Thanks for your patience on this one--sick kids and a death in the family slowed me down but I think you'll like how it turned out in the end. Enjoy!
On Monday, 5/18, I will be doing an outtake from The List, a play on one of Edward's fantasies from the mental list he revealed at the end of Ch. 20, as part of Ninapolitan's Smut Mondays series. Come on over and take a read: www(dot)twilighted(dot)net/viewstory(dot)php?sid=834 (cut and paste into your browser and replace all the (dot)s with .
SM owns, of course!
If you're interested, you can see photos of the dresses, jewelry, etc., described herein by following the links I placed in my message on p. 47 of my Twilighted(dot)net forum thread under Post-Eclipse Fan Fiction: www(dot)twilighted(dot)net/forum/viewtopic(dot)php?f=21&t=2456&start=460
BPOV
I could hear the violin quartet playing in the back yard as I stood in Edward's bathroom staring at myself in the floor-length mirror. I had a moment of solitude while Alice and Rosalie went in search of something. I hadn't been paying enough attention to know what it was. My mother was due any moment.
In a flurry, Renee swept into the room just then. "Oh, my sweet little girl," she exclaimed, her hand over her mouth as she looked at my reflection in the mirror over my shoulder. She squeezed my shoulders as she stood behind me, hugging me without crumpling my dress. "Oh my God, baby, you look so beautiful."
When my eyes met hers in the mirror I felt the tears threatening to fall. The amazing thing about my mother's words: I agreed. The gown had a halter neckline with a modesty panel (which Alice prided herself on especially after I got my tattoo) and an A-line shape with beaded embroidery at the empire waist. The skirt had beaded lace over a split front and a sweep train. The elbow-length veil was simple in style, just one tier of tulle with a beaded floral lace edging. It was attached to my hair by a beaded hairclip that held the sides of my hair back while allowing the length to spill down over my shoulders, the way Edward preferred.
"Renee, don't you get her crying! Her make-up is perfect!" Alice called from the hallway a moment before stepping back into the bathroom with Rosalie.
I blinked up at the ceiling to keep my tears at bay as we all broke into nervous chuckles. I looked at Alice. "Is he here yet?"
She looked at me, then nodded with a big smile. "He's at least as nervous as you are."
I rolled my eyes at her. The retort I wanted to say not appropriate in front of my mother for a variety of reasons. "I doubt that," I settled on instead.
"Bella, baby, I have something for you." Renee held out a crystal charm bracelet. The charms were bright silver and included a cross, a heart, a book, and a house. "It was Grandma Marie's. I had it cleaned for you. I thought it could be your something old."
I took it from her hand reverently. I always loved this bracelet as a child but had never seen it look so shiny and beautiful. "Thank you. I love it," I said as I tried to put it on. My hands were shaking too bad.
Alice took it from me gently, admiring it as she put it on. "It really is beautiful, Renee." After she secured it to my wrist, Alice continued, "And your dress is your something new, of course."
"Bella?"
I turned to look at Rosalie, who was now standing in the background even though she had been active all morning in helping with my hair.
"If you like it, I would like to offer the necklace Emmett gave me on our engagement as your something borrowed and your something blue. I thought it would look pretty with your gown." She held up the absolutely stunning sapphire and diamond pendant in a platinum setting on a chain featuring small but brilliant diamonds every inch or so.
"It's gorgeous, Rose. Are you sure?" I couldn't imagine how much something like that must have cost. Looking at it, I also imagined it could have been my something old. It had a vintage quality about it that was so appealing to me.
She smiled. "Of course. I hope it brings you all the happiness in your relationship with Edward that I have with Emmett," she said softly as she lifted it over my head and deftly secured it without messing up my hair. It looked stunning and perfectly completed me.
"Thank you, Rose. This means a lot."
I looked down at my hands and saw the dazzling eternity ring Edward had given me during our weekend trip on my right ring finger and my engagement ring on my left. I had never worn so much jewelry in my life but every piece was a meaning-filled treasure.
"It's time," Alice declared. She leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek, then whispered into my ear, "I'm so glad you're going to be my sister forever."
"Me too," I whispered back, taking a deep breath. "Just give me a minute?"
Alice nodded and she and Rose stepped out. Renee squeezed my hand just as a soft tap on the door revealed Charlie, looking dapper but awkward in his tuxedo. "Wow."
I turned to face my dad. "What do you think?" I asked, holding my hands out slightly to show myself off.
"I think…you look beautiful, kiddo," he said, his voice gruff. He shook his head. "Why does it seem like just a minute ago you were the little girl that I could carry up on my shoulders?"
"Daddy," I whispered. I stepped towards him and we hugged each other as hard as we could without risking my dress and veil.
"Okay," Renee declared in a choked-up voice. "There's a young man waiting for you downstairs. I best go take my seat. I love you, baby." She hugged me and then squeezed Charlie's arm on the way out.
"Ready to go?" he asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be." I smiled up at him. "Don't let me fall, okay?"
He looked down at me, his eyes a little glassy. "Never, Bella. You may be getting a husband today. But I'll always be your father. And it'll always be my job to catch you."
I sucked in a breath, finding myself needing to blink up at the ceiling again. I hoped the mascara Alice used was waterproof because it didn't seem destined to last long otherwise. "I love you, Dad."
Charlie squeezed my hand. "Me too." He led me out of the room and down the hall to the steps, then down the second-floor hall to the top of the main staircase.
Fragrant white flowers of every kind—gladiolas, gardenias, orchids, and roses to name only a few—cascaded down the banister, interwoven with the most beautiful deep blue ribbon and beads. The large living room had been cleared for the most part of its usual furniture, save for Edward's piano, and now in place were a series of round tables topped with deep blue tablecloths and stunning floral and candle arrangements. A white runner led from the bottom of the stairs across the room to the glass doors that led to the thankfully cloud-covered back yard. The wall of windows allowed me to see the profusion of flowers that decorated the arch at the end of the aisle where Edward stood – in absolute splendor – waiting for me.
EPOV
Rose and Alice looked beautiful as always as they walked up the aisle in their individually designed deep blue gowns.
