Chapter Twenty-One: All This Time
Bella POV
A Year and a Half Later
I stood on the steps of the house where the garden we were using was, waiting for our wedding rehearsal. I took a deep breath when Alice came out, telling me it was time to begin. The song we'd picked began to play over the system, and the bridal party began their walk down the aisle. I was only doing this to please Alice, I didn't see the point of rehearsing how to walk in a straight line. But, since she was four months pregnant, and moodier than I'd ever seen her, I didn't want to set her off by saying no.
Her and Jasper had married two months previous, and I was the first one to cry. I was extremely happy for the two of them, especially Alice. I never thought she'd be this happy after Sam, but she proved me wrong when she said I do to the true man of her dreams. Jasper completed her, he calmed her down when she was on one of her bouncy kicks, and helped her through tough times. I was the first one to know she was pregnant, and was asked to be the godmother. I accepted immediately and hugged her tightly.
Edward came into my view, and I saw him smiling, and Emmett had to hand him a tissue...it wasn't even our wedding day yet. The rehearsal was everything I thought it was going to be. Pointless and long. But, Alice seemed to want to fix everything she saw wrong, and neither of us wanted to argue with her.
"Just think," Edward whispered as Alice talked to the minister. "Tomorrow, we'll be doing this for real."
"Yeah." I mumbled, looking at Carlisle who looked like he was going to be sick. It had been a year and a half since our breakup, but it still hurt to look at him. He was my everything and now I didn't have him. I felt terrible for settling for Edward, but I couldn't say no to him after Carlisle broke up with me. "For real."
"Okay, so once you are pronounced husband and wife, Have I Told You Lately, will begin to play and you'll walk up first and Emmett and I will follow." Alice said, waving her clipboard around. "Then Jacob and Irina...oh." She gasped, grabbing her stomach.
"What is it?" Jasper asked, rushing to her side.
"He...he kicked." She gushed, and everyone rushed to her side.
"He?" Edward asked, trying to feel it again.
"Just a guess." She shrugged. "I don't care what it is, as long as they're happy and healthy." I felt a small nudge, and gasped with her. It was an amazing feeling and I smiled down at her small baby bump.
"Wow." I heard Carlisle whisper, wiping tears away. I hadn't realized how close our hands were on her belly, and quickly pulled mine away. I knew I was settling for Edward. I also knew it was wrong. But, I saw so much of Carlisle in Edward, in more ways than looks. They were both smart, kind, and loved me to the ends of the earth. I shouldn't have kept dating Edward while I was with Carlisle, but I was selfish and somehow, talked myself into thinking I needed both of their love.
But, both of their love led to only one of their love, and I was happy. I really was. I knew Edward was going to be a wonderful husband, and in time, a great father. I just wished I had Carlisle back so I could be as happy as I wanted.
"Bells?" I heard Edward's voice asked, bringing me out of my trance. "You about ready to go?"
"Yes," I sighed, eyeing Carlisle talking to my father and Maggie. "Shall we?"
"Yeah, just...come with me." He said, grabbing my hand and pulling me into a small corner away from all the chaos. "Look, tomorrow is going to be crazy, and I knew Alice is going to keep us apart tonight. But, I needed you to know...you are making me happier than I've ever been."
"Edward," I cried, smiling up at him.
"It's true, Bella." He sighed. "I know breaking up with you was wrong, but I think it made us stronger. And honestly, I think it was the best thing for us."
"You do?"
"Yeah, because if we didn't spend that time apart, maybe we'd end up like my parents. Falling out of love and divorced by forty."
"Well...that isn't going to happen." I said, taking a deep breath as I saw Carlisle walk by and outside. "Let's go eat...I'm starving."
"Anything for you." He smiled, grabbing my hand in his. Alice had made reservations at a small little cafe right outside of Forks. It was only the wedding party, and our families, but there was still a decent amount of people with us. Everyone took turns passing my baby brother, Weston, around the table and I could tell my dad and Maggie were happy for the relief.
It was amazing what Maggie had done for my father in the last few years. I never thought I'd see my dad so happy before. After my mom left him, I thought he swore off love, and was determined to stay a bachelor the rest of his life. I was thrilled to hear of his proposal, and cried through the entire ceremony. Just to see him happy again was the best thing ever. And, I was even happier when they had Weston, the newest edition to the Swan family. My father loved me, but I knew he'd always wanted a boy and his wish came true a year ago.
