Well hello there! I bet you thought I disappeared! I couldn't do that to y'all! As I've said before, this story is my baby and I will see it through to the end. I would have never seen this chapter through if it hadn't been for my dear beta Bittenev. She makes me a better writer with her awesome feedback and is a wonderful friend to me. My BFFs Rach and MB are so freaking amazing and I love them more than my snuggie.

The song for this chapter is "Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot. The link is on my profile.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight. I own a picture of Sean Payton holding the Lombardi Trophy. GEAUX SAINTS!

Chapter 14—Dare You to Move

EPOV

I woke up on Saturday morning feeling slightly out of sorts. It was exactly one week until the wedding. There was so much to be done, and I hoped I wasn't getting sick.

Tonight I had plans to go out with the guys. Since I wasn't up for a traditional bachelor party, we were going to Hooters to hang out and watch sports. I would have preferred to watch TV at home and order pizza, but Emmett wouldn't hear of it.

Thankfully Bella had convinced the girls she didn't want a bachelorette party. Instead they were going out to dinner and having a slumber party at Rosalie's. Emmett and Jasper were spending the night with me.

As I tried to sit up, Aro jumped on the bed and licked my face. It made me laugh despite the fact I was feeling so poorly. Everyone was right about Aro helping me to stay active. I took him on walks twice a day. That was a funny sight, a guy with a walker trying to walk his dog. We made it work, though. He loved to curl up next to me during my afternoon naps. Bella wasn't crazy about having a dog on the furniture, but she eventually accepted it. She loved Aro as much as I did, so she put up with it.

"Hey, Aro, my buddy," I said as I scratched his head. "Daddy isn't feeling so hot today."

"What's wrong, Edward?" I looked up to see Bella coming into the bedroom.

"I don't know," I told her. "I'm just feeling off. I don't have a headache or anything, but I don't feel right."

"Do you want me to call your dad?" Bella asked me, but I shook my head. "OK," she said. "I'll call Emmett to take Aro for his walk while you rest."

I lay down again, and Aro snuggled up next to me. I must have dozed off because Emmett's booming voice jolted me awake.

"Come on, Aro," he said, holding Aro's leash. "Let's go for a walk!"

Aro responded by barking at Emmett and putting his head on my chest.

"Let's go for a walk!" Emmett repeated, but Aro only barked again. "What's wrong with him, Ed?"

"I don't know," I replied. Aro was rather friendly, and he loved Emmett. Normally the sight of my brother with the leash in his hand would have gotten Aro excited. Today, though, he wouldn't leave my side. "Aro, don't you want to go for a walk with Uncle Em?"

Aro whimpered and snuggled even closer to me. Emmett literally had to pick him up off the bed and drag him out. I hoped Aro was just in a clingy mood and wasn't getting sick. I worried about my little guy as I drifted off to sleep again.

When I awoke about an hour and a half later, Aro was back in bed with me. I still wasn't feeling right, but I decided to get up and eat something. Aro was right on my heels. Even when I ate the sandwich Bella made me, he lay at my feet.

"I don't know what's gotten into him today," Bella commented. "Emmett said he cried during their walk, and when they got back he ran straight back to bed."

"Maybe he overheard us talking about our plans for tonight and doesn't want to be left home alone," I said with a laugh.

Bella rolled her eyes. "Yeah, that's it. The dog wants to go to your bachelor party."

"It's not a bachelor party," I corrected her. "Personally, I'd rather just stay home with you and Aro. I really don't feel like going out, but I guess it won't be so bad."

"Do you feel any better?" Bella asked me.

I shook my head. "It's a weird feeling. I don't know how to explain it. Nothing hurts, but I feel off."

"Maybe you should call your dad or Dr. Snow," Bella said worriedly. "This doesn't sound right."

"I'll be fine," I assured her. "I'm going to rest all day, and I won't let the guys keep me out too late. Besides, my dad is going to be with us tonight. Don't worry so much."

Bella sighed. "I can't help it. I worry. I can't lose you, Edward. I get so scared sometimes."

I scooted my chair closer to Bella and kissed her passionately. "I'm not going anywhere, love. I've had too many near misses. I don't think the afterlife is ready for me yet."

"I sure hope not because I'm not ready to let you go," Bella said with a laugh. "You have to stick around so we can grow old together."

I kissed Bella again. "That's the plan. I want that more than anything in the world."

I spent the remainder of the afternoon resting. I chilled out in my recliner and watched baseball. Aro actually climbed up in my lap. I still had no clue why he was being so clingy. Emmett had offered to walk him before we went out, but I was afraid Aro wouldn't go.

