I suck at updating. I promised y'all this a while ago, but between wedding planning and my third year of college it's been rough to find time. PS-My wedding is this summer. Anyway, here is the epilogue and I hope it turns out to meet your expectations. It took some serious planning, and the idea actually came from my Thanksgiving :) Don't forget to review :)
Oh I can't believe I finally found you baby
Happy ever after, after all this time
Oh there's gonna be some ups and downs
but with you to wrap my arms around
I'm fine
So baby, hold on tight
Don't let go
Hold onto the love we're making
Cause baby when the ground starts shakin
You gotta know when you've got a good thing
You know you keep on bringin out the best of me
And I need you now even more than the air I breathe
You can make me laugh when I wanna cry
This will last forever I just know, I know
So baby, hold on tight
Don't let go
Hold onto the love we're making
Cause baby when the ground starts shaking
You gotta know when you've gotta good thing
~When You Got A Good Thing- Lady Antebellum
A year had passed since Edward asked me to move in. At first, it was hard to adjust to living with someone else. Unlike many girls, I was lucky that Edward wasn't very messy.
Edward would occasionally come home from a shift and leave a trail, but over all he was easy to live with. We had our arguments about how the clothes should be folded, and throw pillows.
The idea of throw pillows had spun Edward into a tizzy because they were "unmanly". Alice of course wanted to help design Edward and I's apartment, but I politely refused her.
Alice and I were very different in our tastes. Alice wanted a grander and more gaudy apartment, and I liked simple furniture. Edward let me have the option to redesign the apartment, but I didn't feel the urge to.
I drew myself out of my thoughts as I directed my attention to the dinner I was trying to prepare. Edward had been stuck working doubles, because he didn't want to work on Thanksgiving.
This year we were spending Thanksgiving with his family. I had grown significantly closer to his family and practically felt like part of the family. Esme had accepted me as her daughter, and her love for me felt at first foreign because I never had a mother figure in my life.
Carlisle also accepted me as practically a daughter. Rosalie already saw me as a sister, and of course Alice saw me as her sister. The three of us had gone on multiple shopping trips.
Their mission to transform me into a shop-a-holic had failed. Shopping could never be put on the top of my favorite activities, but it had become more enjoyable.
Enjoyable in the sense that I was spending time with Alice and Rosalie, who became my best friends. Rosalie's wedding to Emmett was beautiful, and being a bridesmaid for the first time was a blast.
"Bella, get your ass up!" Alice yelled, and I groaned as I flailed my arm over my eyes.
"Alice, I'm not a morning person," I seethed my voice scratchy with sleep.
"It's Rose's wedding, and I highly doubt any one wants a murder to take place on the same day," Alice threatened. Oh shit, it was Rose's wedding day. I bounded up from bed, untangling myself from the sheets.
Edward was still asleep in the other suite. Rose wanted all of the bridesmaids to share a suite in a hotel. The boys reserved the floor below us. I grabbed clothes from my suitcases as I rushed into the bathroom.
I brushed my teeth faster than I ever did before and ran a comb throw my unruly hair. Rose had booked us all hair and makeup appointments at a salon across the street.
I caught a glance at the clock and groaned as I read the time: 6:15. After I threw on a button down shirt and jeans, I was put in the wrath of Alice. She stuffed a bagel in my hand.
"We don't want a bridesmaid to faint going down the aisle," Alice reminded.
"I'm already going to fall in those heels," I mumbled picturing myself tripping down the aisle.
"I forgot about your condition," Alice laughed.
"I'll make it down the aisle," I said with optimism.
"Yes, but will a stretcher be taking you down the aisle?" Alice questioned. Rose was waiting for us in the SUV. All of our dresses were in the back of the van. There were six of us bridesmaids in total. Alice was the matron of honor, and among the rest of the bridesmaids were Rose's closest friends.
Tanya, was one of her cousins she grew up with. She was extremely gorgeous with straw berry blonde hair and a flawless complexion. Not to mention she looked like a model.
Irina was a sorority sister from college. She was loud, but especially boisterous when she was drunk.
Bree was probably the closest to Rose besides Alice. Bree was quieter than the rest, and had helped Rose tackle her eating disorder in High School. Bree was someone she met in her support group and it had taken her longer to recover than Rose.
Bree was frailer than Rose, and still needed to gain weight before she was deemed a normal weight.
"How are you?" I asked Bree. She turned to meet my gaze, and smiled halfway.
"I'm doing well, I didn't sleep that much last night," Bree admitted, as she peered into her lap.
"Why?" I asked.
"The boys were being really loud downstairs," Bree answered. Emmett of course was looking for a repeat of his Bachelor party. I laughed, and shook my head before I replied.
"Emmett is the ring leader, I'm sorry you didn't sleep that well," I apologized.
"It's okay, it's also nerves," Bree said, looking down at her feet.
"Why are you nervous?" I asked.
"I've never been a bridesmaid," she said, biting her lip.
"Neither have I, but we'll get through it together," I assured her.
"I'm just afraid I'll do something stupid like forget where I'm supposed to stand," she said, letting out a small laugh. Rose had gone through a rehearsal of the whole ceremony a few hours before the rehearsal dinner.
It was grueling because if any of us was a centimeter out of place, Alice would flip.
"I'll probably screw up, so you won't be the only one," I said, and some of the tension in Bree's body left.
"I'm also worried the dress won't fit," Bree said, chewing her lip.
"The dress looked great on you before, and if it doesn't fit, I'm sure Alice can fix it," I assured her. The bridesmaid's dresses were a deep purple and strapless. Rosalie's wedding was a winter wedding, so the dresses were floor length.
