Disclaimer: I don't own it...never have never will.
Author's Note: So one last time..here we go kids! Sorry it's so late, you can kick me later!
Oh and btw the song for this chapter..one of my favorites EVER! :D
"So do you hate me now, or can we call it even?
Are you gonna stay here, or are you leaving?
If the answer is that you'll stay,
Then I'm sorry that it had to go this way.
But let's start building from the ashes
have an empire once again
you and me and this violin."
-Violin by Spencer Bell
Four Months Later.
The Mean Fiddler Irish Pub.
"To, Bella, for finally standing up for what she believes in and making herself happy," Alice smiled, holding her pint of cider up in the air.
"Yes! To, Bella…for having the life she wants to live," Rosalie exclaimed, holding her glass up.
"To, Bella..." Angela paused quickly squeezing my hand that was resting on the table. "...thank you for not hating me after everything," Angela continued with a smile, holding her glass up. I looked over at her and smiled.
Alice and Rosalie were right; Angela was a great girl and a perfect addition to our little group. She was thrilled to hear that Edward and I were able to work out our differences, despite everything that happened. Angela had also found someone to complete her life, Ben; or her Benny as she liked to call him. They met one rainy morning about three months ago. Angela was rushing to work not paying attention to where she was going and ran straight into him, spilling her hot coffee down the front of his crisp, white shirt. Needless to say, he took her out for coffee the next morning and she hasn't shut up about him since. I was glad she found someone that could make her laugh.
"To me," I said with a hint of sarcasm in my voice, raising my glass. Our glasses met in the middle with a clink and we all took a drink. "For finally getting my shit in place."
Four months had passed since my non-wedding to Mike. I was proud to say that things between Mike and I were actually really good. We talked every once and awhile, exchanged an email here and there. He told me how I gave him enough strength to stand up to his mother and for that he was eternally grateful. Mike and Jessica were married a few weeks after he called our wedding off. Jessica and the baby, which they found out just the other day was a boy, were doing just fine.
Four months had passed since my life turned completely around. I got a job working at a publishing company and I couldn't be happier there. Taking my passion for literature and applying it to real life was the best move I ever made. Working gave me just enough independence, independence I found out I desperately needed.
I moved out of the brownstone I shared with Mike the week after the wedding; immediately moving into Edward's place. Astonishing how my things and Edward's things fit so perfectly together in one space. My toothbrush lay perfectly next to his, my jacket hung on the coat rack next to his. The way our lives molded together so easily made the whole situation seem all together...right.
Physically and emotionally, things between Edward and I were beyond anything I expected.
We spent every night we could together, wrapped up in our sheets just talking, exploring each other. There were times where we'd spend the whole day in bed, leaving only to eat. Most times we ended up ordering Chinese Take Out, picking at each other's boxes just like we used to. When our days off didn't match or he worked the swing shift at the hospital, I would always stop by to bring him food. Usually Angela would whisk me off to the cafeteria to grab some coffee and gossip about everything going on in the hospital.
I never knew what it was like to feel this loved. Honestly, it was an exhilarating experience. I woke up every morning for the past four months with a smile my face, my body wrapped in the safe arms of Edward, the man I loved.
Things couldn't be better.
Now four months down the road I've found myself at the Irish pub with Alice, Rosalie and Angela, toasting to myself and my life changing choices. Really I think my friends were just looking for an excuse to get out and drink.
Softly in the background I could hear the house band begin to play the opening notes to "Linger" by The Cranberries. Memories of that one night that changed my life played in my mind. The way it felt to be in Edward's arms, how his lips ignited a fire against my skin. There wasn't a day that passed now that I didn't think about what would've happened if things never happened like they did. What if Edward and I never gave time a chance, where would I be now?
"Excuse me, miss, this is from the gentleman at the bar," the bartender said, placing a shot of whiskey in front of me.
"Oh, Bella look at you go!" Alice exclaimed. "The boys love you!"
When I glanced at the bar to see who bought me the shot I smiled. Sitting there was a huge smile on his face was Edward. His hair was all disheveled like he'd been running his finger through it all day, the tell tale sign of a busy day at the hospital. His button down shirt was un-tucked from his slacks, a tie hung loosely around his neck. I nodded my head and picked up the shot. He picked up his shot and raised it up in the air, nodding.
