon. The scent of fresh blueberry bread warmed the air and drew me to the table like a moth to a flame.

"Have fun today," Liam scoffed. He leaned closer to me across the table. "I can't say I envy you, son. Heidi is an infuriating woman. She can try the patience of a saint."

I laughed to myself. "I've had a lot of training; I think I can handle her."

Liam leaned in closer and his voice turned to a whisper.

"I've had nearly forty years of training, son, and I still can't handle being in a room with her."

A loud bang was followed by an "Ouch!" as Liam cried out. Before I could move, I saw Liam's hand fly up to the back of his head.

Siobhan had turned quickly from the stove with the cast iron frying pan full of scrambled eggs in her hand. She knocked the pan into Liam's head without spilling so much as a smidge of breakfast. Seth and I tried to smother our laughter.

"I'm so sorry, mo airgeadach. I turned too quickly. Are ye all right?"

"Just fine, love," Liam grumbled with an expression of strained tenderness plastered across his face.

We finished breakfast, and I realized that Bella still hadn't come down yet. Siobhan noticed my glances toward the hallway and the stairs.

"Edward, my bags and Bella's are by the front door. I'll thank ye for puttin' them in the car for me."

"Yes, ma'am."

I grabbed my bag and made a few trips out to the car. There was a long bag already draped across the back seat. A dress I wondered? I tried to imagine Bella in a wedding gown, but the reality of life hit me. It was 1943, and the world was at war. It didn't matter what she wore; she would look beautiful naked. Actually…my eyebrow lifted at the idea. I shook my head and turned to go back into the house when Siobhan caught me at the door.

"Oh no ye donas, we'll be leavin' shortly. I want ye to back the car up so that you're facin' away from the door. Before ye be getting' any wild ideas, turn up the rear view mirror. If I catch ye' peakin' at her, so help me, Edward…."

"I'll be good," I promised.

"Ye'd better, or Liam won't be the only one with a sore head from my frying pan."

Siobhan went back into the house, and I backed the car toward the door as instructed. I waited with the engine on, nervously rubbing my hand through my hair and staring down at the Saint Christopher's medal hanging from my neck. The medal caught my attention. Thoughts of my mother filled my mind as I ran my thumb over the image on the face.

"I wish you were here today, mom. I know you'd be happy for us."

I jumped, half startled, when the back door opened. I had to force myself not to look up or turn around.

"All right, Edward, eyes on the road."

I heard Bella slip into the seat and the sounds of the dress bag being pulled across her lap. Siobhan went around the car to the other side and joined her.

"Am I at least allowed to say good morning to her?" I pleaded.

I heard Bella suppress her laugh.

"I suppose," Siobhan said with an exasperated tone.

I looked down at my hands and rolled my lips between my teeth. I wondered what to say to her to adequately express how happy I was today.

"I love you, Bella," I whispered.

I heard her breath catch.

"I love you too, Edward," her whisper matched mine.

"I know." I smiled to myself. "This is just the first day of forever for us."

"Umhmm." She swallowed.

"All right, sguir, Edward. She'll be ruinin' her makeup before we even get to the church." Siobhan didn't have any force behind her voice. I think she wiped a tear from her cheek as well.

I put the car into drive and headed down the long driveway. We turned the corner, and my hands gripped the steering wheel. I rubbed my thumbs around the black rim. I needed to hear her voice to calm the fluttering that was plaguing my stomach.

"So, any plans for today?" I asked casually.

"No, same old same old," she said with a sigh. I could hear the smugness in her reply.

Ugh, Bella you're not helping me here. Maybe the weather?

"Nice day for August, don't you think?" I said with more of a pleading in my voice than I would have liked.

"Yes, lovely. No clouds but still cool for this time of year."

I tried to keep my eyes on the road and not show my nervous frustration, but it was quickly getting to me. Mercifully, Bella reached forward from the back seat and squeezed my shoulder with her gentle hand.

"How did you ever make it through training?" she asked smugly. "It's too easy to get to you."

My eyes never left the road, but I reached up and stroked her hand. I leaned into my shoulder to kiss her fingertips.

"I made it through training just fine thank you. You're just a better operative."

"I know," she said laughingly. "That's why I'm the lead."

And just like that my butterflies evaporated. I pulled up to the main entrance just past the peaked doors that led into the church.

"Don't keep me waiting too long," she said, squeezing my shoulder once more.

Siobhan got out of the car and was coming around the front to my door. I reached back over my shoulder to hold her hand there for one moment longer.