Rose came first, offering a dazzling smile at Emmett who stood at my side, before looking at me. I'm so happy this day has finally come for you, Edward. Be happy.
I nodded. Be happy. Simple words, but I knew the greater universe of meaning she intended. Rose had been present for most of my decades-long self-imposed loneliness.
Alice came next, clearly having to restrain herself from dancing and skipping down the aisle she was so exhilarated with her joy for us. Oh, finally, Edward, we're all going to be so happy together. I'm so thrilled for you both. Wait til you see her, Edward!
And then the music changed. The wedding march began and my eyes moved instantly to the open back doors. I sucked in a breath, completely stunned at the sight before me, as Bella and Charlie stepped across the threshold.
Never had a bride been more beautiful.
She was a complete vision, more glorious than any imagining I had ever done about what she would look like on our wedding day. The gown was exquisite and perfectly true to her style and personality. Together with the soft curls of her long mahogany hair, the white of her gown highlighted her soft blush and flawless skin.
Her eyes quickly found mine and all I could think was, Finally. I'm home.
A cacophony of thoughts tried to invade my mind but I pushed everything out and focused on Bella alone. With little effort I found the sound of her beating heart.
As she walked progressively closer to me I realized I was holding my breath. Some part of me felt it necessary lest I do something to ruin this perfect moment and come to find this was all a dream. Because how could it be real? How could I be getting everything I ever wanted and so much I never even knew I needed?
But I was.
This moment. This woman. My life. Our lives. Forever.
In what seemed at once to have taken an eternity and to have happened in the blink of an eye, Bella stood before me. Charlie kissed her on the cheek and then helped her step up onto the platform with me. He shook my hand and held on a beat longer than necessary. He didn't say anything, but his thoughts were clear in that moment. I'm giving you the most important thing I've ever had, Edward Cullen. You better take care of her like your life depends on it.
I nodded, hoping he would remember my pledges from our recent conversation. He turned and sat down next to Renee.
I grasped both of Bella's hands in mine as Pastor Weber called the ceremony to order.
Soon we exchanged the simple traditional vows Bella preferred. I was delighted to hear the confidence and conviction behind Bella's "I do." And, as for myself, I had never derived more pleasure from the utterance of such a simple but meaningful phrase in my entire existence.
Emmett's whistling finally brought me back to reality as I kissed my new wife, and we smiled and laughed into one another's mouths as we broke apart.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen."
Mrs. Edward Cullen!
We walked down the aisle back towards the house, those gathered standing and clapping as we processed. As soon as we stepped into the shadow of the living room I gathered Bella in my arms and clasped her body tight against mine as I spun her around. "You've made me the happiest man that ever lived. I love you so much, Mrs. Cullen."
She giggled and squeezed her arms tight around my neck. "That sounds so good. I love you too, Mr. Cullen."
I placed her back on her feet and cupped her face in my hands. Leaning down, I kept my eyes trained on hers until the very last moment when our lips met. I felt myself very quickly swept up into the kiss, which started out tender and loving but was very soon filled with all the promise of the coming evening. When Bella moaned I stepped away and rested my forehead on hers. Then a round of catcalls and guffaws began as I realized belatedly that my entire family surrounded and had witnessed us. I found myself not caring and smiled, feeling Bella's blush inside my hands.
Soon the guests were enjoying the open bar, heavy appetizers, and buffet dinner that allowed the non-eating of the vampires to go less noticed. A band Alice hired began to attract dancers to the large outdoor dance floor that was revealed once the chairs from the ceremony were cleared away. Twinkling white lights twisted in white and blue tulle garlands lit up the evening and were draped in soft loops from every hanging surface across the back yard.
After a while, most people were congregated in the back yard, dancing, eating, or visiting with one another. Soon the toasts started.
Carlisle began. "Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to propose a toast to the new couple." Everyone held their champagne glasses at the ready. "Every great once in a while, two people find one another who are so right for each other, indeed, nearly fated for each other, that not even the greatest obstacles can keep them apart. That is the story of my dear son Edward and his beloved bride, Bella. Though they are young, they both have old souls, souls so clearly aligned that they will forever sustain one another and ensure that they will always give what the other needs. My wife Esme and I couldn't be happier to welcome Bella to our family, for she completes it in ways we never imagined possible. To the happy couple."
"To the happy couple," everyone replied, raising, clinking, and sipping from their glasses.
I looked down at Bella, who had finally lost the fight against her tears. I leaned down and wiped her tears away with the pad of my thumb as she smiled up at me.
Charlie stepped forward next, his voice gruffer and less sure than Carlisle's, but no less heartfelt. He looked around for a minute, smiled at Bella, and then began. "Has anybody seen a little brown-haired girl with pigtails, about yay high," he held his hand down by his hip, "who loves animals and probably has her nose stuck in a book? I could have sworn she was just here, but I can't seem to find her anywhere," he joked, and the crowd laughed softly and a few ladies dabbed tears from their eyes. Bella squeezed my hand tightly, steadying herself against me.
Charlie shook his head, and I saw the profusion of images from his memories of Bella as a little girl move quickly through his mind. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to willingly given something as precious as Bella away. In that moment I felt a special kind of respect for Charlie.
"What I wanted to say was this," he continued, "Bella, I couldn't be happier for you than I am right at this moment. And, though it's sometimes hard for me to let go of the idea of you as my little girl, when you have so obviously grown into the most beautiful woman, know that your mom and Phil and I wish you and Edward nothing but the greatest happiness in the world. To Bella and Edward."
"To Bella and Edward," everyone toasted.
"I'd like to propose a toast," Emmett said as he stepped forward. I threw him a look. Chill, bro. He smiled broadly. "Edward has a knack for reading people and knowing what's on people's minds," he began. I heard my whole family wondering what the heck he was doing. "What I really like about Bella is that she keeps him guessing. Bella keeps Edward on his toes. She keeps him honest when no one else can. And I think that can only be good for a relationship. So, here's to Bella, my new little sis, may she always come as a pleasant surprise to my little brother."
I smirked at Emmett but I could whole-heartedly toast to that. "To Bella," everyone replied as Bella blushed at the attention.
Just then, a smell came to the fore followed by a mind I hadn't heard in many months.