We reached the salon, and Alice hurried us along like a drill sergeant. Before we even got to the hair and make up appointment, each of us had our nails done. I chose a lighter purple.
After a manicure and pedicure, I was put into a salon chair for my hair and makeup.
"Thank you for not having an outdoor ceremony," Irina said. Rosalie laughed as her stylist wrapped a section of her hair around the curling wand.
"I'm not that evil, I don't want my bridesmaids to turn into icicles," Rosalie replied.
"I'd freeze my balls off," Irina agreed.
"You don't have balls!" Alice piped up.
"Calm down, I meant my lady parts!" Irina replied. Bree blushed at her statement as I looked down at the ground in embarrassment. The bridal party was really memorable, to say the least.
Alice set up a champagne station for us after we had our hair and make up done, but I decided to skip it. After a long hour of having my hair yanked and prodded in the name of beauty, I was finished.
I looked at myself in the mirror, and I was really happy with how my hair turned out. My hair was styled in an elegant up do, with a few loose curled strands in the front.
The stylist hustled me to the makeup station, where I insisted on subtle make up. I wasn't a huge fan of makeup, but recently I'd been wearing some. Alice taught me some basics including eye liner and mascara.
Luckily my stylist listened, and went with the subtle look. I wore a light concealer with a hint of blush. My eyes were highlighted with silver and black eye shadow along with mascara and black eye liner.
I appraised myself in the mirror and barely recognized the girl before me.
"Bella, you look so beautiful," Rosalie praised from her seat.
"Thank you," I murmured.
After all of us finished our hair and makeup, Alice drove us back to the reception hall where we got ready. After I shuffled my dress on, which fit like a glove, I helped the others zip up their dresses.
"Bree, you look beautiful! The dress fits perfectly on you," I said as I caught a glance of her.
"Thank you," she murmured. Her long blonde hair was curled in waves around her face. The color of her dress contrasted nicely with her skin color. Rosalie, of course was a vision.
She looked like a bride in a magazine. Her long dress fit her perfectly, and made every bride I've seen pale in comparison.
"Rose, you're gorgeous," I complimented. She turned to me from looking at herself in the mirror and grinned.
"Thank you, Bella," she smiled as she embraced me softly. Alice looked perfect, as usual. The photographer came and took various pictures of us, before the limo came and picked us up.
Rose chose to have her ceremony at a huge chapel. We were put in the back room as the guests took their seats. I was sure Edward looked absolutely handsome, and my stomach erupted in butterflies.
"It's time!" Alice announced. Rose was a nervous bride as she paced back and forth.
"I'll see you down there, Emmett's going to die," I said as I gave her a hug.
"Thanks, Bella," Rose said, tears welling up in her eyes.
"You better not mess up your mascara!" Alice said. First Bree and Emmett's friend, Peter, walked down the aisle. Then Irina and Tim, another one of Emmett's friend walked down.
Finally, it came down to me. Edward came out from the room all the groomsmen were housed in and exchanged a brilliant smile. He took my arm in his and smiled down at me.
"Do you realize how breathtakingly beautiful you are?" Edward whispered in my ear.
"You're the handsome one," I replied.
"Every man in the chapel will be in absolute shock at your beauty," Edward remarked. Blush erupted on my cheeks as he walked me down the aisle. I smiled at Esme and Carlisle who were in the front row.
I took my place next to Irina as Alice walked down with Jasper. Jasper and Edward were co-best men. Then, Rose walked down with her father. She made every eye in the audience tear up.
Emmett couldn't take her eyes off of her as she walked down to him. It was such a beautiful moment as Rose's eyes welled up with tears. Her father handed her off to Emmett, who was still in shock.
Finally, they exchanged vows. Rosalie had memorized her vows before the ceremony.
"Emmett Cullen, you have made me a better person. You have made me look forward to wake up in the morning because each day with you is better than the last. You have helped me overcome my demons, and love me even when it's barely possible to. You are my best friend, and the best thing that's ever happened to me," Rose started, chocking up on some words. She took a deep breath before she continued.
"I promise to love you, and stand by you no matter what challenges face us. I cannot wait to become your wife, and face this life with you as my husband," Rosalie vowed, her eyes welling up with tears.
Emmett paused before he spoke.
"Rosalie Evelyn Hale, you are my best friend and the love of my life. Every single day I find something more beautiful about you, and I promise to try to be the husband you deserve. I promise to love you and stand by you until death do us part," Emmett promised, the big bear himself chocking up.
"By the power invested in me and the state of New York, I pronounce you husband and wife. Emmett, you may kiss your bride," the priest announced. Claps erupted around the church as Emmett leaned down and kissed her.
Alice was blinking back tears.
"I now introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen!" The priest said as they broke apart. Emmett and Rosalie held hands as they walked down the aisle as husband and wife.
I joined Edward again as we to the limo.
"That was beautiful," I remarked.
"It's weird to think Emmett's married now," Edward admitted.
"Rose looked absolutely stunning," I commented.
"I thought Emmett was going to pass out," Edward chuckled.
"He did a great job, and the vows were so sweet," I murmured.
"One day that'll be us," Edward winked. I felt heat rise in my cheeks. I really hoped he was being serious. I smiled shyly at him in response.
"I know what's going through your mind," Edward whispered in my ear as he helped me into the limo.
"I didn't know you could read minds," I said in surprise.
"I know you like a book," Edward said as he held my hand in both of his.
"Educate me then," I urged.
"You doubt me," he said. I shut my mouth and looked up at him.