"Bella?" I asked. "I know I'm not supposed to see you now, but when you come down the aisle you'll see it in my eyes. It will be the happiest moment of my life."

She leaned forward and kissed the back of my head for a long moment. My eyes closed in response and then she was gone. Siobhan leaned into my window while Bella slipped into the church. I got Siobhan's and Bella's bags out of the trunk for them.

"Make sure you're changed and back by noon, aye? Meet me at the priest's entrance on the northwest side of the church."

"I'll be here."

"Dinna worry, Edward; I'll make sure she's ready. The waiting is the toughest part. Now off with ye."

I hopped into the car and made the short drive to Olney. The shop was on a street called Bull Court. Inside I found a sales clerk sitting behind the counter with a huge pillow on her lap. There must have been sixty beaded bobbins and string hanging down from the pillow she was using to weave a lace edging by hand.

"Welcome, can I help you?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm here to buy a wedding gift for my bride."

"Oh, congratulations, when's the big day?"

"Today, in an hour, maybe two." When the words tumbled out, I realized that I was a little less coherent than I had thought.

"Okay, well, let's see." The woman showed me around the shop pointing out the different items. My eye settled on a delicate lace garter tied together with a powder blue ribbon.

"That's a lovely choice," she said. "Do you know what kind of dress she's wearing? Is it full or tight to her frame?"

I gave the woman a blank stare having no idea how to answer her. I remembered my vision of this morning, Bella naked, now with the garter slid half way up one of her thighs.

"Okay, um, how about a handkerchief? She can carry it with her flowers and use it if she needs to wipe a few tears during the ceremony?"

I sighed a little, liking the image I conjured in my mind of the garter a lot more. "Yes, I think Bella would like that."

We looked through a half dozen when I came upon one that had the silhouette of Saint James' church intricately woven into the bottom left corner. "This is the one."

"You're getting married at St. James?"

"Yes, at noon. In fact, I need to get changed. Is there somewhere close by I could…"

"Of course, here, I'll wrap this up for you. You can go into that room over there. We use it for classes in the evenings, but no one is here but me today."

I changed quickly then paid the woman for the handkerchief.

"Thank you," I said. "I'm sure Bella will love it."

"You're welcome; I hope you enjoy the gift too." She smiled so hard it bewildered me.

I hopped back into the car and drove back to Hanslope. When I got to the church, I reached under the seat and grabbed the envelope I sealed last night. Inside was a letter I wrote for Bella. The words seemed even truer this morning.

I am the luckiest man alive today, and I know that the passage of time will only make me love you more. I will love you when you're old and when you're grey and when you're wrinkled. I vow to love and care for you every day of my life.

Today our lives become one and I take you into my heart forever.

Forever,

Edward

I got out of the car and grabbed the package with Bella's gift. With the envelope tucked safely inside the bag, I made my way to the priest's entrance. Once inside, I was immediately caught in the arms of Siobhan.

"Oh, Edward, she looks so beautiful."

I smiled and handed Siobhan the package. "There's a letter in there for Bella too."

She nodded and led me to the center aisle and introduced me to Father Clapp.

"Welcome, Edward, are you ready?"

I nodded, a little bewildered but completely sure.

"Mrs. Callaghan is going to help Bella with a few more things. Then she'll go over to the organ to play the wedding march. When it comes to the vows just repeat after me. You'll do fine," he said reassuringly. "Do you have the rings?"

"Yes." I pulled them from my pocket and slid the rings out from the envelope and into Father's hand.

We walked toward the center of the aisle.

"This is called the chancel." Father and I stopped and turned, looking down the long aisle. Father pointed to the back of the church. "Your bride will come in through those doors."

I took a deep breath and smiled, nearly shaking my head at how amazing I felt at that moment. I looked up at the stone arches that framed the center of the church. The light colored stone was bathed in a pale amethyst glow from the stained glass windows. The whole church seemed to radiate from the early afternoon sun.

I heard a whoosh as the right side door at the rear of the church opened. Siobhan walked through the door and nodded toward Father and me. Her heels clicked quickly as she strode up the aisle toward the organ at the rear of the chancel. She played the accompanying music and then began the wedding march.