"I know I'm a little late, but I'd like to make a toast as well," a deep voice called.
I felt Bella jolt next to me. I leaned down and kissed her cheek. "For you, Bella," I whispered as she gazed disbelievingly up at me.
She looked around, and just then Jacob stepped through the crowd gathered at the other end of the dance floor. "Jake!" she called before flying across the floor and throwing her arms around his neck.
"Hey, Bells," he said as he gently hugged her. Over her shoulder his eyes met mine and he nodded once. Thanks for the invitation. I promise not to make you regret offering it. I nodded in return.
Seth handed Jacob a glass of champagne which he raised as he began. "I had the great fortune while growing up of having as my best friend the coolest, most beautiful girl in Forks. A lot of impossible things happen in this world, but I'm not at all surprised to find that someone has fallen so completely in love with my best friend. Because," he looked down at her, "what's not to love about this girl?" I'll always love you, Bells. "So, here's to love," he called out.
"To love," everyone toasted. I was struck by how different the tenor of Jacob's mind seemed. Despite his obvious sadness at Bella's decision to become a vampire, he seemed more at peace than I'd ever felt him before.
"Thank you, Jake! I can't believe you're here! Now everything's perfect!" Bella said as she hugged him again. And right there was why I had bothered with the invitation in the first place. If it makes her happy, it's worth it.
The band struck up the music again and the crowd began dispersing, some to dance, some to refresh their drinks. I moved to join Jacob and Bella at the far side of the dance floor, noting several other Quileutes gathered behind Jacob. "Bella," he said, "there's someone I'd like you to meet."
BPOV
Jake's here! Oh, now everyone I love is here!
As Jake offered the words of his toast I realized I was shaking. I just couldn't believe it. Edward. Edward did this. I looked back across the dance floor at him and met his eyes. How I wished he could hear my mind in that moment. I tried to convey with my eyes how much this meant to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Only you would know how much I needed him here today. He smiled a heart-breakingly beautiful smile at me and I promised myself I would thank him properly later.
Soon the band began playing again and we shuffled towards the edge of the dance floor to move out of the way of the dancers. "Bella, there's someone I'd like you to meet," Jake said.
I saw him hold his hand out behind him. As he did, a Native American woman stepped out from behind Quil and Embry. She was a little taller than me and her build was slim and athletic. She was very pretty with shoulder-length black hair, friendly dark eyes, and a ready smile.
"Bells, I'd like you to meet Samantha. Samantha, this is Bella, my best friend."
The woman held out her hand. "Hi Bella, call me Sam. I've heard a lot about you. Congratulations." Her eyes glanced to Edward, who had moved to my side. Her gaze wasn't unfriendly, but it was cautious enough to tell me she knew what Edward was.
"Hi Sam. It's very nice to meet you." I liked her right away, but was floored. Does this mean? I looked back to Jake as I let go of Sam's hand. My eyes were wide, questioning. Jake nodded. Oh my God! He imprinted?! Jake's expanding grin confirmed it.
"Oh Jake!" I threw my arms around his neck again, filled with an extraordinary wave of relief I didn't know Jake finding his mate would bring me. "I'm so happy for you!" I stepped back, seeing in his face a sense of peace and happiness I hadn't seen in such a very long time. "How did you all meet?"
He smiled down at Sam and took her hand. "Sam's from Vancouver. Her people have a reservation north of the city. I stayed there for a bit…while I was…away. We met there while she was home visiting one weekend. She's a med student." His voice was filled with pride.
I recalled Seth reporting that Jake was near Vancouver at one point when I had tried to check in on him several weeks ago. "Wow. That's great. You should talk to Carlisle, I'm sure he'd love to talk doctor stuff with you." The words were out of my mouth before I realized she probably wouldn't want to talk to Carlisle.
She nodded politely. "Maybe I will," she said quietly.
Suddenly overcome with a desire for her to like me, to like my new family, I walked towards her. "Sam, I realize we don't know each other at all. But, please, if you know Jake as I suspect you do, you know that things that once seemed impossible aren't. And if you can accept that much, please try to also accept that things aren't black and white, good and bad. Please try to accept that some things are much, much better than they seem." I glanced at her one last time, then up at Jake, before stepping back. She smiled and nodded.
I felt Edward take my hand and squeeze. I looked back at him and his eyes were absolutely filled with adoration. Finally he spoke. "Jacob, I'm glad you came. I know it means the world to Bella. I hope you and Samantha will stay?"
Jake looked at Sam, who nodded, and then back at Edward. "Sure. We'll stay as long as we don't wear out our welcome," he joked, but I could also tell it was some sort of a message for Edward.
"That's not gonna happen," I interjected.
Just then, Alice called for me and Edward. We were needed for group pictures. I turned back to Jake. "Please don't leave tonight without saying good-bye."
"Not a chance, Bells. Save me a dance later, okay?"
"Okay, if you're sure you don't need all your toes."
He laughed. Just as I stepped away, he called my name. "Hey Bella?" I looked back at him. "Before I forget, this is for you. Just…open it later, okay?" The look on his face was puzzling as he handed me a card in a white envelope.
I nodded, then hugged him one last time. "I'm really happy for you, Jake. She seems great."
"She is," he whispered. "Now, go on. It's time for you to resume being the center of attention," he teased.
I rolled my eyes and smiled before walking with Edward through the crowd and back across the dance floor.
By nine p.m., the crowd had thinned significantly, and it was mainly our immediate families and closest friends who remained. "Time to get you changed for your honeymoon," Alice declared. I still had no idea what we were doing, and was overwhelmed with anticipation at the thought of my wedding night finally being here. Oh my God it's my wedding night!
Alice took me up to Edward's bedroom where she helped me out of my wedding gown and into a beautiful white cocktail halter dress with a stunning blue sash at the empire waist, the ribbons of which trailed down the back of the dress. In many ways it mirrored the style of my gown, only was knee length and more casual. She removed the veil from my hairclip but left the clip in place. After touching up my make-up, she hugged me tightly. "Have a wonderful wedding night, Bella. I know it will be everything you're hoping for," she reassured.
"Thank you, Alice. And thanks for everything."
