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Epilogue
Edward POV
March 24, 2012 (Saturday)
"Dude, sit down." I did as instructed and fell back into the cushy armchair. He thrust a glass in my face, the order clear. "Drink this. Please. You're making me nervous." I let out a harsh breath.
"No. I won't be drinkin' any alcohol. When I kiss her, she'll taste it. I'm not doin' that to her."
"We've still got an hour. Plenty of time for it to wear off. Plus, you can always suck on a mint." The door opened, and I turned to see Jasper and Emmett walkin' in.
"How's our boy doin'?" Emmett asked Riley.
"He's a damn wreak," Riley said exasperatedly causin' Emmett to laugh loudly. Jasper just chuckled.
"Ditch the nerves, dude. It'll be over quick."
"I'm not nervous, just anxious. I haven't see her since Sunday. Stupid Alice." I grumbled and pouted, I was man enough to admit.
"Hey, that's my wife you're talkin' bout," Jasper warned, but I could hear the humor in his voice.
"She's still my baby sister."
I was a bit shocked when Alice had announced their engagement a mere four months after meeting. She was never one to jump into things, which led me to believe there had to be a reason. So, I asked if she was pregnant. Wrong response. After I'd picked myself up off the floor and got an icepack from the freezer to sooth my nuts, I sat on the couch, apologized, and listened.
They loved each other, I couldn't deny that. I'd known that for a while, but it was still hard. She was my baby sister; it was my responsibility to take care, and I wasn't quite ready to give up that responsibility. It was out of my hands though. That was Jasper's job now.
I shook my head to clear my thoughts and focused on the present. Emmett had taken the whisky off my hands and downed the contents in one gulp. Jasper laughed, and Riley refilled the glass. He did it again.
"Whoa!" Jasper said and took the glass from his hand. "Slow down, son. What's the rush? What do you have to be nervous about?"
"Rosie's pregnant," He said.
"What? Wow! That's great, Em. Congrats," I said as I stood then hugged him. He was smilin' widely.
"I can't believe we're havin' another rugrat. We'll have to find another house. We ain't got enough rooms. I'm not nervous. It's just that I'm on a time constraint. She's four months along already."
"We'll help." We all took a seat.
"I appreciate it. Don't mention it to the girls. Rosie wants to tell 'em." We all agreed.
There was a knock on the door. Riley got up to answer and ushered them in. My parents came in smilin' happily. Jasper and Emmett stood to hug Momma and shake Dad's hand. They chatted for a few minutes before excusin' themselves, leavin' me alone with my parents. Momma came over and held my face in her hands.
"My baby boy," she said, her voice thick with tears. I rolled my eyes.
"Com' on, Ma," I teased. "Don't start."
"She's just happy for ya, son," Dad said as he pulled Momma into his side and kissed her temple. I wanted to still be that in love thirty years from now. Momma's eyes lit up as she held my shoulders.
"Oh, Edward," she said as she smiled widely. "She looks absolutely beautiful." My heart stopped.
"You've seen her? She's here?" My heart sped up at the thought. Momma nodded. Maybe I could sneak away and find 'er. If I could just slip Riley…I broke from my thoughts when Dad chuckled.
"Don't even think about it," He warned. "Your sister would kill ya. She's got a guard dog among you, too, so you don't stand a chance."
"Who? I could buy 'em off." Momma giggled.
"It won't be much longer now." We all turned when there was a knock on the door. Riley stuck his head in with a large smile.
"Com' on, Ed," he said. "It's time to take our places."
"Be there in a minute," I promised. He nodded and backed out of the room.
"I guess it's time," Dad said.
"Finally." Momma sniffled. "No tears, Momma." I wiped at one before it could fall.
"They're happy tears. I'm so happy for you. Bella's a wonderful woman. She's gonna be a great addition to this family." The door opened, no knock this time, and Ali walked in.
"What's takin' so long?" she asked with her hands on her hips.
"Hey little sis," I said and pulled her to me for a hug. She squeaked and pushed me away.
"Don't mess with the dress." I rolled my eyes then rubbed her tummy.
"Hey there, little nephew." Another shock, though I guess it shouldn't have been.