I brought the glass to my lips, letting the sweet smell of the whiskey feel my senses.
Slamming the empty shot glass on the table, I got up. "Excuse me, ladies. I must extend my thanks to the lovely gentleman who sent me the shot."
With my head held high, my hair tossed over my shoulders I wandered over to the bar.
"What's a girl gotta do to show you how much she's thankful for your caring ways?" I flirted take the empty bar stool next to Edward. Casually I ran my fingertip against his arm that was resting on the bar.
Edward turned his head and smiled. "I was hoping you might ask that."
Rummaging through his pockets he pulled out a black velvet box and slid it across the bar top.
Oh my…
I tried to keep my hand steady and keep the tears back as I slowly opened the box.
"Edward, is this what I thi-" I turned to him but he wasn't there.
He was kneeling down on one knee, his hand reached out for the box in my hands.
"Isabella..."
"OH MY GOD!" Alice's voice echoed through the now semi-quiet pub.
"Alice!" I heard Rosalie exclaim, followed by a quick, "Sorry...don't mind us."
I looked down at Edward, trying to contain my laughter and sniffling back tears. "I'm sorry...you were saying."
"Isabella, my dear, sweet, Isabella." Edward took the box from my hands, slipping the ring out. "You're my best friend, my everything, my life. You're the reason I wake up in the morning and the reason I hurry home at night. You've held my hand through the good times and the bad. Together we've sacrificed so much, grown to be this undying force of nature not be reckoned with. Let time be on our side and do me the honor of officially making you mine. Marry me?"
'"Yes, yes of course!" I squealed.
Edward let out a heavy sigh and slipped the ring on my finger. I grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him up to me, planting a hard kiss on his lips.
"I love you," I whispered, pulling away from him, our foreheads resting against each other. "I'll always love you."
"And I love you." Edward lifted his forehead from mine. "Someone once told me you love this song. Dance with me?"
I laughed, "Of course. When would I ever turn down a dance from such a fine gentleman such as yourself."
Edward led me out to the dance floor and wrapped his arms around me tightly.
But you always really knew
I just wanna be with you
And I'm in so deep
You know I'm such a fool for you
You got me wrapped around your finger
Do you have to let it linger
Do you have to. do you have to
Do you have to let it linger
Who would've thought that two years ago, the same drunk off their asses, sloppy kissing boy and girl dancing in the same spot, would end up here again? Dancing to the same song, in love with each other more than they could ever imagine.
And I'm in so deep
You know I'm such a fool for you
You got me wrapped around your finger
Do you have to let it linger
Do you have to, do you have to
Do you have to let it linger...
All I knew was that from this day on everything I'd dreamed of and worked for in life was coming full circle. I was finally reaping the benefits of all my pasts tribulations.
October of the Next Year.
The cool autumn breeze was blowing through the big oak trees surrounding Central Park. The colorful leaves as they turned decorated the branches of the giant trees. The sounds of kids laughing and running around the grass while their parents watched from afar filled the air. A carriage carrying a young couple snuggled against each other passed by across the lake. An elderly couple walking down the sidewalk, their hands wound tightly together.
"Bella..." Edward's voice called from behind me. I smiled gingerly at the sound of his voice.
"Yeah?" I turned around to face him and there he was. Standing in front of me was Edward Cullen, the sleeves of his crisp white dress shirt rolled up to his elbows, his black tie loose around his neck with the top button undone. Strands of his hair had fallen across his forehead; he still hadn't cut his hair after I'd asked him several times in the past week. He had his hands shoved into his pockets and a huge grin on his face. He looked like a five year old on Christmas morning.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight yet? What about the fact that I love you, Bella?" He pulled a hand out of his pocket, extending it out towards me.
"You might've mentioned it this morning when you snuck out of your suite, much to Alice's dismay, to bring me coffee or when you called me as I was stepping into the car as you watched from the hotel lobby..." I placed my left hand in his awaiting palm. The facets of my engagement ring glimmered in the twinkling lights strung around. The simple platinum band paired with it shining like a bright star in the sky. "You might've also mentioned it when Jasper gave me away this afternoon and whispered it as you kissed my cheek before saying 'I do'. I think you also mentioned it right after we were pronounced man and wife."