She led me back down through the house, and everyone was waiting out on the front porch and in the front yard. We said good-byes to our families before dodging bird seed and bubbles. I laughed at the strings of cans tied onto the back of the Aston Martin and, after Edward helped me in, blushed profusely at the realization that the back seat, small though it was, was completely filled up with inflated condoms.
Edward laughed when he saw my face and shrugged.
"Emmett!" we said simultaneously.
Everyone waved and called good-byes as we pulled out of the driveway. I looked over at Edward, who literally seemed to be glowing with happiness. His eyes were so light they were nearly yellow. His smile took my breath away. "We're officially on our honeymoon," I finally managed.
"Yes, we are," he agreed, his smile broadening impossibly.
"Can you tell me where we're going yet?"
At that he just scooped up my left hand in his right and brought it to his mouth, where he reverently kissed the wedding rings on my ring finger.
Just then he turned and I noticed the road was a bit rougher. I looked back out the front window and quickly deduced we were not headed to the highway. I looked back at Edward, only to find him grinning broadly.
Ten minutes later, Edward pulled the car to a stop. We were in the middle of the forest.
"Um, Edward, I don't mean to be picky or anything, but I'm not really a camping kind of girl."
He laughed, a full genuine laugh that had me giggling through my anxiety.
"Silly Bella. Don't you think I know you better than that by now?"
He got out of the car and came around to my side. He helped me out and then scooped me up in his arms bridal style. I laughed in surprise. "Let me carry you for a bit since your footwear isn't exactly the best for the terrain. Now, close your eyes, please."
I sighed and closed my eyes, aware of the huge grin still adorning my face.
After just a minute he placed me down on my feet. "You can open your eyes now, love."
My gasp was drowned out by the sound of the rest of the Cullens shouting, "Surprise!"
A dozen torches lit up the front of a charming one-story cabin in the woods. It was made out of white-washed logs and had a charming stone path that led to the front door. The door was arched at the top and had a square glass window in the top center. It looked exactly like what I imagined the Seven Dwarfs' cabin looked like.
I was filled with so many questions I couldn't begin to speak.
Esme stepped forward. "This house is a gift from the whole family to you and Edward, Bella. We wanted you to have a special place where you could get away, just the two of you."
"You…you built us a house?" I looked up at Edward, who wrapped his arms around my waist and squeezed gently. Suddenly, all of Esme's time away from the house made sense, as did the many times she returned in old, worn, paint-covered clothes. "Oh my God, Esme, I can't believe it," I exclaimed as I hugged her fiercely. "Thank you so much."
Edward explained that the main house wasn't far away, but they had all agreed it made more sense for Edward to drive us here than to try to explain to the rest of the guests why we would be walking out into the forest.
One by one each of the Cullens came and bid us well wishes and hugged us before moving off into the dark forest.
Carlisle was the last to come speak with us. "Enjoy your evening, and congratulations again," he said. He looked at Edward for a few moments, and I knew they were sharing a silent conversation, one that was interrupted with a laughing call from somewhere in the forest, "Hope your new house is still standing in the morning little brother!" I blushed furiously as Carlisle tried not to laugh and Edward rolled his eyes.
Soon we stood alone in front of the house. Our house. Oh my God. I have a house with Edward. Edward and I live together now! Oh my God! No more hiding. No more curfews. No more pretending. No more rules. Oh my God!
I realized Edward had been watching me while these thoughts worked their way through my mind. He still wore the same huge smile. "Shall we, Mrs. Cullen?"
"I would love to, Mr. Cullen."
He held my hand as we walked across the stone path. When we got to the door he pushed it open, and then scooped me up and carried me inside.
The inside was even more charming than the outside. It was small but perfect. A cursory inspection revealed a living room, small kitchen, bathroom, and a surprisingly large bedroom. But I wasn't particularly interested in taking the tour just then.
On the nightstand in the bedroom I noticed the gifts I had wrapped that morning for Edward. "Oh." I walked over and picked them up. "I have something for you," I said as I turned with the silver packages in my hands. "Would you like these now or later?"
"I would love to open them now, Bella. But you needn't have. Giving me yourself was more than I ever wanted." I blushed as we sat on the edge of the bed and I handed Edward the first box.
Edward made quick work of the paper and lifted the lid. He smiled as he realized what he was seeing. "Bella, how ever did you do this?" He lifted the cufflinks to examine them further. They were sterling silver and the centers were made out of our lemonade bottle caps.
I realized I was holding my breath waiting for his reaction. Alice assured me he wouldn't mind that I had used the bottle caps for this purpose. I had seen on the internet that bottle caps could be made into cufflinks and found a jeweler in Port Angeles who could do it on short notice (and it turned out Alice was a frequent and important customer….). It just seemed a more lasting tribute than the caps themselves. The cufflink made from the first lemonade bottle, the one I drank in the lunchroom that day so long ago, had a picture of a lemon and in blue said 'So Sweet.' The cufflink made from the more recent lemonade bottle, from our date in the biology classroom, had a lemon wedge and in blue the word 'Swan,' part of the word Swanson's, the brand name of the lemonade. I was particularly thrilled about how that one had turned out. I had kept the remainder of the caps as keepsakes for him as well.
"Bella, these are wonderful. Thank you so much." He looked up at me, and I could tell he was being completely genuine.
I smiled, glad that I could surprise him. "You're welcome. Now, open the other one," I said, excited for his reaction.
He grinned at my enthusiasm and tore the paper away. His expression was immediately confused and I laughed.
"Um, it's my iPod."
"I know," I laughed. "Give it here."
He handed it to me and I gave him the earbuds and indicated for him to put them on. I turned the iPod on and found the track. "Listen," I whispered, so full of anticipation that I was sure my heartbeat would drown out what I wanted him to hear.
I pressed play.
The look on his face was hands down the most priceless thing I had ever seen. I think if he had been capable of tears, he would have shed them in that moment.
"Oh, Bella," he said, his voice full of emotion.
I bit my lip, absolutely thrilled that he liked the recording of my heartbeat I made using his own recording equipment connected to the computer in his room. I recorded it for a full five minutes. At three minutes I specifically concentrated on my imaginings for our wedding night, and I knew that my heart began to race before finally calming back down at the end of the recording.