About five o'clock, Bella helped me take a shower. Emmett and Jasper showed up shortly afterwards since Bella was going to Rosalie's to get ready.

"Have a great time tonight," Bella said as she kissed me goodbye. "Be good and stay out of trouble," she added, looking straight at Emmett.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Emmett asked defensively.

Bella tried not to laugh. "Emmett, trouble is your middle name!"

"I'm hurt, Bella," Emmett said, feigning sadness. "I thought you loved me."

"I do, but I love you even more when you're behaving," Bella assured him.

"Jasper will take good care of me," I promised as Emmett huffed in mock anger. "You go and have fun."

Bella finally left, and the guys and I sat around and watched TV. My dad and Charlie were going to meet us at Hooters for 7:30. Shortly before it was time to leave, though, I began to feel worse.

"Guys, I don't feel well," I told Emmett and Jasper as I took off my glasses and rubbed my eyes.

Before either Emmett or Jasper could respond, I felt my body stiffen. Aro began barking wildly, and he was the last thing I heard as I slipped into unconsciousness.

EmmettPOV

Everything happened so fast. One minute we were watching TV and the next Edward had said he didn't feel well. Then Aro went nuts, barking like crazy.

"Aro, stop!" I commanded. He just jumped on the chair next to Edward and barked and whimpered. "What is wrong with this crazy dog?"

"Em, I think Edward's having a seizure," Jasper said as calmly as possible.

Sure enough, I looked at my brother and saw him trembling slightly. I knew he was losing consciousness and that we had to make him safe. "Help me get him on the floor!" I called to Jasper.

We got Edward out of his recliner and onto the floor. Jasper put a throw pillow under his head and I pushed the coffee table out of the way just as Edward began thrashing about. I felt completely helpless as I stood there watching and running my hands through my hair, knowing there was nothing I could do.

Then something interesting happened. Aro went to Edward's side and curled up next to him protectively.

"What is he doing?" I wondered aloud.

Jasper shook his head in disbelief. "I think he was able to sense that Edward was going to have a seizure. I've heard of dogs doing this before, but I can't believe I'm seeing it. He's probably been trying to warn us."

"Unbelievable," I said as Aro lay next to Edward in an attempt to keep him safe. I had witnessed two of Edward's seizures, and they both scared the crap out of me. Strangely enough, though, this time felt a little different. I was still scared, but seeing Aro take care of his master was very reassuring.

Finally the seizure ended, and Jasper and I knelt on either side of Edward. His lips were blue, but I could tell his breathing was returning to normal. I also noticed that he had wet his pants. I knew he'd be upset about that.

"He's going to be OK," Jasper assured me, obviously noticing the panicked look on my face. "Just give him a few minutes."

Jasper was probably right, but his words didn't help. I lived in constant fear that something else would happen to Edward. I couldn't lose my brother. I needed him to continue his recovery.

"This scares the shit out of me," I whispered. "I hate feeling helpless, and I can't even imagine what it's like for Edward to not be in control of his body."

"It scares me too," Jasper admitted.

I looked at Jasper in surprise. He was always so calm and collected. "You get scared?"

Jasper nodded. "I know everyone thinks I'm unflappable, but I'm only human. I may keep it together for all of you, but that doesn't mean I don't get scared."

"Wow, Jasper Whitlock is a real live boy!" I teased.

We both laughed, which broke the tension somewhat, until we heard a sound. Looking down, we saw Edward waking up. His eyes fluttered for a moment before he opened them completely.

"Em? Jazz?" he mumbled. "Am I OK?"

I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I was still scared shitless, but I hoped the fact that Edward was awake and talking was a good sign.

EPOV

I woke up on the living room floor feeling dazed and disoriented. Emmett and Jasper were on either side of me, and I was pretty sure I had just had a seizure. I asked if I was OK, and I saw Emmett relax a little.

"You're gonna be fine. It's OK. You're fine." I wasn't sure if Emmett was trying to assure me or himself.

I tried to sit up, but it made me feel dizzy. "I feel crappy."

"Just lie down for a few minutes," Jasper said. "I'm going to call Carlisle. I'm sure he and Charlie are going to be wondering where we are."

Jasper got up to make the call, and I realized something. "Em, I wet my pants," I practically whispered.

"Don't worry. We'll get you cleaned up and changed," Emmett said soothingly.

"No," I said angrily through gritted teeth. "It's not that. I can't even control my own damn body. I'm a grown man, and I'm pissing in my pants." Angry tears were coming, and I really didn't care.