"You've made your point, Mrs. Cullen," Edward said with the biggest smirk I've ever seen on his face. The hand that was holding mine pulled my body towards his, the fabric of my plain, picture perfect, white satin dress brushing against the wooden floor planks.
"You're the one that asked."
Looking up into his eyes I was faced with all the love and emotion he held for me.
"Well, it's true..." Bringing up his other hand he traced the outline of my jaw with his finger. "...you look absolutely stunning, beautiful, gorgeous, all of the above tonight. And, Bella..." Leaning in he brushed his lips against mine. "...I love you."
Secretly I hoped that the shaky feeling in my knees or the butterflies in my stomach that I got when I kissed Edward would never go away. It made me feel like I was a hormonal teenager, in love because the hottest boy in school just kissed me.
"I love you too, Edward," I whispered against his lips.
"As beautiful as the night sky is, we should head back inside."
"I want to stay out here. It's my night; Alice can hold her horses and give me this moment."
Edward chuckled. "Whatever you say, Mrs. Cullen."
"You know I don't think I could ever get tired of you calling me that."
"Calling you what? Mrs. Cullen? Because I don't think I could get tired of calling you that."
"Well then don't. Come..." I stepped away from him, walking farther down the patio. "Come dance with me. It's my wedding day and I want to dance with my husband."
"Whatever you want, love."
"I want you," I said with a smirk, wrapping my hand around the end of his tie. I tugged gently and he stumbled forward. I raised my eyebrow at him and smiled, "Good to know." I winked at him and he let out a deep chuckle.
I dragged Edward a few feet and stopped, pausing to stare up at the full moon lighting the sky. The night was perfect, not to mention the day itself. Edward and I were married at the Conservatory Gardens with just our closest family and friends there to witness our vows. Following the ceremony, just like I always dreamed of, was the small reception at the Boat House. Everything about today was what I'd always wanted. There wasn't a thing that I didn't choose or approve of. It was truly the wedding of my dreams.
Edward took my hand in his, placing his other free hand at the small my back. Gently he started rocking us back and forth as he hummed a soft melody. I rested my head against his chest, listening to his heart beat with mine. This was the moment I'd dreamed about since I was a little girl. It was the wedding night I saw in my day dreams, the one that couldn't be beat.
From this day forward everything in my life wouldn't be planned out. I'm not going to know where life will take me or where I'll be in thirty years. And for the first time I was okay with that. I didn't need someone to tell me where I was going to be, what I was going to do or how to act. I could be myself with the person...people...I loved.
More importantly I had Edward...for better...for worse.
Before I start my long list of "Thank Yous" and what not I wanna take the time to fangirl and promote the music of Spencer Bell. Any of you that have actually heard Jackson's band 100 Monkeys might know who Spencer is and know of his music. He was a friend of Jackson's who died of cancer not too long ago. The boys, some of their friends and Spencer's family have set up a memorial to keep his music alive. And let me tell you, the man was a genius and oh so talented. So, with that said...go check it out www(dot)spencerbellmemorial(dot)com, support the cause...who knows you might find out that you enjoy Spencer's music. :D Oh and I've said it SEVERAL times before...support Jackson and check out the 100 Monkeys. They're pretty amazing, especially live. :D
To katiemcullen, thanks for everything hun! I know it's been kinda crazy the past couple of months. You're the best!
To all my lovely reviewers, you guys rock my world! I loved hearing all your theories and raving about how stupid Bella was. Thank you for sticking by me and not running away when things went sour.
And finally to miztrezboo and nostalgicmiss...thank you tons and tons for all of the hand holding and advice giving. I don't know where I'd be without either of you to reign me in when I got distracted.
So I guess this it. I have a few things pooling around in my head, along with a one shot or two for various contests I'm working on...so if you haven't already you should put me on alert, you never know what might pop up. Also, don't forget to check out the "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" contest going on with myself and the ladies of the fornication station. Entries need to be in by tonight 11:59 PST (I think) voting starts soon after. :D
Until next time!