He pulled the earbuds out and placed the iPod on the bed in between us, before slipping off the bed and falling to his knees. He grasped my hands and placed his head in my lap. I pulled one hand free and ran it through his hair soothingly. "Bella," he began, but his voice was choked up so he swallowed and began again. "The thoughtfulness of your gifts absolutely astounds me, Bella. They were both more perfect than I can say. I can't begin to adequately express the intensity of the love I feel for you." He looked up at me. "You are everything that is important to me in this world, and I will make it my whole life's purpose to bring you happiness and joy."
"Mission already accomplished, Edward," I whispered, as I leaned down and kissed him.
After a moment he rose and walked over to the dresser, where a larger wrapped present was waiting. He picked it up and brought it back to me. "This one is for you," he said as he presented it to me.
"Edward, you already got me my gifts. The car for one, and Jake. Oh God, Edward, I haven't properly thanked you for Jake. I can't even begin to tell you what him being there meant to me. And, God, he was so happy."
"No thanks are necessary, my love, just seeing you so happy to see him was enough. Now, back to this gift." He motioned with his hand to the heavy blue foil box in front of me.
I bit my lip as I carefully ripped the paper away. I gasped as I saw what lay inside. The box for a MacBook Air laptop lay under a beautiful leather-bound journal and a package of old-time black-and-white-covered composition notebooks. "Edward, this is too much!"
"Nothing is too much for you, Bella. I know it will be a while before you can begin college, but that's no reason why you have to put off your writing. I know that's something you used to love doing and it's something you've talked about wanting to explore further through your education. I just wasn't sure what format you preferred for your writing, so I wanted to cover all the bases."
"Edward, that is so thoughtful. I love it. Thank you," I said as I shifted the box off my lap and hugged him to me tightly, feeling the tears prick at my eyes.
When I finally sat back from him I noticed for the first time how beautiful the room was that we were in. Decorated in chocolate brown, teal blue, and ivory, the room was warm and comfortable. In the center sat a massive king-sized sleigh bed. A nightstand fit on each side and a dresser sat against a far wall. The door to the bathroom and, presumably, a closet, were on either side of the dresser. All around the room were large bowls filled with the same white blossoms from the house. Tea lights flickered from every available surface.
Suddenly it occurred to me that we were in a bedroom. On our wedding night. Alone. I felt my heart rate explode in realization. I excused myself for a human moment and walked into the bathroom, where I stared at myself in the mirror and tried in vain to calm myself down. It's not like we're completely inexperienced after all! But now that the moment of actually trying was here, I was filled with a nervous energy that felt like it could come shooting out the end of my fingertips. I shook my hands, took a deep breath and prepared to face Edward again, wondering if he felt anything like the excitement and trepidation I felt.
EPOV
After Bella slipped into the bathroom, I took a moment to finally remove the jacket to my tux. Placing the white envelope Bella had handed me earlier on the nightstand, I slipped the jacket over the back of the lone chair in the corner and kicked off my dress shoes as well. I pulled the tie off and undid the top button to my shirt. Then I turned to the bed and collected up the gifts we had exchanged, stopping one last time to admire my new cufflinks, before placing everything off to the side on the floor.
When the bed sat empty before me, the weight of the moment finally pressed upon my shoulders and I sucked in a breath. Come on Edward, don't psych yourself out. You've done everything but and not once had a problem with control. You can do this. You have to do this. It means everything to Bella. Plus, you want this. Of course I want this, but…. No buts, Edward. Not tonight.
I took a deep breath and did a neck roll, both unnecessary actions but soothing nonetheless. I took some solace in the fact that we remained close to home for our first effort at 'trying.' I didn't think it would, but, if something went wrong tonight, we would be close enough to have the help we needed.
Thank God for our increased intimacy over the past four weeks. I could only imagine what I would be feeling right now if I had adhered to my original boundaries for our relationship. As I realized how important all of our recent exploration was to my feeling of readiness now, I thought of Bella's list. Bella's love and desire for me is making this night possible. I'll have to thank her properly for that.
Assuming all went well tonight, as Alice assured me it would, we would depart tomorrow afternoon for Isle Esme, my parents' private island, which remained a complete surprise for Bella.
Just then I heard the door to the bathroom click open and Bella walked out barefooted but still in the beautiful white dress with the deep blue sash.
She was stunning. "Come to me, love."
She walked over to me and I took her hands. I leaned back against the bed and she stood between my legs.
"Before…well…there are some things I need to say."
"Edward—"
"Please, Bella? I…I will feel better if I get this out." She nodded. "First, I love you with all my heart. Know that, always. Second, I am very much looking forward to trying tonight." I squeezed her hand as her heart raced in reaction to my words. "I want you to know that I have more confidence in this than I ever thought possible, and that is largely to your credit, because you have showed me time and time again that I can trust myself. And I'm finally starting to believe it."
"You can, Edward," she interrupted.
I lifted one of her hands and kissed it before nodding. "I need to ask you something and I need to tell you something. First, I need you to promise me you will let me know if I hurt you in any way. Will you, please?"
"Of course I will. But you have to promise to compromise – if we do something that doesn't work, promise me we can try to do it another way."
I blew out a breath. "Okay." She smiled at me and squeezed my hand.
"What I needed to tell you is this. We stayed here tonight, just in case…."
"In case you lose control."
"Yes."
"Okay."
"Bella, how can you discuss this so calmly?"
She sighed. "Edward, first, because you won't lose control. And, second, because I've already fully accepted becoming like you. If it happens accidentally, I'll only regret it because you'll be upset at yourself. Otherwise, it's just a matter of timing."
Her logic astounded me and immediately resurrected Jasper's words in my mind from a conversation weeks ago.
"Okay, so, I'm just gonna throw this out there. Okay? Worst case scenario is you hurt her or bite her?"
"Obviously."
"But then she becomes one of us which is what she wants?" I heard it more bluntly in his mind: what was the big deal if she got turned when that's what we were planning on anyway?
I took a deep breath and nodded to her, acknowledging her words. I brought her left hand to my mouth and placed an open-mouthed kiss over her rings. "Thank you for being mine, Bella," I said in a low voice.