"I'm not far enough along to know the sex." Momma rubbed her tummy with a bright smile.
"He's a boy," Momma said. "I dreamed about him." She'd rubbed off on Ali. They both thought they were psychic or something.
"Come on, Bubba. Let's get you hitched." She grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room, Momma and Dad followin'.
We made our way down the path, past the Otters, past Monkey Island, by the manatees, and into the Aquarium Room. When we'd talked about venues and Bell suggested the Dallas World Aquarium, it felt right. The place where it all began…the perfect place for our marriage to begin. Not to mention, as a photographer, I knew there could be some amazing shots taken.
I made my way to the front of the room and took my place. I looked over the chairs filled with our guests. I was glad Bell wanted a small weddin'. We'd invited 50 people with some plus-ones. Last I heard, 67 RSVP'd.
In the front row were Momma, Daddy, Uncle Marcus, Aunt Di, and their daughter Heidi. I couldn't remember her date's name. Just across the aisle were Sammie, Ian and his girlfriend of four-months Melanie, Sue, and a chair for Charlie. I still had trouble callin' him that.
Seconds later, Riley jogged up and took his spot beside me. We'd opted for a wedding party of four: us, a Maid of Honor, Alice, and Best Man. A simple affair. Riley asked if I was ready, and I nodded. I was more than ready. It felt like just a second again when everyone stood and turned to face the back.
I stopped breathin'. There she was, lookin' more radiant than ever. Stunning really; she was stunning. Her dress, which I'd yet to see was simple, strapless, white and hugged her body closely. She was looking down, her cheeks a light pink. Charlie tugged at her arm, and when she looked up at him, he said something then nodded in my direction. She finally looked my way.
A small but warm smile lit up her face. Mine bloomed when I saw hers. I'm sure it looked like my face would split. She winked and my heart skipped a beat. She was mine. Dear God, she's mine. How'd I get so lucky? It felt like an eternity before she was standing right there in front of me.
"I'm trusting you, son, with something very precious," Charlie said.
"I know, sir," I answered.
"Don't forget, I know how to use a gun, and I know how to hide a body. Perks of the job."
"Dad!" Bell gasped as our families in the front row chuckled. I didn't. I knew he could do it. I swallowed to try to wet my now dry throat.
"Yes, sir," I squeaked. How embarrassin'. Charlie turned to Bell and smiled sadly.
"You've found a good man. I know he'll take care of you, but just know, you'll always be my baby girl."
"Daddy." She took a deep breath to try to hide her tears.
"I love you," he said gruffly, then leaned forward to kiss her cheek.
"I love you, too." He took her hand and placed it in mine. He took a seat next to Sue and pulled her into his side. I looked back at my beautiful bride.
"Hi," I said softly as I reached forward and wiped a tear from her eye.
"Hi," she whispered back.
"You look more beautiful than words." He smile was bright.
"Thank you." A throat cleared, but I didn't look away. I couldn't. She's captivated me so completely.
I vaguely remember hearing her say, "I do." That means I must have said it too. I don't know much else. I couldn't take my eyes off her. She was mine. She was makin' herself mine in every possible way. I could see it in her eyes, all the love. Only love. Finally, after what felt like both an eternity and a blink of an eye, I heard the most beautiful words.
"You may now kiss your bride." I cupped her cheeks and leaned forward until they were just millimeters from hers.
"I love you," I whispered then pressed mine to hers softly.
She carded her fingers through my hair and kissed m e deeply. The catcalls, recognizably Emmett and Rose, reminded me we weren't alone. I pulled back, but Bell, unwillin' to part, leaned forward. My lips quirked up when she stumbled into my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, craddlin' her to my body as people laughed. "Plenty of time for that later." Her eyes darted to all the people before she buried her face in my chest.
"Ladies and gentleman, I'm pleased to present, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen." I pried Bell from her hidin' spot and turned her to the crowd as everyone cheered.
BPOV
I drug my husband (I squealed inside each time I heard that) off the dance floor and back to our seats. My feet were killing me, my lower back ached, and I just wanted a few minutes of rest. I pushed him down in his chair then sat in his lap, snuggling into his arms. Man, did this feel good.