I stood in nervous anticipation, staring toward the back of the church. The rear door on the left opened and pulled to a stop. I waited, and then my eyes finally set on the vision of Bella as she appeared from behind the door. More than ever before, her beauty astounded me. The white silhouette of her gown framed every inch of her. The neckline softened and draped downward showing off her cream colored skin. The gown moved softly beneath her as she stepped toward me. Light layers of chiffon curved with her as she moved. She held a bouquet of white English roses with a hint of blush at their centers. Bella began searching for me through the delicate screen of her tulle veil. The mantilla framed her face and dusted over her bare shoulders and arms. It lay in gentle folds hugging her waist and ending in a graceful curve behind her knees. As she walked, it floated a few inches behind her and caught up in the gentle breeze of her movement. Before Bella completed her second step, her eyes met mine. If the expression of joy on my face was half of what I felt at that moment, she would have seen my promise of eternity meant only for her. I saw her smile widen and her eyes blink softly. She moved in perfect timing with the music. When she only had a few steps left, I reached out to her with my left hand inviting her into my breath and my life. My arms would always be her comfort, her home. Her hand slid into mine as I stepped toward her. I paused for just a moment to bring the back of her hand to my lips. I told her I loved her before we took the last step together to join our lives forever.

I was aware of the service going on and Father's words, but mostly I stood in awe of the amazing woman beside me. Somehow she loved me and wanted to share her life with me. Tears fell softly from her face as she repeated her vows to me. My own voice was a little shaky and perhaps an octave higher than normal. I reached up and with the back of my fingers, gently wiped a tear from her cheek.

"Be happy," I whispered.

"I am. More than you'll ever know."

Father's voice broke my stare with the only words that could have moved me at that moment.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

I took Bella's face in both my hands and leaned down to kiss her. The touch of her lips against mine sent chills down my spine. So much longing, so much joy poured out of me and into that kiss. Bella threw her arms around my neck. The scent from her bouquet wafted around my head leaving me delirious with joy. I broke away from her lips only to draw my arms around her waist. I pulled her to me and lifted her off the floor twirling her around in a circle.

"I love you, Mrs. Masen."

She laughed in exaltation in my ear. "I can get used to hearing that."

Siobhan hugged us both as we walked out into the early afternoon sun. I held the door for Bella as she slid into the seat. I scrambled to join her as she waved goodbye.

"Thank you," she shouted. It was probably the fiftieth time she said those words to Siobhan that day. But we both knew it would never be enough.

Bella rubbed the back of my hand in hers all the way down to the old vicarage. Just like before, I slid the Packard into the Carriage House and cut the engine.

"I did tell you how beautiful you are, right?"

"Yes, many times," she said with a soft chuckle.

"Good, you'll never hear it often enough."

I leaned over to kiss her gently, but Bella wasn't interested in being gentle. After a few moments she sighed.

"Come on. We shouldn't be rude to our hosts."

"They'll wait," I answered, pulling her once more into my eager lips.

We walked hand in hand toward the back of the house. The patio was set with a table for two. The host and hostess beamed as we approached them. Alistair's arm was draped over Maggie's shoulder. She clasped her hands together as the sight of Bella in her gown filled her eyes.

"Congratulations to both of you! Alistair and I couldn't be happier that you're joining us tonight. Please, sit, eat."

I walked around the table to pull Bella's chair out for her. Glen Miller was playing on the radio. I took my seat across from hers and pulled her hands into mine. We ate and talked and laughed until a particular song started playing.

It was Dinah Shore's "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To." I stood up taking Bella's hand and pulled her into an empty space on the patio. Her fingers found mine and pulled our intertwined hands into my chest. My right hand guided slowly up the back of her gown until her body folded into mine. Bella rested her head lightly against my shoulder. I smiled in contentment and laid my chin on top of her head.

You'd be so nice to come home to,
You'd be so nice by the fire,
While the breeze, on high, sang a lullaby,
You'd be all that I could desire.
Under stars, chilled by the winter,
Under an August moon, burning above,
You'd be so nice, you'd be paradise
To come home to and love.

The explosion of a light bulb crackled, startling both of us. Alistair was a few feet from us with a large camera in hand.

"Can I take one more please?" he asked.

He posed us gently, but the look in Bella's eyes didn't need to be directed. I hoped that joy was reflected in my own unwavering smile. Alistair's camera bulbs flashed a few more times and before we returned to the table. The dishes had been cleared and in its place stood a tiny two layer white wedding cake. Bella was astonished.

"How did you? I mean, the rations…its-"

"It's our pleasure, Bella, really. Alistair and I are going to be spending the night in the lower quarters. We'll have breakfast set outside your room by eight. The house is yours tonight but don't hesitate to call on us if you need anything." Alistair snickered at the thought of us needing or wanting their help tonight. Maggie rolled her eyes and elbowed her less tactful husband in the ribs.