She pulled my left hand up to her mouth and mimicked my actions. "Thank you for choosing me, Edward."
"I would do it over and over again, love."
With that she dropped my hand and leaned her body into mine, her hips tightly wedged between my thighs. "Make love to me, husband," she whispered before kissing me.
"I would love to, wife," I responded around the edge of our kiss.
I don't know how long we kissed. But the feeling of her hot mouth wrapped around my tongue, her small hands tugging at my hair, and her firm body pressing against mine was rapturous. When she needed air I relished in lavishing her jaw and ear and neck and throat with my lips and tongue. Soon she was whimpering against me and the ache in my groin was intense.
She pulled her body back a half step and reached her hands in between us, slowly working down the buttons of my shirt. When she was done she untucked the shirt and then pushed it back off of my shoulders. I hugged her against my bare chest and shivered at the feeling of her warmth against me. Together we worked to undo my belt and open the fastenings on my tux pants. Then I stilled her hands. She pulled back and looked at me questioningly.
"You're overdressed, my love," I smiled. My calm voice belied the intense anticipation and nervous excitement I felt inside, where I was constantly chanting, Take it slow take it slow
She smiled and reached her arms back to undo her dress.
I stilled her arms once again. "I want to do it." I want to worship every part of you.
I gently spun her so that her back was to me. I reached up and released her hair from the clip. She lifted her hair up for me as I deftly undid the three pearl buttons that held the halter top of her dress up. I couldn't resist tasting of her neck and back, which presented such a flawless porcelain canvas before me. My hands still each holding a strap of the dress, I placed slow, teasing, open-mouthed kisses all over her upper back. She shivered and steadied herself with hands on each of my thighs.
I ran my eyes over her form just inches in front of me. Four thin and oh-so-fragile layers of material are all that stand in between my cock and her….Stop it! Slow! Gentle!
Releasing the top of her dress, I moved my fingers down to the middle of her back where I unzipped the material there. Knowing all that held the dress in place was her hands, I spun her to face me once again. She met my eyes as she dropped her hands and the dress pooled at her feet. She stood before me, breathtakingly beautiful and fascinatingly seductive, in a white satin strapless corset with lace edging and matching panties. Garter belts held up incredibly sexy pale white thigh-high stockings.
I realized my mouth was hanging open as I took her in. She blushed under the scrutiny of my gaze. And now she's perfect.
"So beautiful," I murmured as I leaned forward and placed worshipping kisses along the swell of her breasts at the top edge of the corset. She leaned into me and wrapped an arm around my head, pressing me into her.
I lowered my mouth and flicked my tongue over her nipple, still concealed beneath the satin. She gasped and fisted her hand in my hair.
"I want you so bad, Edward," she moaned.
Take her. Take her! TAKE HER! No! Slow. Gentle. Fuck.
I continued to flick my tongue over her nipple, alternating to the other side when the first was saturated through from my attentions. I realized she was rubbing her thighs together and pressing into me. The scent of her arousal was now heavy in the room and I inhaled it deeply, needing it like a drug.
Wrapping my arms around her I felt the intricate lacing of the corset and began to work my hands over it. I had begun slowly releasing the lacing when her words stunned me. "Just rip it off, Edward."
"Bella—"
"Please, Edward? I need your hands on me now. Just rip it."
Fuck yes.
The satin fell apart easily under my hands and Bella moaned as I undid the garter clips and pulled the corset fabric away.
As soon as her breasts were free I plunged back in, sucking and licking at them with abandon. Bella moaned loudly. "That's so good, Edward. I need you so much. Oh, yes."
The more vocal she became the more my cock swelled.
Bella surprised me by stepping back. Trying to keep my mouth on her caused me to stand up from where I had been leaning against the bed. Bella reached towards me and pushed my pants down. When they fell at my ankles I stepped out of them and kicked them aside, then reached down and tore off my socks. The silk boxers I wore were stained with my pre-cum. Bella pressed her palm into the dampness and mmmed.
"Christ, Bella. You're so beautiful and sexy. I'm aching for you."
"Sit back down, Edward," she whispered.
My mind was clouded with love and lust, but I complied. She placed her right foot on my thigh and my eyes threatened to roll back into my head at the concentrated force of her aroused scent before me. Slowly she gathered the stocking into her hand and inched it down her leg before taking it off and letting it flutter to the floor. Then she raised her left foot to my thigh and repeated the process on that leg.
Good God. She's stripping for me.
I couldn't help myself. I needed some relief from the pressure. I pressed my palm against my erection and adjusted myself. Oh God how I need her.
Bella took a step back and then looked down at her panties. She hooked her thumbs into the thin straps at her hips. But then, instead of sliding them down as I expected, she slowly turned to face away from me, revealing her luscious bottom which was only partially covered by the white satin. Bending forward, she slowly slid the panties down her legs, laying bare to me her obviously wetness. I swear to God, it took every ounce of discipline I'd developed in a century of existence not to jump forward and plow into her.
She slowly stood back up, tossing her hair around, and turned back to face me, her bare body exquisite before me and the white panties dangling from her forefinger.
I swallowed hard as she offered, "For you, husband." Every time she says that word it goes straight to my cock.
I began to lift my hand but then thought better of it. Time to regain some of the control in this little game, love. I lowered my hand but leaned my body forward. Opening my mouth, I closed my teeth gently around the satin fabric closest to where it hung on her finger. My eyes on hers the whole time, I sat back down with the panties hanging from my teeth. I chuckled darkly when I heard her gasp and smelled a rush of new moisture from her. Letting the satin fall from my mouth into my lap, I said, "Thank you, wife."
After a moment, I rose from the bed and cupped her face in my hands. I kissed her repeatedly, murmuring my love to her over and over again. Turning her slowly, I walked her back to the bed and, after pulling the covers back, helped her slide up onto it. I crawled up after her, loving the way her hair spilled across the teal pillowcases.
I kissed and licked from her neck to her chest to her breasts to her abdomen, relishing in the way she writhed against my touch and moaned my name. With each new spot, I savored the realization that it was mine. Forever. I suckled at the hollow of her throat. Mine. I laved my tongue across her right nipple. Mine. I kissed over my name tattooed on her left breast. Mine. I felt her squirm as I nipped at her rib cage. Mine. I rubbed my hands up and down the soft curve of her waist. Mine. I flicked my tongue into her belly button. Mine.