"Was I right?" He asked. I punched his arm lightly.
"I'm so easy to read, right?" I said, in mock annoyance.
"What am I going to do next?" I asked. Before he could answer, I shuffled over so I was next to Alice.
"Hey there, Bella," Alice greeted.
"Your brother is being an ass," I answered her unasked question.
"Isn't he always?" Alice shook her head.
"Bella, baby, I'm sorry," Edward apologized.
"Dude you just struck out!" Emmett boomed.
"Edward, never ever underestimate a woman," Rose scolded.
"Clearly I'm learning that lesson," Edward sighed. We arrived at the reception hall which was Christmas themed. Emmett and Rose made their grand entrance and we were seated at the bridal party's table.
Edward sat next to me.
"I'm sorry I was being an asshole, I was just kidding around with you. Do you forgive me?" Edward asked, as he whispered in my ear.
"If you meant your comment about wanting to marry me," I said.
"That was never kidding around, sweetheart," Edward murmured.
"I guess I forgive you then," I smiled at him. He kissed my forehead softly. We were called to get our food, and I picked the steak.
"Do you want a glass of wine?" Edward questioned.
"There's the gentleman I remember," I teased.
"I'm always a gentleman," he argued.
"Most of the time," I agreed.
"Back to my question, would you like a glass of wine?" Edward asked the expression on his face swoon worthy.
"I would love one," I replied.
"Red?" Edward asked.
"Sounds great," I smiled back at him. I turned to Rose, who was making her rounds around the tables. She was practically glowing, and Emmett couldn't stop staring at her.
"They look so happy," I mused.
"I've never seen Rose this happy before," Alice agreed.
"She deserves it," I said as I caught sight of Edward bringing back the glass of wine.
"Thank you," I smiled at him as he placed the glass in front of me.
"It was my pleasure, my lady," Edward winked.
"I can't wait to plan your wedding," Alice remarked.
"Alice!" I hissed.
"Oh come on, Bella, we all know it's going to happen. He can't keep his hands off of you," Alice rolled her eyes as she took a sip of wine. The toasts began before I could respond.
"Today my best friend is getting married. And I'm going to tell all of you my favorite Emmett memories. Before Emmett met Rosalie, he was kind a lost soul. I remember one time in college, before his tolerance for alcohol began, his drunken antics were memorable.
"One time, he went around the whole entire house naked whipping his boxers around saying he was John Wayne," Jasper started and laughter erupted around the room.
Rosalie was extremely red, as Emmett grew pale.
"And because I'm in competition with Edward over my title, I have to prove to all of why I am the best man. First of all, Edward is a meth addict," Jasper said, and I nearly died of laughter.
Esme turned white.
"Before Edward met Bella, he was the grouchiest person I've ever met. He never went out to parties or even smiled," Jasper continued, and Edward laughed.
"But, back to my speech. Ever since Emmett met Rose, he's become the man we all knew was under that cover of idiocy. He has his head on the ground, and I know Rose has been the best thing to happen to him. I know he'll be the husband Rose deserves because of the man he's become through the impact of his now-wife," Jasper spoke, his eyes tracing back to Emmett.
After a few minutes of peaceful conversation, Edward tapped his fork against his wine glass.
"So my name is Edward, and I'm Emmett's brother. I've known Emmett since he was in diapers. My favorite memory of Emmett is when he was sixteen, for Christmas my parents bought him a brand new mattress because of his growth spurt.
"And of course the first question he asks is about the girl on the cover on the mattress. He asked: 'does the girl come with it?'" Edward said, looking straight at Emmett, and I bit back a laugh.
"Now, after many years he's become a man. Before I give the standard congrats speech, I need to tell all of you why Jasper cannot be the best man. You see, Jasper wrote his best man speech on a napkin ten minutes before the ceremony," Edward argued which earned a few chuckles.
"Anyway, now that that's over with, I now get to the part of my speech that is the most important. Emmett, it's hard to believe you've graduated from not being potty trained until you were five to marrying a girl like Rosalie.
"Rose has transformed the man I call my brother. She's made him tolerable to be around, and makes him happier than any amount of bacon and football can. Emmett's become the man he is now, because of a true rose," Edward said in conclusion. He sat down, and a round of applause echoed throughout the reception hall.
"You did a great job," I said as Edward took a bite of his dinner.
"Thank you, love," he smiled at me. Before long, the tables were moved and the dance floor was revealed. Emmett and Rose danced to "Marry Me" by Train. I felt Edward come up from behind me as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pressed his face into my neck.
"Can I have a dance with the most beautiful woman in the room?" Edward questioned.
"Of course," I blushed.
"I'm a terrible dancer," I admitted as he took my hands in his.
"It's all in the leading," Edward argued. We swayed back and forth as I laid my head on his chest. He tilted my face up as he looked deeply in my eyes. He leaned down and I pulled away.
"Edward," I scolded.
"I haven't had the chance to kiss you all day," Edward nearly whined.
"Can't it wait?" I questioned.
"Nobody's watching," Edward argued his deep emerald eyes staring into mine.
"Fine," I sighed. He leaned down and pressed his warm lips to me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled against his lips. I pulled away after a moment.
"Thank you," Edward said.
"You know this was my first time having a date to a wedding," I mused.
"Really?" Edward questioned as his hand fell to my waist.
"And I'm glad my first date to a wedding was you," I admitted. His eyes and lips lit up with a smile and the surroundings around as melted away.
I drew myself out of that memory as I heard the timer go off. I wanted to make this dinner special because Edward had been on a business trip the past two days.
"Shit!" I muttered as I realized I'd been lost in my thoughts for a long time.