"Awwww, dammit, Ed," Emmett said, gently sitting me up and hugging me. "I hate this. I don't like seeing you struggle." I could feel Emmett's tears on my shirt, and I felt terrible for making him cry.

"Is everything OK?" Apparently Jasper had come back into the room, and he sounded worried.

"Why? I'm fucking tired of this," I sobbed as I tried to get my emotions in check. "I don't want to give up, but I don't know how much longer I can deal with this."

Jasper grabbed Emmett and me, and we had a brief group hug. Emmett and I wiped our tears when we were finished, and Jasper did the same.

"Sorry," Jasper apologized. "Guess I didn't want to feel left out."

The three of us laughed then. "We make a great trio. We're like a bunch of freaking girls," Emmett chuckled. "Come on, Ed, let's get you changed."

"I'll wait here," Jasper said. "Carlisle is on his way. He wants to examine you."

"Great," I groaned. The guys helped me up, and I was pretty unsteady. I didn't think I'd be able to use my walker, so Jasper and Emmett supported me on either side. They got me to the bathroom, and Jasper left us.

"I feel like a child," I muttered as Emmett helped me get cleaned up.

"You know I don't mind helping you," Emmett replied.

"But I mind," I said bitterly.

I was getting in bed when my dad arrived, carrying his bag. He was calm on the outside, but I knew he was hiding the fact that he was a nervous wreck.

"How are you feeling?" Carlisle asked as he sat on the bed.

"Like shit," I told him honestly.

Carlisle laughed. "I imagine so. Do you want to go to the ER?"

"No. Definitely not," I said.

"I'd feel a lot better if you did."

"But I wouldn't. I'm not going," I insisted. "You can check me out here, but I'm not going to the hospital."

Carlisle sighed because he knew I wouldn't give in. "OK, fine." He pulled out his little flashlight and shined it in my eyes. "Where's Bella?"

"Crap, we forgot to call her!" Emmett exclaimed. "She's gonna kill me!" He pulled out his phone to call Bella.

"Wiggle your fingers," Carlisle instructed as he continued his examination. I wiggled them and my toes, and, satisfied with what he saw, my dad put the blood pressure cuff on my arm. "Your pressure is rather high."

"What do you expect? I've had a rough evening." I didn't even bother to hide my sarcasm.

"Bella and the girls are on their way," Emmett informed us. "Yeah, she's pissed I didn't call her sooner."

"Edward, I want to give you something to calm you," Carlisle said. "I don't like your blood pressure being so high."

"No. Absolutely not. I'm not taking anything." Carlisle knew I was trying to work through my anxiety issues without medication, and I was upset he would even suggest it. He opened his mouth to speak, but I cut him off. "You are not going to sedate me. I just want to go to sleep on my own. Please, Dad, let me handle this."

Carlisle realized he had lost this battle. "As long as you promise to get some sleep. I know you think I worry too much, but I'm your father."

We were interrupted by Jasper sticking his head in the room. "Edward, are you up for some company? Someone really wants to see you." He opened the door wider, and Aro came running into the room and jumped on the bed.

"Aro needs a Superman costume," Emmett said. "He was a hero today."

"Hero? What did he do?" Carlisle had no idea what Emmett was talking about.

Jasper answered him. "Apparently Aro sensed that Edward was going to have a seizure. He's been clingy and barking like crazy. Then during the actual seizure he laid next to Edward to protect him."

I looked at the sweet little dog sprawled across my lap. "Is that what you were trying to do all day? Did you know this was going to happen?" Aro responded by yawning and stretching.

"That's amazing," Carlisle said, completely surprised. "I've heard of dogs who could sense seizures, but I've never actually seen it before." He reached out to rub Aro's belly. "Uncle Emmett is right. You are a hero."

I looked up and smiled at my brother. "Looks like you've come through again, Emmett."

Poor Emmett's glory was short lived, though. We heard the front door slam as Rosalie yelled, "Emmett McCarty Cullen, where the hell are you?"

"Oh shit," Emmett said. "I guess Bella isn't the only one mad at me for not calling sooner."

Bella ran into the bedroom and hugged me before stepping back to look at me. "Oh thank God you're OK! You are OK, aren't you?"

I chuckled. "Yes, love, I'm fine. And go easy on Emmett. He and Jasper were busy taking care of me, which is why he didn't call you sooner."

"All right, everyone out," Carlisle ordered, shooing my family out of the room. "Edward needs to rest. I'll call later to check on you."