We thanked them both profusely and watched as Alistair and Maggie waved goodbye for the afternoon. I grabbed our bags from the car while Bella cut two pieces of cake for us.

"Let's take them upstairs," she said biting her lower lip.

She didn't have to tell me twice. I followed her into the house and up the stairs toward the bedrooms.

"Wait," I told her.

Bella froze momentarily, slightly bewildered by my request. I took the pieces of cake from her hands and placed them next to the bags. I put my hand on Bella's back and knocked her feet out from underneath her. She shook her head at the surprise of my sudden attack.

"What–"

"I'm carrying you across the threshold of course."

I bound into the room; it was a warm, cheerful, salmon color. It reminded me of a sunrise over the Hudson River. A huge four post bed lay in the center of the room. Gauze was dripping from each corner and tied back in a graceful arc with white satin ribbons. There were candles covering every flat surface. My eyes followed the rose petals that trailed into the room, around the floor, and across the bed. I set Bella down as we turned to examine the room together. It looked like it had been plucked straight out of a fairytale. From the fireplace, to the exposed wood beams, to the afternoon sun floating through the lacy window treatments, we were standing inside of a fantasy. It was our fantasy, even though it would only last for one night.

Not wanting to waste any time, I went back and grabbed the bags. I kicked the door shut behind me just in time to see Bella removing her veil and laying it gently across the chair. Her gown was stunning. The unobstructed view of her figure sent my body into a burst of flames. The front was cut low to show a hint of her cleavage while the back dropped dangerously low and down toward the edge of her spine. It invited me to explore the shadows of her muscles and the soft skin that I imagined beneath the thin layers of chiffon.

I was immediately drawn to her. The pull was so strong I could taste it on my tongue.

"Drat," she said.

"What?"

"I forgot forks for the cake."

"Who needs forks? I'll lick it off of you."

"In that case you'd better grab our napkins."

Why was she making me wait? Weren't the hours of torture and months of anxious planning enough to drive me insane?

I rolled my eyes but quickly darted out the door and down the stairs. I grabbed whatever I could find from the remains of our meals and piled it onto a clean plate. Who knew when we might surface again to find sustenance; it was better to be prepared.

I returned to the room to find the door barely cracked open. There was Bella standing stark naked leaning away from one of the bedposts with her left hand grasped around the wood. The contrast between the dark wood and her cream colored skin was intoxicating. On her left thigh was the white lace garter with a powder blue ribbon from Olney this morning. The vision of her beauty from her head to her toes left me speechless. My heart pounded in my chest and my breath sped. I put the food on the table and ran toward her. My arms flew around her crushing her to me. I worshiped her, running my hands over every inch of her body. My fingertips caressed her breasts, and I paused to inhale deeply at the nape of her neck. Bella's lips were on mine in a frenzy of kisses. I lifted her off the ground, and she wrapped her long legs around my body. I walked forward, and we both collapsed onto the bed. The fall had managed to break our kiss. We were both panting heavily.

"So you like the garter on me?" she crooned.

"I like everything on you, but I think I like you most in nothing at all. But where did it come from?"

Bella looked confused. It was in the bag with your letter and the handkerchief. This was the box marked "for later."

"Aaahh," I moaned.

"What?" she asked as she quickly worked to unbutton the front of my uniform.

"I'll tell you later. We've got more important things to concentrate on right now."

The rest of my clothes flitted to the floor as Bella's body quivered beneath mine.

A voice from the present broke my trance.

"Edward. Are you ready to go?" Bella asked.

Esme and I sat staring at one another with the same blank expression. I shook my head to revive myself from the flood of memories that probably flushed my cheeks and sent me longing for Bella the moment she called out my name. Esme's face was flushed too. She got up and went over to hug Bella in her wheelchair.

"Keep yourself safe," she told her. "I'll see you when you get back."

And with that, Esme left. Only the click of her heels could be heard in the hall growing lighter and further away.

"What did you do to her?" Bella asked suspiciously.

"It's more like what did she do to me? I've been telling Esme about our time in Hanslope. I finally reached the part about our wedding day and the night at the old vicarage."

"Good memory," she smiled biting her lip. Then her expression changed a bit.

"Poor woman." I saw Bella shake her head. "Tisk, tisk, Edward," she said quite mockingly. "You probably sent the woman into convulsions. I bet she goes off and attacks Carlisle tonight."

Carlisle? I thought. I shook my head trying to picture them together. Bella only rolled her eyes at me as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. I smirked at how I was finally in on their love affair. A sly grin crossed my face when the thought of Esme pouncing on Carlisle entered my mind.