"I didn't know such a dirty word could come from such a beautiful mouth," Edward said in surprise. I looked around me looking for the source of the voice. Edward was still in the doorway with a smug smile on his lips.
"How long have you been there?" I questioned, afraid to know the answer.
"Long enough to know you were day dreaming again," Edward answered as he took steps toward me. He closed the distance between us and kissed my hair.
"I missed you, beautiful," Edward greeted. He tilted my chin up so he could kiss me. I wrapped my arms around his neck earnestly as his arms welded around my waist.
He picked my legs up so they were wrapped around his waist. Without breaking the kiss, he laid me down on the couch. He hovered over me as his lips retreated to my neck so I could catch my breath.
Before I could speak, his lips were back on mine. His hands braided themselves in my hair. I realized the chicken was still in the oven and probably burning by this point.
I wiggled myself out his embrace and sprinted over to the oven. I burned my palm as I grabbed the chicken from out of the oven. I felt Edward behind me as I inspected the damage to the chicken. I huffed in frustration as I realized I had burned the chicken.
I could feel tears fill my eyes as I realized I screwed up the dinner I planned. Then, I started to feel the pain in my palm.
"Bella?" Edward questioned.
He turned me around so I could meet his gaze.
"What's wrong?" Edward asked, putting one hand on each side of my face. The tears began to almost reach the brink of my eye lids. I struggled as I tried to hide them.
"Bella?" Edward asked, anxiously. He wiped the tears as they fell down my cheeks.
"Bella, love, you're worrying me. What's wrong?" He asked again.
"I burned the chicken and it was supposed to be a good dinner for you and I just screwed it up," I rushed out.
"You think I care about the chicken? Please don't cry over burned chicken, I can't stand to watch you cry," Edward whispered.
"But you work so hard and I wanted to surprise you," I murmured, hiccuping.
"Coming home to you makes it all worth it, not some dinner." Edward said.
"I appreciate the effort, and that means more to me than the chicken," Edward reassured me. I pressed my face into his chest as he wrapped his arms around me.
"I'm still going to eat the chicken," Edward whispered in my ear.
"It's burned," I argued.
"I'll eat anything you make, besides it's not burned it's just well done," he said. I was in awe of this man, he was too good to me. My eyes welled up with tears for a different reason now.
"Why are you crying?" Edward questioned in shock.
"I thought we went over the chicken," Edward added.
"It's you, silly man. You are so good to me," I admitted. Edward smiled brightly down at me as he pulled us apart.
"Of course I am; you're my heart. I have to be good to my heart. Without my heart, I can't live," Edward said.
"Okay, you're putting Ryan Gosling to shame now," I muttered. Edward kissed my forehead before he walked off into the bedroom. I turned on the television to catch up on the news.
He came back into the living room dressed in sweatpants and a tee shirt.
''I called for some Chinese take-out," Edward informed.
"Thank you," I murmured.
"It's for you though, I'm eating the chicken," Edward smirked. I rolled my eyes.
"How was your trip?" I questioned.
"It was long, learning the newest ethics was enthralling," he chuckled.
"Do you have to get certified every few years?" I questioned.
"Yeah, and I have to go to a class about ethics every few years," Edward answered.
"I'm glad I'm an editor," I admitted. All of his doctor qualifications seemed really complicated.
"This is the part I don't like about being a doctor, all the conferences," Edward admitted.
"Do you ever learn anything new?" I questioned. He walked over to the couch, and sat down next to me.
"Not really, I try to pay attention," Edward responded.
"I'd fall asleep," I murmured.
"I was really close to doing that," he said, as he put his arm around my waist so he could place me in his lap.
"Well this is more comfortable," I teased.
"I've missed the hell out of you, cut me some slack," Edward said.
"I missed you too," I agreed.
"I didn't sleep worth a shit either," Edward admitted, and I could see the dark circles under his eyes.
"Why?" I questioned.
"I didn't have you next to me," Edward said. I felt my heart swell as he flipped through the channels.
"What do you want to watch?" Edward questioned.
"The Notebook," I replied.
"As you wish," he said as he turned back to the channel showing The Notebook.
"You don't mind watching this?" I questioned. I was used to hearing men complain and whine about chick flicks. He however, watched anything I wanted to.
"It's a classic," he shrugged.
"Seriously?" I challenged.
"I watch you more than I watch the movie," he admitted.
"I make weird expressions."
"It's so cute how you get so absorbed in the movie," Edward remarked.
"This movie always makes me cry," I sighed.
"I know," Edward said as he played with a few strands of my hair.
"Don't you get bored?" I questioned.
"No, because you never cease to amaze me," Edward responded. I huffed in response at his bull. The door rang a moment later and I bounded off his lap to get it.
I paid the delivery guy and Edward looked at me strangely. I brought the Chinese food over to the kitchen table with plates. I decided to give in to Edward's demand of eating the charred chicken.
"What's wrong?" I questioned the expression still on his face.
"I don't like how that guy was looking at you," he admitted his eyebrows knitting together in anger.
"Seriously? It was for all of two seconds," I replied, rolling my eyes.
"You have no idea, do you?" Edward questioned in surprise as he walked so he was standing in front of me. I crossed my arms around my chest and looked up at him.
"About what?" I questioned frustration clear in my tone.
"Every guy looks at you, and I don't blame them," Edward replied, as he looked at me longingly.
"What are you talking about?" I raised an eye brow. He wasn't serious, guys didn't notice me.
"You don't realize how absolutely beautiful you are," he explained.
"I'm in sweats right now," I shook my head.