"My turn." I whispered, taking him from Alice's arms. "Hey there little man." He smiled up at me, before blowing a bubble of spit, laughing with joy when it popped. Soon, dinner arrived and it was time for him to be put in his chair so everyone could enjoy their meal. This was one of the few times everyone was together, Esme and my mother included. I was elated for my mother to be here in Forks again, and happy to see her and Phil were doing so well. The same went for Esme. She may not have handled the situation the right way, but everyone deserved to be happy and Tyler made her happy.
"I'd like to propose a toast." Alice said as she clanked her fork to her wine glass full of water. "To Bella and Edward. Bella, you've always been a sister to me and I cannot wait for that to actually be true. You make my brother so happy, and I know you two will have a lot of years, full of happiness."
"To Bella and Edward!" My mother exclaimed, raising her glass. I glanced over at Carlisle, who just tipped his glass and chugged the rest of his wine.
"Thirsty, dad?" Edward laughed, obviously noticing his chugging. "It is good shit, huh."
"Edward." Esme warned, even though he was almost twenty-three years old. He shrugged before turning to me, and just began to play with my hair like normal. I glanced up, and saw Carlisle seething with anger as Edward kissed my neck. He flagged the waiter down, and poured himself another glass. By the time we were standing up to leave, Carlisle was stumbling around and Edward had to hold him up.
"Jeeze, dad. How much did you drink?" He asked as Jasper helped him get Carlisle outside.
"Lost count." He slurred.
"He can't drive like this." I whispered to Edward who immediately nodded. "Jazz, can you get him home?"
"Sure thing." He said as Edward handed him off. "Come on, Carlisle." Edward followed to make sure he got into the car okay, before Alice dragged me away from him. Alice drove us back to my house, and we spent the night, gushing about the wedding.
"You're sure about this?" Alice asked as we were slowly falling asleep.
"About?"
"The wedding."
"Of course, Alice." I whispered.
"It isn't too late to back out." She pointed out. "You can still be with my dad."
"He doesn't want me, Alice."
"He didn't get drunk for no reason tonight." She said before her heavy breathing took over.
Alice had me up at nearly the crack of dawn. There was just so much to do before our two o'clock wedding ceremony, and we had to eat. My father had been up with Weston all night, and after he was finally asleep, decided to go out and buy Peter's...something I'd avoided since Carlisle left.
By one o'clock, everyone was dressed except for me. My make-up and hair were done, and now, all that was left was getting into the dress. But, I was hesitating and I didn't know why. I was getting married, and getting into the dress should be the most exciting part except saying 'I do' I walked out of the bathroom, where Alice was seated on the top of the stairs, talking on the phone.
"Yeah, she just came out." She said. "I gotta go, dad." She said and hung up. Something about the fact she'd just hung up on Carlisle, made me feel sick and I fell to my knees, in tears.
"I..." I sobbed. I didn't even know why I was so upset. I loved Edward, and I had seen Carlisle multiple times since breaking up. But, this was the final nail in our coffin, and it upset me. Deeply.
"Aww, Bella." Alice soothed, handing me a Kleenex. "Please, don't do this."
"I...I don't even...know why...I'm...so...upset." I sobbed like a pathetic loser.
"Bella, you don't have to do this." She said softly. "I'll understand if you don't."
"How...can you say...that?" I asked. "It's...it's Edward. You're brother."
"Yeah, and it also involves my dad." She whispered. "And, he's always come first, Bella."
"I...I...just need to pull myself together." I sighed after my sobs had stopped. "Can you fix my make-up?"
"Of course." She said. "But, Bella?"
"Yeah?"
"This is what you want, right?" She asked. "I mean like...really want?"
"Yes." I whispered after a long pause. Carlisle and I were over. I had to accept that and if I didn't accept it now, I never would. Alice and the rest of the bridesmaids finished up, and soon, we were climbing into the limo that was driving us to the garden. My father and the rest of the groomsmen met us outside, and we were just about to start.
"You look gorgeous." Emmett gushed when he pulled me aside. "You're sure about this?"
"Yes." I sighed. "I love Edward."
"Just making sure." He laughed. "I'm really happy for you, Bells."
"Thanks, Em." I smiled, hugging him tightly. Soon, the bridal party was being lined up, and I grabbed my fathers arm at the end of the line. I took deep breaths as the music began to play, and Angela and Jacob began walking down the aisle.