"Maybe he'll thank me when we get back?" I gloated, realizing that it couldn't have happened to two better people.


Gaelic translations: from The Outlandish Companion by Diana Gabaldon.

bairns - children, mon crideaugh - my friend, Gu leoir - Enough of that!, do luiadh - your beloved / your darling, moi ghille - my lad, my boy, mo airgeadach - my silver one, donas - devil, sguir - stop (that!)


The Last Breath: Historical Research and Reference Guide:

Chapter: 11 - Trust


Story reference: Edward tries to get information about baby Serena from the staff at Mill Hill(dot)

Historical Significance: Mill Hill Emergency Hospital was actually a psychiatric hospital but operated as an emergency hospital from 1939-1945(dot) It's located in Harrow between London and Milton Keynes(dot)

Source: http:/pb(dot)rcpsych(dot)org/cgi/content/full/30/3/106


Story reference: Jenks talks to Edward about the paperwork he needs to transfer Serena's body back to the US(dot)

Historical Significance: Provides details on the registration and internment of soldiers during WWII

Source: Report of Interment (2/3 down the page) http:/med-dept(dot)com/grs(dot)php


Story reference: Carlisle gives Edward and Bella his maroon Triumph Gloria to use on the trip to Mill Hill(dot) They need the car to pick up baby Serena's body(dot)

Historical Significance: One of the few British cars made in the 1940s was the Triumph Gloria(dot)

Source: http:/www(dot)special-classics(dot)com/Archive/english/36-glori(dot)jpg


Story reference: Edward and Esme examine Bella's wedding veil(dot) She intends to wrap Serena's body in it when they go to Harrow(dot)

Historical Significance: View of a vintage wedding gown design similar to the image described of Bella's mantilla veil: Chiffon Overlay "Sophie" Dress, Antique Tulle and Lace Mantilla Veil

Source: Hit the arrow button to the left once: http:/junebugweddings(dot)com/fashion-report/vintage-wedding-dresses(dot)aspx


Story reference: Siobhan tells Edward to go and pick out a wedding present for Bella(dot) She tells him where to buy a hand made lace gift in Hanslope(dot)

Historical Significance: The region surrounding Hanslope has handcrafted lace since the 1560's(dot)

Source: http:/www(dot)mkheritage(dot)co(dot)uk/hdhs/framesetlace(dot)html


Story reference: Edward looks over a lace garter for Bella(dot) He wants to give it to her for her wedding present but doesn't know if it will work with her gown(dot) He chooses a handkerchief instead

Historical Significance: The Olney Lace Circle has a photograph of the garter I imagine Edward eying for Bella(dot) It is under the button called 'Our Work'

Source: http:/www(dot)olneylacecircle(dot)co(dot)uk/


Story reference: Edward describes the beauty of the amethyst light shining in from the stained glass windows(dot)

Historical Significance: Photographs and descriptions of the stained glass windows adorning Saint James the Great Church in Hanslope

Source: http:/www(dot)bucksstainedglass(dot)org(dot)uk/Indices/pl0109(dot)htm


Story reference: Edward describes the interior of St(dot) James the Great(dot)

Historical Significance: Tour of Saint James the Great Church in Hanslope takes you through the interior of the church and shows you a virtual tour of all the rooms including the Chancel where Siobhan plays the wedding march for Bella (this is awesome, I recommend you check it out)

Source: The Chancel is in section 14 of the tour. http:/www(dot)mkheritage(dot)co(dot)uk/hdhs/churchtour/frameset(dot)html


Story reference: Edward describes Bella's wedding gown and veil(dot)

Historical Significance: View of a vintage wedding gown design similar to the image described of Bella's mantilla veil: Chiffon Overlay "Sophie" Dress, Antique Tulle and Lace Mantilla Veil

Source: Hit the arrow button to the right until you reach the 4th, 15th & 16th picture: http:/junebugweddings(dot)com/fashion-report/vintage-wedding-dresses(dot)aspx


Story reference: Edward and Bella dance to Dinah Shore's You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To (lyrics by Cole Porter)

Source: http:/popup(dot)lala(dot)com/popup/1297318193596597171


AN: I love the pictures of Bella's wedding dress. It's perfect for what I imagine she would have worn. My own wedding dress didn't look anything like Bella's. I'm very small (just barely five feet), and I never could have pulled off that dress.

I hope you've enjoyed chapter eleven. Thanks for reading and let me know what you think.

- First Blush