"Even in sweats, you capture every guy's attention." Edward continued.
"Are you jealous or something?" I questioned. I couldn't imagine him jealous. He didn't have to be jealous of them; he should by now they will never hold a candle to him.
"I just worry sometimes," Edward admitted. The food was forgotten as I sensed some insecurity in him.
"Edward, you have nothing to worry about," I said, letting out a chuckle. Was he serious? Once I realized he was serious, I gestured for him to sit down at the table.
"Those guys will never be you. They will never be half the man you are, or even measure up to you in my eyes," I explained. This was the time when I could tell him how much he meant to me.
"Edward, there is no guy on the planet that will ever take up the room in my heart like you do. You're the man that saved me from myself, and have stood by me even when it's almost impossible to. You're my home, Edward." I admitted.
His eyes grew darker, and I could see the love shining back at me in them. I wasn't very good at putting my feelings into words.
"You've given me so much, Edward, more than anyone ever did. You've given a place that I feel safe in and something to wake up and look forward to every morning," I continued.
"So ignore that delivery guy, because there could be a thousand Prince Charmings on the planet, but none of them will ever be you," I revealed.
"Thank you, Bella, I know I get a little crazy sometimes," Edward admitted.
"I'm a little crazy too if you haven't noticed. It's my job to make you feel like the only guy in the world," I assured him. We had a pleasant conversation about the book I edited that was published recently, and he didn't complain about the charred chicken once.
I cleaned up as he went into the bedroom to pack for tomorrow. We were going to Chicago for Thanksgiving, and I was excited. Last Thanksgiving we went to my Dad and Sue's.
Sue and Dad began dating and were almost inseparable. I was so happy my Dad finally found someone after my Mom. I thought he wouldn't be able to move on, but he did.
After I put the dishes through the dishwasher, I walked into our bedroom.
"Do you have anything to put through the wash? I'm going to do a load," I questioned as I peeped through the door.
"Can you throw this stuff in there?" He asked, gesturing to the pile of clothes on the ground. I nodded before I walked into the washroom. After I finished the laundry I found Edward on the bed watching television.
I stuffed my clothes into my suitcase before I walked over to Edward.
"How early is our flight tomorrow?" Edward asked as he nonchalantly flipped through the channels.
"Seven," I replied cringing.
"Early flight, huh?" Edward questioned.
"Alice wanted us to get there early," I shrugged. Alice was insistent on an early arrival. I didn't have the energy to fight her, so I gave in.
"Alice," he seethed.
"This is going to be interesting since both of us aren't morning people," I remarked.
"True," he agreed.
"Come over here," he smiled and I crawled next to him. He tucked me under the blankets.
"Are you warm enough?" Edward questioned.
"You can be my space heater," I murmured.
"It's more like you're my space heater, you're always warm." Edward argued.
"It's true, Charlie used to say when I was little he and Renee put me in their bed to warm it up for them," I commented.
"And now I get you all to myself," Edward chuckled as he kissed my cheek. I yawned and Edward moved a stray piece of hair from my forehead.
"Are you tired, sweetheart?" Edward questioned.
"I haven't been sleeping so great," I admitted.
"Not you too," Edward murmured.
"I'm spoiled to have you sleep next to me," I muttered. He shifted me into his arms I snuggled into his chest.
"What are you watching?" I questioned.
"ESPN I think," he shrugged.
"Do you want me to turn it off?" He questioned.
"No, I don't mind it," I answered. I shut my eyes sometime later, and I felt lips against my forehead.
"Bella?" Edward whispered.
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for putting up with my shit tonight," Edward said.
"You mean the delivery guy thing?" I asked for clarification.
"Yeah, I can be overprotective sometimes," he sighed.
"It's cute," I assured him, slurring the words. I woke up to the alarm blaring the next morning. I jumped from the bed as I raced to throw on clothes. Edward was still sound asleep in bed.
"Come on," I urged him awake. I threw my arms around his neck as I kissed his jaw. He began to awaken and he smiled. I continued moving my lips upward so I could reach his lips.
He kissed me back eagerly. I pulled away, realizing the morning breath I had wasn't too attractive.
"This is a nice way to wake up, why'd you stop?" Edward questioned groggily his voice still scratchy with sleep.
"I have morning breath," I replied.
"You think I care?" Edward questioned.
"We have to go, we'll miss our flight," I murmured. That got him up, and I threw our luggage in the back of the car. I drove considering he was still not awake.
We arrived at the airport, where we had to go through security. Luckily we were able to get on our flight on time.
"Thank you for waking me up this morning," Edward murmured as he sat down next to me.
"My pleasure," I smiled at him as I laid my head on his shoulder. I felt warm lips press down on my forehead.
"C'mon, sleeping beauty," Edward urged softly.
"Dammit," I cursed. I stumbled as I stood up too fast.
"Maybe I should just carry you, it seems you don't have your balance yet," Edward said as he observed my lack of coordination.
"I never have my balance, Edward," I argued as I grabbed our carry-on bag. Edward followed close behind me as we piled off the plane.
He insisted on grabbing the luggage.
"Does it make you feel manly?" I questioned.
"What?"
"Carrying all of our suitcases," I answered.
"Well, it certainly doesn't feel un-manly," Edward winked. I rolled my eyes as we reached the parking lot.
"Is Alice picking us up?" I questioned.
"Yeah, she's bringing us back to the house," Edward answered.
"Are you sure you're okay carrying those?" I questioned.
"I'm perfectly fine, love," he assured me.
"I've never been to your house for Thanksgiving," I remarked.