"Thanks, Dad," I said as everyone left. Bella climbed into bed next to me, and Aro curled up at our feet.

"I'm sorry for overreacting," Bella apologized.

"Don't be," I replied as I rested my head on her shoulder. I told her what I remembered about the seizure, which wasn't much, and how Aro tried to alert everyone and protect me.

"Who knew having a dog would work out so well," Bella mused as she massaged my scalp.

"Mmm hmmm," I said sleepily. I always felt incredibly relaxed when Bella gave me a scalp massage.

Bella laughed. "Get some sleep. I love you."

"Love you too," I said as sleep finally overtook me.

Thankfully, Sunday was a much better day. I stayed in bed until early afternoon, which felt wonderful. Jasper and Alice stopped by for a short visit, and Bella and I took a leisurely walk with Aro.

I did call Dr. Snow on Monday. He didn't need to see me in his office, but he did say he was going to adjust my anti-convulsants again. I wasn't crazy about having my meds messed with, but the doctor in me told me it was better than having a seizure on my wedding day. He also told me that he now wanted me to wear a medic alert bracelet in case of an emergency. It bothered me to be labeled as an epileptic, but as a doctor I preferred to be safe instead of sorry. Now I finally understood what my patients went through when they had to deal with these sorts of things.

Thursday, the day of our wedding rehearsal, finally arrived. Bella was a nervous wreck trying to get everything done, but I was pretty calm since I was in my normal routine. I went to therapy like I usually did and took my nap afterwards. Emmett came over to help me get ready so that Bella could take some time for herself, and he and Rose drove us to my parents' house for the rehearsal.

My parents' house hadn't been set up yet for the wedding, but we knew exactly where everything would take place. Bella and the girls would walk down the stairs and down an aisle into the den, and the ceremony would take place in front of the fireplace. Bitt was a bridesmaid, but she insisted on playing the music for the ceremony. She and I had been practicing the song I had written for Bella, who had no idea what I was up to, and I was fairly confident I could pull it off.

Reverend Weber, Angela's father, was going to be our officiant, and he ran through the ceremony with us. Bella and I had written our own vows, but we were saving them for our wedding day. Reverend Weber also knew about my song for Bella, and he agreed to keep the secret until it was time for it in the ceremony.

Our rehearsal dinner was at our favorite Italian restaurant. My parents had reserved a private room there so we wouldn't disturb anyone. We had a great time, laughing, talking, and reminiscing. Several times throughout the evening I felt the need to kiss Bella, squeeze her hand, or put my arm around her. It was as if I was reassuring myself that this was really happening.

After dinner Alice stood up as if she was going to make an announcement. "Bella, Edward, I have a present for you," she said, leaning over to hand Bella a large gift bag.

Bella reached into the bag and pulled out a large leather-bound album. We both gasped in surprise as Bella opened it. It was a scrapbook of pictures of Bella and me.

"Alice, this is incredible," Bella managed to say as she was overcome with emotion.

Everyone gathered around as we flipped through the scrapbook. It started out with pictures of Bella and me as kids and went through our high school and college years. There were also some more recent photos. Our engagement party, the night our lives changed forever. The two of us in my hospital bed just a few weeks after my stroke. Bella and I hugging Aro at my birthday party.

"You can take out the ones you don't like," Alice said a bit nervously. "It's OK."

"Absolutely not," I told her honestly. "This is beautiful, Alice. You've captured us perfectly. Thank you so much."

Alice breathed a sigh of relief, and Bella and I grabbed her for a group hug.

A couple of hours later, Bella and I were home getting ready for bed. It would be our last night together before the wedding. I would be sleeping at my parents' house tomorrow night while Bella stayed with Renee and Charlie.

"I still can't believe she did this," Bella marveled as we sat in bed looking through Alice's scrapbook.

Eventually we got to the photo of us taken in the hospital. My head had been resting on Bella's shoulder and she had her arm around me. "You know, I really like this one," I said.

"Seriously? You do?" Bella was surprised.

I nodded. "Look at us. Look how content we were. Despite everything, we were just happy to be together. That's one thing that never has and never will change."

Bella pondered that for a moment. "You're right," she finally said. "Nothing will ever change the way I feel about you. Nothing."

We finished looking through the scrapbook and then turned off the lights. As I drifted off to sleep with Bella in my arms, I thought about how lucky I was. Six months ago I had nearly died. Now in less than 48 hours I would be marrying the love of my life. Yeah. I was one lucky guy.

OK gang, only one more chapter and an epilogue left! Who's ready for a wedding?