When I settled between her legs, I inhaled deeply and felt as well as heard the growl rumble low in my chest. Mine! I heard Bella's fists twist into the sheets in response.
"I'm going to taste you now, Bella."
"God, yes, Edward," she rasped, her fingers clutching harder at the sheets.
Oh, so good. So fucking good, I thought as I ran a slow hard lick up through her soft folds. She bucked against me and I grasped her hips to hold her still. Her sweet nectar was enthralling. I found myself alternating between plunging my tongue into her depths to draw her moisture forward to my waiting mouth and pressing my flattened tongue firmly against her needy clit.
She was moaning and grunting and I realized I needed her to cum. I had been rocking my hips into the mattress in time with the thrusts of my mouth and my cock was so painfully in need of her.
Bringing my right hand down I slipped two fingers inside of her. I worked them in and out of her as I worked my tongue back and forth over her clit.
"Oh God, Edward. Oh my God. So good…so….Edward!" she screamed as she came around my hand.
"That's it, baby." Scream my name.
I was surprised to feel her feet press against my hips and I realized she was pushing my boxers down with her toes. Together we worked the silk off and away from my body as I crawled back up her.
"Bella, I need to be inside you now. May I please have you?" Please, God. Now. I need you now, Bella. So bad.
"Yes, Edward. Please. Please take me, Edward. Make love to me."
Yes.
I reached to the nightstand and grabbed a foil packet. I opened it and pulled the condom out, then carefully rolled it down my length.
I leaned down and kissed Bella with all the tenderness I could muster in that moment.
"Now, Edward. I love you."
Holding my weight on my left arm, I positioned myself between her legs and felt the searing heat of her center against my tip.
Go slow! Be gentle! Stay in control! Please God, let me be able to do this.
I slowly pushed into her and wasn't far before her heat and the significance of our actions began to overwhelm me. Her hands smoothed down my neck and over my shoulders, helping me to relax.
I pushed in further, feeling the way I was stretching her body. I kept my eyes trained on her face, wanting to be completely aware of her reactions. She appeared tense but not pained. But I knew that was coming.
I felt the point at which I encountered her barrier. I swallowed thickly, shaking with my effort to go slow, be gentle.
I rested my forehead against hers. "I'm sorry, Bella."
"Sshh," she cooed before pressing her lips to mine. "Do it," she whispered.
Steeling myself, I pressed through her barrier. Bella gasped as I was sheathed fully inside of her.
A single tear leaked from her right eye and she took a deep breath. Her thighs were trembling around me.
Oh God. Oh God. "Talk to me, baby," I pleaded. Oh God.
"I'm okay," she panted, "just give me a minute."
I used the same mental technique I always used to shut out unwanted thoughts, except in this moment I was using that same blocking technique to try to shut out the incredible sensation of being inside of her so that I could be patient and give her the time she needed. Because, God damn, being inside of her was the sweetest fucking sensation of my entire life and all my mind could think was Mine! MINE. MINE! More! MORE. MORE!
I felt her move under me and I groaned. She pulled her hips down into the mattress beneath her causing me to move out of her just a little. Then she pushed back up onto me. Holy fuck that's exquisite.
"Move with me, Edward," Bella rasped. "I'm okay. I'm good. I promise," she added, I know for my benefit.
Placing my elbows on either side of her and careful to keep my palms faced down on the mattress, I slowly pulled my hips back before slowly pushing back in.
Mother of God.
The sensation was like nothing I'd ever felt before. And it wasn't just the mind-blowing physical sensation of her hot, wet, tight walls milking my throbbing rigid length. It was also the emotional realization that I was Making. Love. To. My. Wife.
"God Bella, I love you. I love you, baby." So much. So fucking much.
"I love you too, Edward."
I set a slow, cautious rhythm and allowed us to get used to one another. Still swimming in nearly surreal sensation I peppered kisses all over her face and shoulders, careful to keep my mouth closed lest I lose myself in the moment.
After several minutes Bella began to claw at my shoulders and pull at my hair. When I felt her press her hips up to meet my thrust I grunted and let out a low hiss.
"God, Edward…so…good."
"Oh, Bella. Being inside of you…ungh…is a fucking spiritual experience."
She thrust her hips against me again.
"Fuck, Bella, let's take it slower, softer."
"I can't, Edward. I'm going crazy." Me too, baby, me too. "I need it harder, Edward. Please?"
Fucking hell.
I thrust a little harder, experimentally. She grunted out a 'yes' and I clenched my fists, feeling my fingertips shred the sheet.
"More, baby," she pleaded.
Yes. More. Yes.
"Oh, God. That's it, Edward. You feel so good. I love you so…much….ungh."
Fuck. I want to go faster. I want to go harder. It's so fucking good. I was vibrating with my effort at restraint. Slow. Gentle. Control. Dammit.
I felt like a taut but frayed rope, and every time Bella spoke she sliced another fiber, slowly but steadily breaking my control.
"Faster, Edward." If her words weren't enough, she wrapped one leg up around my hip, using her heel to encourage me.
I growled as her new position caused me to enter her more deeply.
"Bella…you…I…can't…."
"Sshh, baby, it's okay. Make love to me, Edward. Make me yours."
"Fuck, Bella." Thrust. "Yes. You're mine." Thrust. "Forever." Thrust. "Mine." Thrust. "Mine." Thrust. "Love you."
Thrust. "Yours, Edward." Thrust. "Just yours." Thrust. "Fuck."
"God, Bella, I never knew….Christ…so hot…so wet…Bella, you're so tight." It's so much. It's too much. It's everything. Oh my Bella.
"It's all for you, Edward," she panted.
Fucking yes it is.
I couldn't help myself. I started to thrust just a little harder, just a little faster. I kept my eyes trained on her face and swallowed thickly as she threw back her head and moaned my name. "Oh Edward. Just like that, baby. It's so good."
"Bella, oh God…ungh…fuck, baby…I'm…I need you….."