"You'll love it, the girls go all out," he responded as we both saw Alice's SUV pull up to the curb.
"Hey!" Alice waved as she rolled her window down to greet us.
"Let Edward put the luggage in the trunk, and Bella can sit in the front," Alice ordered. I slid into the passenger seat as Alice smiled at me.
"How was your flight?" Alice questioned.
"It was okay, I fell asleep though," I replied.
"Typical Bella," Alice rolled her eyes. Edward got into the back seat and as soon as the door closed she sped out into the road.
"I forgot that the hell bent driver's gene ran in the family," I muttered, my face growing pale as we went far above the speed limit.
"Oh calm down, what are you eighty?" Alice cackled.
"Bella, you're safe, Alice knows I will kill her if anything happens to you," Edward consoled.
"Suck up," Alice accused, throwing a glare at Edward.
"Have Rose and Emmett arrived?" I questioned, changing the subject.
"Yeah, as soon as we drop Edward off, all of us girls are going shopping." Alice informed.
"Does that include me?" I questioned. I really hoped it didn't.
"Of course," Alice answered. I camouflaged my protest with a small sigh. Once we reached the mansion like house, Alice basically threw Edward out of the car.
Edward came around to my side and opened my door.
"I'll see you tonight, love. Have fun," he said before he pressed his lips to mine chastely. I let out a weak grunt of disgust and Edward chuckled. Esme and Rosalie rushed out the front door of the house to meet me while Edward struggled to maneuver our luggage out of the trunk. Esme kissed Edward's cheek.
Rosalie enveloped Edward in a quick embrace before she slid into the back seat of the car. Esme threw me a warm smile as she filed into the back seat.
"Do you want to sit in the front?" I questioned her, feeling uncomfortable.
"No, sweetheart, you've had a long flight," Esme assured me.
"It's good to see you," I remarked.
"It's wonderful to see you, Bella. I haven't seen you in so long! How is New York?" Esme asked her eyes bright with curiosity.
"It's going great. Edward's been at a medical conference all week," I answered.
"The apartment must have been quiet without him around," Esme commented.
"It was different, unlike most men he doesn't make a crazy amount of noise. But waking up alone was weird," I admitted.
"When Emmett's away I feel like I have the whole bed to myself and I'm not confined to a small square of it," Rosalie piped up.
"Jasper is actually the best person to sleep next to, he gives me enough space," Alice confessed.
"Edward doesn't move in his sleep, which is amazing. I always sleep really well when I'm with him," I added.
"So Bella, I have to ask, have you done the deed?" Alice questioned raising her eye brows. I felt my cheeks redden in embarrassment and I bit my lip.
"Why does every conversation I have with you have to transform into a sex talk?" I asked bitterly.
"Because we're a little worried about you," Alice responded.
"Why?" I asked curtly.
"I worry that you're just going to com bust from all the pent up sexual frustration," Alice explained.
"Alice, stop harassing Bella," Esme scolded.
"Oh Esme, it's okay, she has a right to ask," I said, really embarrassed that I was having this conversation in front of my boyfriend's mother.
"If Bella doesn't want to answer, she doesn't have to," Rosalie comforted me.
"No, we haven't had sex yet. I don't want to screw up what we have," I confessed.
"I couldn't last that long," Alice admitted.
"I'm proud of you, Bella, that's not something to be embarrassed about," Esme assured me.
"Mom, she's still a virgin," Alice informed. That comment only made the whole situation even more awkward.
"That's nothing to be embarrassed about, Bella. It's truly honorable of you to wait for the right one," Esme remarked. Once we reached the mall I was positive I was red as a tomato.
"It's a family tradition that we all go shopping every year for a Christmas dress. Esme, Rosalie, and I have already bought ours, so this trip is dedicated to you," Alice informed.
"You don't have to do this for me," I said, shaking my head as I looked at the cream colored tile floor of the mall.
"Well we are," Alice said in a clipped tone. She dragged me into a giant department store and began scaling the racks. She threw countless dresses in my hands.
Esme told me that the Thanksgiving party was the biggest party the Cullens' threw. The guest list was pretty hefty as she described it, and a formal event. I was a little bit nervous because I wasn't much of a crowd person.
Then she wheeled me into the dressing first handed me a long black dress. I was hesitant to try it on as I fidgeted the dress on. I bit my lip and then walked out into the room where they were waiting.
"Oh Bella," Esme cried as she smiled brilliantly at me.
"You look gorgeous, Edward is going to die," Rosalie commented.
"I haven't lost my touch," Alice grinned. I turned around to catch a glance. The dress highlighted my pale skin tone, and the illusion neckline made it look sexy without revealing too much.
"I won't even have to make adjustments," Alice murmured as she walked around me to examine the dress.
"What do you think?" Esme questioned.
"I look pretty," I said the words feeling foreign on my lips.
"That's an understatement," Rosalie rebuffed. I went back into the dressing room and took it off. I reached for my wallet as we reached the cash register but Alice caught my hand before I could dig into my purse.
"It's already been taken care of," Alice informed.
"By who?" I questioned, knitting my eyebrows in confusion.
"Edward," Alice murmured.
"You have got to be kidding me," I shook my head. He was insane, I was going to have a talk with him when I got back.
"Just accept it, today has been his treat," Alice admitted.
"I'm so going to kill him," I threatened under my breath.
"You'll kill him alright, but it won't be by your hand," Rosalie piped up.
"He'll die when he sees you," Rosalie explained. They escorted me to the nail salon, where all of the girls were getting their nails done. I didn't like colored nails, so I settled on French tips.