"You ready, kiddo?" My father whispered.
"Yeah." I sighed. "Just...don't let me fall, dad."
"Never." He agreed, as the people in the seats stood. I took another deep breath and we began our walk down the aisle. My eyes immediately fell on Carlisle, who looked like he was in tears. Tears started sliding down my cheeks as I stared at him. This was it, and we were over and would be forever now. There would never be a chance to kiss him, one last time, or say I loved him. I closed my eyes as tears streamed down my face.
"You're crying already?" My dad laughed. "It's okay, kid." We finally met Edward at the end of the aisle, and my father reluctantly handed me over to him. Standing to face him, I had a perfect view of Carlisle, and continued to cry over him.
"We are gathered here in the sight of God and these witnesses to unite Edward and Bella in holy matrimony. As followers of Jesus Christ, they believe that God created marriage. In Genesis it says, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Edward squeezed my hand and smiled at me as I continued to stare over his shoulder.
"If anyone has any objection to why these two should not be wed, please speak now." The minister asked, and for a split second, I thought Carlisle was going to stand, but when he looked away, I knew all hope was lost for us.
"I do!" Carlisle screeched, standing up. I laughed in amazement, and let go of Edward's hand.
"Dad?" Edward asked, turning around and facing him. Carlisle had made his way up to the alter, and took my hands.
"I'm sorry." He whispered. "I should have never let you go."
"Let her go?" Edward asked as Carlisle put his forehead to mine. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"I love you, Bella. I never want to be without you." He whispered. "Please."
"Carlisle," I cried, a tear streaming down my face. "I only wanna be with you." I said before he brought his lips to mine. I heard the gasps and whispers coming from the people in their chairs, but it wasn't until Edward's scream did we pull away.
"What...THE FUCK?" He screamed, charging towards us. I turned around and shielded Carlisle from Edward's fury, knowing how mad he was, he couldn't hit me. " WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?"
"Edward," I said, trying to get him to calm down.
"Are...are you two like...seeing each other?" He asked.
"We had been." I whispered. "For four years until we got engaged.
"You...you were...dating him...while you were with me?" He asked. "Is that why we didn't have sex for like three years? Because IT MADE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE TO FUCK MY DAD AND ME AT THE SAME TIME?"
"Edward, it wasn't like that." Carlisle piped in.
"You SON OF A BITCH!" I heard my father yell, and saw him hand Weston over to Maggie, before racing up to where Carlisle and I were. I reached around and grabbed Carlisle's hand, just wanting this awful moment to be over. Not only was everything coming out into the open, but we were in front of a crowd full of people. "YOU'RE USING HER!"
"No he wasn't, dad." I whispered. "He wasn't using me."
"Then how else can you describe this, Bella?" He asked, pointing to us. "How else do you describe a man twice your age...being with you?"
"Love." Carlisle whispered. My father's head snapped up, and I saw his eyes grow narrow with anger. Before I could act, Emmett had pulled me away and my father took the first swing. Carlisle grabbed his hand, and held it for a while before my father got free, and swung his arm again, actually hitting Carlisle.
"Daddy!" I screamed. "Daddy! Stop!" Finally after a few more swings, Jacob and Emmett pulled them away and Carlisle came over to me. I wiped off the blood that was falling from his cheek, and pressed my forehead to his.
"I'm pressing charges on you!" My father huffed. "You are going to jail!"
"No he isn't, Dad." I whispered. "I was eighteen..able to consent by the time anything happened."
"I don't care! It isn't right!"
"Right or not." Carlisle sighed. "Bella was eighteen and everything was legal."
"You're asking for it, Carlisle." My father sneered. "How could you? She's Alice's age...how could you even think of doing this?"
"I know." Carlisle agreed. "It was completely wrong to start something with her. But, I did and I wasn't using her for anything. I truly love Bella. Every time we were apart...I felt like I was on my death bed. She's everything to me, Charlie."
"How could you?" Edward finally whispered. I looked over to him, and he was crouched on the ground, his knees at his chest. His eyes were red, and his cheeks were puffy. I'd never felt more guilty or more like an ass than right at that moment. "I mean...my father?"
"I didn't ask for this to happen, Edward." I whispered. "It just did."
"I loved you."
"I loved you too." I whispered. "But, sometimes...love doesn't last forever and you fall out of love. I didn't plan on breaking up with you, and falling in love for your father. But like you said to me so many years ago...shit happens, and things are the way they are."