"How's my lovely wife?" he asked, his chest rumbling under my cheek as he spoke.
"Completely blissed out," I told him honestly. "How about my husband?"
"You took the words right out of my mouth, Mrs. Cullen." My heart swelled hearing him call me that. I turned and kissed him properly for the first time in six days. Stupid Ali, wanting to keep us apart all week. She's said it would be romantic, but it was just torture. "Mmm. I can't wait to get you to that little clearing." I shivered at the thought.
"We were honeymooning in New Zealand. He already had a day trip planned for us to go to Little Barrier Island where he'd done the Nat Geo shoot. I'd never been out of the country so I was beyond excited. He talked so highly of the country, the people, everything about it really. It seemed natural to pick it as our destination.
"Can I ask you for a favor?" he said as he reached for a champagne glass. He offered me the glass. My stomach rolled and the thought of drinking that ice cream/pop combination. I shook my head so he downed it in one gulp.
"Whoa," I said and took the glass from him. "Is everything okay?" it took a minute to answer.
"I know we've vaguely talked about kids." My stomach plummeted. Oh no. "It's always been an abstract concept, somethin' in the future, down the line. Em and Rose, Riley and Bree, Ben and Angela, now Jasper and Ali are expecting." Please God. "I don't know if you wanted to wait or if it's just something we haven't seriously discussed, but I don't think I want kids in the future." My heart stopped and tears immediately sprung to my eyes. "I think I want them now." Wait! What? I looked at him curiously but his head was down. "Think about it.
"If we have a family soon, the kids will be close in age. They'll go to school together, play together, grow up together. They'll have the chance to be close. If we wait a few years, there's a chance that won't happen." His eyes finally met mine. He looked started, reached forward, and wiped away a tear I didn't know had fallen. "Baby, please don't cry. We don't have to. I just wanted you to think about it. It was just a thought." I shook my head.
"Is that really what you want?" I asked. "Please, be honest with me." He nodded hesitantly. I laughed. He stared at me with a look of concern so I tried to get myself under control. "Do you remember when I had that sinus infection six weeks ago?" He nodded. "Do you remember getting my antibiotics for me at CVS?" He nodded. "I had to take tem for two weeks even though I felt better after a few days."
"Yeah. So?"
"Edward, sometimes certain antibiotics can make the birth control you're taking ineffective." I watched as he scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. I willed him to un derstand. It only took a second for his brain to start functioning.
"Wh-are you-does-" He shook his head. "Are you telling me you're p-pregnant?" I bit my lip before nodding. The idea or thought of something was one things, and the realization was a whole other. He pulled my lips to his and kissed me feverishly. Relieif flooked me, and I kissed him back. His hand traveled down my arm and around to my stomach. He caressed it softly.
"Hey, you two," heard Ali say with a giggle. "Save it for the honeymoon." Edward pulled back and rested his forehead on mine.
"Thank you," He said softly. I just smiled.
"Look at them all lovey-dovey," I heard Rose say. I looked over to see Rose, Em, Jasper, and Ali standing close by. Ali took a seat and held her hand over her stomach.
"I had to rest," she said as Jasper rubbed her shoulders. "This little guy sure is keeping me tired."
"I know what you mean," Rose said as she sat. "It still gets me every time." She placed a hand on her stomach with a smile.
"Are you-" I said and pointed at her stomach. She smiled and nodded. Ali squealed and leaned over to pull Rose into a hug. "Congratulations." I stood to hug her once Ali had let her go then sat back in Edward's lap.
"Oh, Rose," Ali said. I could see the tears forming. "Our babies are gonna grow up together." I felt my own tears form. We'd be part of that now.
"Oh, dear Lord," Emmett said. "We're gonna have two pregnant women at once. The hormones are gonna be crazy."
"Actually," I said and Edward squeezed me with a smile. "It's three."
AN: It's done. Hope you liked it more than I did. I'm gonna take a while off, outline the rewrite, and get started on that. I'm sorry to those who reviewed and didn't get a reply. I didn't have anything to send you way. :(
Let me know what you think.