After our manicures, Alice dragged us to the hair salon.
"Is this for tonight?" I questioned.
"Of course!" Alice exclaimed. I settled on an up do with a simple brain running through it. I made sure to mention to my make up stylist that I wanted a natural look.
She abided by my wishes and applied a minimal amount of blush with a smoky eye. With our new looks we dashed into the SUV where Alice broke every traffic law in order to get us back to the house. Alice called Jasper as we parked.
"Jasper, I want all of you out of the house and in the back yard in two minutes. I don't want you to see us," Alice ordered her husband. Like a drill sergeant she had us upstairs in a matter of seconds.
The caterers were downstairs assorting the food plates. The house was immaculate and looked festive for the holidays.
"Okay it's time to put on the dresses," Alice commanded. I slipped on the black dress and because I nearly tripped three times putting it on, I was the last one.
Alice threw me a pair of silver heels that were masked well under the hem of my dress. Rosalie was wearing a fushia dress with an illusion neckline. Esme wore a dark blue v-neck dress with three quarter lace sleeves.
Alice was the rebel of course, and wore a short gold sparkle dress.
"It's time," Esme said, throwing us all a bright smile. We opened the bedroom doors which were adjacent to the long staircase. I peeked down and saw Carlisle waiting on his wife.
Esme joined him and Carlisle looked bemused as he took his wife in. Esme joined the beginning pool of guests, chatting with them. Alice joined Jasper, who offered her his arm.
Rosalie walked down to a very happy Emmett. He kissed her cheek and walked her towards the crowd of people. I felt butterflies rise in my stomach as it was my turn.
I saw Edward leaning on the railing of the staircase. I took a deep breath and scolded myself for being a chicken. I began to walk down the staircase and Edward's gaze met mine.
He looked handsome in his classic tuxedo. A wide smile spread across his lips as he took me in. He offered me his arm as I reached the last step.
"You took my breath away," he accused.
"So did you," I murmured as I smiled at him.
"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on," he admitted. I felt blush heat my cheeks.
"Hardly," I rejected.
"Every man in the room is steaming with jealousy because I'm the lucky man who has you on my arm," Edward continued.
"Oh stop," I shushed him.
"Why are you shaking, love?" Edward questioned.
"I'm not much of a crowd person," I admitted. He took me aside into the living room and put both his hands on the sides of my face.
"You have me, okay? You'll steal their hearts just like you stole mine. Just be Bella," he comforted. My eyes watered at his kindness as I kissed his cheek.
I could do this if I had him. He led me back into the main entry way where there were easily a hundred guests. One elderly couple waved to Edward, and Edward pulled me along.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins," Edward greeted.
"Oh Edward, it is wonderful to see you! How has New York been?" Mr. Jenkins questioned.
"It's been great, I'm working at Memorial Hospital as a surgeon along with an Emergency Room doctor," Edward answered.
"We haven't seen you since you graduated Medical School! Who is this lovely young lady?" Mrs. Jenkins questioned.
"This is Bella, my girlfriend," Edward answered. I stuck my hand out to her.
"I'm Bella Swan," I greeted.
"It's wonderful to meet you, Bella. I'm Mrs. Jenkins, my husband has worked with Carlisle for years," Mrs. Jenkins said as she studied me.
"I am Mr. Jenkins, but you can call me Joseph. It's a pleasure meeting you, Bella," Mr. Jenkins said, kissing my hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Jenkins," I returned.
"How long have you been dating Bella?" Mr. Jenkins queried.
"A little over a year now," Edward answered, exchanging a smile with me before turning to Mr. Jenkins.
"What is your vocation?" Mrs. Jenkins asked.
"I'm an editor at a publishing firm in New York," I answered smoothly.
"How did you meet Edward?" Mr. Jenkins asked.
"We met at a ball," I replied.
"Well I'm sure we'll see more of you tonight, but I have to grab an ordeve. It was a pleasure meeting you, Bella," Mrs. Jenkins said as she dashed to grab an ordeve. Mr. Jenkins smiled at me before he joined his wife.
"See? You're a natural," Edward whispered in my ear.
"That's because you were beside me," I confessed.
"I won't let go of you all night," Edward promised as he placed a hand on my waist. For the next hour we greeted guests and engaged in small talk. As I began to zone out, Edward grew uneasy.
"Are you alright?" Edward questioned.
"I'm fine, I'm just a little bit hungry," I admitted.
"Dinner will be out in about five minutes," Edward informed me. As Edward promised we were all seated for dinner within the next five minutes.
"Would you like a glass of wine?" Edward questioned as he took the seat next to me.
"I would love some," I answered.
"Red?" He guessed.
"You know me so well," I smiled at him. Alice, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie joined our table. Esme and Carlisle remained at the end of the table as the rest of the guests were dispersed into smaller white circular tables around us.
Edward came back with a glass of red wine with him. I thanked him before I took it.
"So any baby plans, Rose?" Alice questioned.
"In a year or two I'll start trying to conceive. How about you, Alice?" Rose said before she took a bite out of her steak.
"I think in a few months I'll start trying," Alice admitted. Alice turned to me and I balked.
"I'm not even married yet!" I squeaked. I realized as I scanned the table there were poppers at every place settling, except on mine. Esme made an announcement for everyone to open theirs.
I turned to Edward for an explanation.
"Yours broke while in transit, I can find one for you," Edward answered my unspoken question. As we engaged in conversation while finishing the dinner, I realized how I shouldn't have been worried.
Edward seemed a little tenser after dinner, but as soon as the caterers moved the tables so a dance floor could be exposed his tenseness he broke into a smile. A pianist came and played on Esme's grand piano.