"Just like that, Edward. Don't stop. Please. Oh God. I think I'm gonna…."
"Yes, baby. Get there. Just feel, Bella. Just feel how much I fucking love you…."
"Oh my God, Edward. Oh my God…."
"That's it, Bella. Come on, baby…."
"Edward, I'm gonna…oh my God…Edward!" she screamed my name as her body clenched around me with an intensity that was shocking.
"Fuck, Bella. Fuck I love you." I was right on the edge…of cumming…of losing my control…of losing my very mind. I knew I was only strokes away from the most intense orgasm of my life. My body was so tightly wound that my teeth were tingling, just begging to be buried into something, into her. No! Aw, I need it though. God, I need it. I thrust once, twice, three times before the world exploded around me. In a last-ditch grasp on my sanity I buried my teeth into my upper bicep, not able to deny the need to fucking bite down on something. It hurt like hell but the pain only added to the exquisite pleasure wracking my body in spurt after spurt.
When my mind finally returned to me, I released my teeth from my shoulder and gently pulled out of her, holding the condom to ensure her safety. The smell of her arousal mixed with the blood of her virginity lured the beast for just a moment before I steeled myself and locked my jaws tight. My eyes raked her body, searching for signs of injury. Bella panted underneath me, observing all of these things as she attempted to catch her breath.
"Oh my God, Edward. You're hurt," she exclaimed, reaching for my shoulder.
I grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently. "It's nothing, love. It will heal. I'm sorry," I added sheepishly.
"Whatever for, Edward. Don't be sorry. God, I'm not."
"I lost control, Bella. I could have bitten you. So easily. I wanted to." God, I still want to. I have to get her into a bath. The scent of her blood….
"But you didn't, Edward. You kept enough control that you protected me. You made love to me, Edward. You did it! Don't you dare even think about sulking! Because it was incredible. You've made this the best night of my life." Her face was flush with her conviction.
She'd never looked more beautiful.
And she's right. Admit it, Edward. There's a big difference between almost and actually losing control. Not where Bella's concerned, there's not. Yes there is. You did it. You fucking did it, Edward! Oh my God. I did!
I leaned back down and laid my head on Bella's chest. She stroked my hair lovingly and I calmed myself with the sounds of Bella's strong heart. "I love you, Bella. You are my whole life."
"I love you, Edward. Thank you for believing in yourself enough to try."
I shifted my head so that my chin was resting on her sternum and I was looking up into her eyes. "Bella, please believe me when I say that was absolutely the most incredible experience of my entire life."
"I'm glad," she whispered, blushing lightly, "me too."
"I know you're probably tired, love, but it would be in both of our best interests if I ran you a bath."
She looked at me questioningly. "A bath? Oh. Oh! Of course. Oh God, Edward, are you hurting very much?"
There she goes again, putting me first. God I love her. "It's manageable," I said, and it was just barely the truth. "But it would be better if we got ourselves cleaned up." She nodded and began to push herself up. "No, love. Rest here while I draw the bath." She sunk back down and wrapped an arm under her head.
I rose from the bed and resisted the urge to look back at my love, lest I fall right back into it with her. I walked into the bathroom and flushed the condom and then walked over to the large claw-footed tub to run the water. I squirted some bath bubbles in and watched them grow as the water splashed down. After five minutes, several inches of bubbly water filled the tub.
"Oh my God!" I heard from the bedroom.
My mind immediately in a panic, I flew with inhuman speed to the bedside. "What is it, love? What's the matter?"
"Look," she said, stunned.
Bella had opened the card I had placed on the bedside table. She handed it to me and I read the rough handwriting scrawled out inside of it:
Dear Bella,
I know there's only one thing I could give you for a wedding present that would mean anything to you. I'm done trying to convince you to make another decision. Finding Samantha has convinced me that sometimes you just can't help who you fall in love with, who you're meant to be with. Therefore, I hereby grant the Cullens the permission to take the steps necessary to change you. This decision is made on behalf of the Quileute tribe and is a one-time, and one-time-only, exception to the terms of the treaty, which otherwise remains in full force. Our only demand is that before your change begins you remove yourself from the Olympic Peninsula until such time as you can guarantee your adherence to the Cullens' diet and lifestyle. (Sorry, it wasn't easy to convince the others. I had to give them something.) Any further details will be worked out between the tribe and the Cullens as necessary.
I hope this is truly what you want, Bella.
Your best friend forever,
Jacob Black
Bella was right. 'Oh my God' was the appropriate response. I looked from the card to her eyes, which were streaming with tears.
Every obstacle was falling away. Carlisle's words in his toast came back to me. It is exactly like we're fated to be together.
I placed the card on the nightstand and leaned down to press a kiss on her forehead. "I suppose he's growing on me, a little," I teased. Bella choked out a surprised laugh through her tears. I scooped her up and carried her into the bathroom, then gently settled both of us down into the warm water. Bella sat with her back against my chest and rested her head on my shoulder. She mmmed appreciatively as the warmth worked its way into her body.
We held and touched each other softly, just enjoying being alone and quiet and together in that moment. I reveled in the realization that my humanity had clearly won out tonight over my darker nature. I would never hurt her. I could never hurt her. Oh my God, her trust in me is warranted! I thought in delighted surprise.
Finally Bella pressed her lips against my neck and whispered, "I'm going to fall asleep in here soon if we don't get out."
I kissed against her hair and lifted us out, wrapping a thick bath sheet around her before wrapping a towel around my own waist.
Bella finished drying herself and reached around the back of the door and grabbed several articles of clothing off the hook. She threw a t-shirt and boxers at me and slid the white satin nightgown over her head. "Alice," she said sleepily, as if it would explain everything. And it did.
Bella was half asleep on her feet, so I gently lifted her and carried her back to bed. I slid her in between the sheets and crawled in next to her. She immediately curled into my chest and fisted her hand in my shirt. I relished the possessiveness of that action.
"Good night, husband," she whispered groggily.
"Good night, wife," I smiled in response, bringing to a close the absolute best day of my life.
Review please! This is the chapter I'm probably most nervous about because it covers a topic well covered by the books and I made a number of strategic (and intentional) departures from canon here. Hope you enjoyed!