"Why aren't you more upset?" He asked, turing to Alice who looked completely off guard. "I mean, this affects you too."
"I've known for a while, Edward." She whispered.
"You knew?" He yelled. "You told her?"
"No, they didn't say anything. I figured it out."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"It wasn't my news to tell." She said bluntly.
"I want you to stay away from her." My father ordered. "I don't want you going near her, I'll get a restraining order if I have to."
"Bella is twenty-three years old, Charlie." Carlisle pointed out. "She's of age and has been through our entire relationship. I'm not staying away from her."
"I can't believe you." My father whispered, turning around and walking towards Maggie. "Either of you."
"Dad!" I called as he walked away with Maggie and Weston. I looked over at Edward who looked like he was going to be sick. "Edward."
"I...I can't even look at you." He cried, finally standing and straightening up. "How could you?" He asked Carlisle before turning and running back up the aisle...alone and unwed. I turned to Carlisle and fell into his embrace, sobbing like a baby. I felt a small pair of hands begin to rub my back, and smiled when I saw Alice standing there.
"Thank you for coming everyone." I said after my tears had died down. "There is a ton of food at the reception...please enjoy." I said, turning back to Carlisle. I heard people stand, and most people headed for their cars.
"I knew something was going on." I heard Esme sigh as she walked past us. "I knew somehow she'd ruin everything."
"Excuse me?" I seethed, turning around and walking over to her. "I ruined everything?"
"You broke my son's heart." She said. "Yes, you've ruined a family."
"I ruined a family?" I asked, my temper rising. "YOU'RE THE ONE WHO FUCKED A CLIENT AND LEFT YOUR HUSBAND AND KIDS! YOU KNOW WHO WAS THERE WITH CARLISLE AS HE WAITED ON THE COUCH FOR YOU? ALICE. EDWARD. ME. WHERE WERE YOU, ESME? OH...RIGHT...FUCKING YOUR CLIENT AND TOSSING YOUR FAMILY ASIDE. OH...AND YOU MARRIED THE SLIME BALL."
"How dare you criticize me." She said smugly. "At least I'm not a little home wrecker.
"FUCK YOU!" I yelled, as I tried to slap her. But, a pair of hands grab me before I could do any real damage. I turned around to see Emmett, holding me back and I was thankful for him. Esme smiled at me, and took Tyler's hand.
"I don't know what you ever saw in him." I heard him whisper. "I mean, he was probably having sex with high school students while you were still married."
"You FUCKER!" I heard Carlisle yell, and push past Emmett and I. Carlisle pushed Tyler to the ground, and began punching him square in the nose.
"Carlisle!" Esme screeched. "Stop it!"
"Em, do something!" I urged, finally getting his attention. Emmett pulled Carlisle off Tyler, while Jasper held Tyler back.
"I want you to leave." Carlisle seethed. "Now!" He barked. they both rolled their eyes and walked away and I was never more relieved. I turned to Carlisle who's face was already beginning to bruise, and kissed his cheek.
"That wasn't how this was supposed to happen." I whispered as we sat in one of the lawn chairs, long after everyone had cleared out. "This was all wrong."
"Yeah." Carlisle agreed, lowering the ice pack. His face was covered with small cuts and bruises, and I cursed my father and Tyler for hurting him. "I don't care though."
"You don't?" I asked. "I don't think my father will ever speak to you again...or Edward for that matter."
"Edward is my son." He sighed. "He'll come around eventually. And, as for losing your father's friendship...you're worth it, Bella."
"I am?"
"Of course." He smiled. "You don't know how miserable I've been without you. How much I've missed you. You are the one I was always supposed to be with...I know that now and I promise...I'm never letting you go again."
"But, what about your reasons?" I asked. "You can't give me what I want."
"Bella, everyone knows now." He laughed. "I don't think a wedding will be that big of a deal now."
"What about kids? You don't want anymore."
"If you want kids...I want them too." He smiled. "Bella, I just want to be with you and only you. And, if I have to endure more years of sleepless nights and potty training again...I will."
"Really?"
"I love you, Bella." He whispered, kissing me. "Nothing else matters to me anymore."
"I love you, too." I said honestly for the first time in almost two years. Things were good. I had Carlisle back. I could handle anything that the world wanted to throw at us now. As long as I had him, I would always be okay.