"May I have this dance?" Edward questioned.
"Of course," I smiled at him.
"Why are you so uptight?" I questioned as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"It's nothing," he brushed aside.
"Please tell me, Edward," I nearly begged.
"I'm just worried about the luggage, I think one of our bags was put on the wrong flight," he admitted.
"Edward, why didn't you tell me?" I questioned.
"I put a call into the airport and they're looking for it," Edward informed.
"Don't worry about it, I'm sure they'll find it," I assured him.
"I hope so. Are you enjoying yourself tonight?" Edward asked as he swayed us back and forth.
"Surprisingly yes," I nodded.
"I know you were nervous about tonight, but you have no reason to be," Edward commented.
"I've just never been to a party as big as this," I shook my head in amazement.
"No one would ever guess that. You've done a wonderful job, I'm sure everyone has fallen in love with you," Edward assured me.
"That's a stretch," I accused him.
"No, it's the truth," Edward argued. I laid my head on his shoulder as the next slow song came on. His hands relaxed on my waist as he pressed a soft kiss on my forehead. The party began to wind down after the dancing and Esme began to say goodbye to her guests.
Edward pulled me aside and brought me out on the balcony.
"What are you doing?" I questioned.
"Have I ever brought you up here?" Edward questioned. I looked out on the balcony over the railing and saw bright lights of the city. The moon shone in the sky and the stars made a tapestry in the sky.
"No," I answered.
"I thought you'd enjoy the view. It's always been one of my favorite places to sit and think," Edward said.
"What did you think about?" I asked as I leaned against the railing.
"I thought about if I would ever find a woman like you; if I would ever meet a woman that loved me with all my shortcomings. Ideally, I wished for a woman with a huge heart, and someone I could spend the rest of my life with," Edward said as he paced in front of me.
"And you defied all of my expectations. I met a woman with a heart as big as the sky and a laugh that can brighten the whole room. I found a woman that loves me with everything in her, and forgives me even when I'm a dick. I found a woman who brings the best qualities out of me, and makes me believe in happy endings and the healing power of love." Edward continued.
"And I'd wish on that big star right there," he pointed as he came up behind me and guided my finger to a huge bright star.
"I prayed for a woman who would bring sunshine into my life and make me look forward to each day. And when you came into my life, all those wishes became a reality," Edward admitted.
"And since I promised you this," he handed me a silver popper.
"I have to make a confession, yours wasn't there on purpose. Yours has something no one else's does," Edward confessed. I raised my eye brow at him and he urged me to open it. I pulled both sides and out came a single blue box.
He caught it before it could touch the ground and proceeded to get down on one knee.
"I have a few confessions to make. First, this week when I went to a medical conference, I really didn't. I went to Forks to ask for your father's blessing. I wanted to make this night perfect for you.
"I was nervous tonight not because of the luggage, but because I'm going to do something I never thought I would do. Bella, from the moment I met you, you were the meteorite that tilted my axis forever.
"I was a shallow man that night I met you, and from the moment you tripped into my arms I knew my life was going to change. I had to run away, because that's the man I was. Whenever something so incredible comes into my life, I run.
"I've ran from my past, and I never knew I could look forward to life. After our first date, I knew I was hopelessly and irrevocably in love with you. A year ago, I asked for you to move in with me because I couldn't imagine a life without you. And on that night I thought I could never love you any more than I did when you said yes.
"But I was wrong. Every single day I've spent with you you've managed to make me fall harder and harder in love with you. From the way you look in my shirts to the way you sing so off key in the shower.
"You're my sunshine, the reason I look forward to this life. I think the best love is the kind that makes you a better person, and that's exactly what you've done. Your kind soul and your sweetened heart manage to break even the iciest heart.
"Every day I'm with you, I love you more. You're more than the woman of my dreams, because you've taught me reality is so much better than my dreams because you're here with me," Edward admitted. He opened the blue box and exposed a diamond ring. I covered my mouth in surprise as tears began to interrupt my line of vision.
He looked up at me before he continued.
"Isabella Marie Swan, I promise to love you and attempt to give you the happiness you have given me for the rest of my life. I promise to try to be the man you deserve. Will you do me the incredible honor of marrying me?" Edward asked, and the tears began to fall.
"Yes," I chocked. He slipped the ring on my finger and bounded up from his position to enfold me in his arms. He swung me off my feet and kissed me passionately. He knit his fingers into my hair and I wrapped my arms around his neck. We both pulled away breathless.
"I love you," I said breathlessly.
"I love you so much more, beautiful," he murmured as he looked into my eyes.
"Why are you crying?" He questioned as he wiped a tear from my eye.
"I'm marrying the man of my dreams," I admitted. He smiled crookedly before he kissed me again, wrapping my arms around his waist. He pressed kisses everywhere he could reach.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," he murmured as he held me in his arms. Esme, Carlisle, Alice, Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper joined us out on the balcony.
"This beats Thursday night football!" Emmett exclaimed. Esme hugged me as a tear fell down her cheek. Alice and Rosalie were gazing at my ring as Carlisle and I exchanged a smile.
This beat any Thanksgiving I'd ever had. And I knew they could only get better, as long as Edward was by my side.
Holy shit, I'm in tears. I hope that wasn't too cheesy, and I hope you all enjoyed it. Thank you for being so wonderful to me. And drop me a review and tell me what you think!
PS: if any of y'all don't know what I'm talking about when I say "poppers" I have a picture of one on my profile page. Also on that page is Bella's dress to the party and of course the ring :)
Love,
Princessinblues