We're in the third and final installment in the Renovations trilogy. I'm happy for those of you who stuck with me throughout all of this. This was a challenge to write, but it helped me grow as an author. I hope you see that, too. Now, the story will update on Wednesdays and Sundays, with teasers on Mondays and Fridays. It's pre-written and complete. Thank you to Christina Downs for her help with this – guiding me with suggestions for the story, editing and just being a sounding board for this journey – you rock, girlie! MWAH!
Chapter Twenty-Five
With Essie's help, Bella planned the perfect wedding for her and Edward. It was going to be on the land of their Idaho house under the stars in late May. The decorations were going to be elegantly rustic with a sparkly flare. The wedding was going to be attended by a small number of people, including all of the Volturi brothers, their wives, Edward's father and his new girlfriend, and all of the close friends that Bella had made in Seattle. Even the D'Amatos, the couple she helped with their adoption of their son in New York City, were going to be in attendance.
Today, Bella was at her final fitting for her wedding gown. She didn't want to get a traditional gown, since she had already been married and was pregnant with Edward's baby. However, after much convincing, Essie had her try on a beautiful lace, strapless dress. It was sleek, elegant and perfect for their wedding. With the empire waist, it had enough room for her growing belly, too. Being only four months along, her belly was not too large. She was only obviously pregnant when she was naked. Edward loved to caress her stomach, kissing it often when they showered.
After the fitting, Bella was going to fly out to Idaho with Essie and Kate to ready the house. Edward was having his bachelor party with Garrett and a few of their friends before driving out the following day in Bella's Land Rover.
They arrived in Sun Valley a little after six at night, settling into the house. Bella ordered pizza, not wanting to go grocery shopping since she was exhausted from getting up early for the fitting and the stress of traveling. Sitting on the porch, Essie and Kate were drinking some merlot while Bella sipped some grape juice. "In three days, you'll be Mrs. Isabella Masen," Kate smiled. "Can you believe it?"
"I can't wait," Bella said, swiping another piece of pizza. "I never thought I'd ever get married again, but now? I am anxious for Edward to be my husband. For us to start this new chapter in our lives. How are your wedding plans coming, Kate?"
"Good. Excellent, really. Everything is scheduled for next summer. I'll be done with school by then," Kate answered.
"Why are you waiting so long?" Essie asked, topping off their wine glasses. "By the time you get married, it'll be over two years of an engagement."
"Garrett is my forever. I know that. He knows that. We just want to make sure that it's for certain. I'm moving in with him once my lease is up in a month. He purchased a small home in Fremont. He's doing some renovations and remodeling before he moves in while he's still in his apartment," Kate explained.
"Garrett showed me the house. It's this cute little craftsman on 50th street. I'm helping him with the interior design," Essie said. "It'll be a combination of the craftsman feel with modern touches."
"I saw the sketches, Es. They are beautiful," Kate swooned.
"It's the least I can do for my go-to carpenter," Essie snickered. "Garrett has built some really amazing pieces for homes that I worked in."
"Well, be forewarned. Garrett can't cook," Bella chortled. "The man can burn water."
"I know. I tried to teach him how to make Totino's pizza rolls. He even burnt those," Kate laughed. "The man is hapless in the kitchen, but so good with his hands." She waggled her brows and shot Bella a wink. Bella clinked her grape juice with Kate's wine glass, well aware of what she meant. After packing up the pizza, all of the women went to bed. The next day would start early with the arrival of various deliveries for the wedding.
In Seattle, Edward, Garrett, Marcus, Carlisle and Jacob were at Garrett's new home, sitting on the back porch and smoking cigars. They had some fine cognac, as well, sitting around a blazing fire in the pit in his yard. "To Edward's last night of freedom!" Garrett bellowed, holding up his snifter.
"Thank you for not dragging me to a strip club," Edward snorted, sipping his cognac. "The only woman I want to see naked is Bella."
"What? Fake tits don't do it for you?" Jacob snickered.
"Ah, no," Edward laughed. "I like them real, thank you very much."
"Well, I know if I went to a strip club, my balls would no longer be attached to my body," Marcus snickered.
"Me, too," Carlisle replied, clinking his glass with Marcus. "What are you and Bella doing for a honeymoon?"
"We're spending the week in Sun Valley," Edward replied. "With Bella being pregnant, we don't want to go anywhere too far. I was nervous enough with her flying out this morning. Let alone a longer flight. You know?"
"I certainly hope you take her someplace tropical after she's had my godson," Garrett said, blowing smoke circles. "You two deserve a tropical vacay."
"After we have our baby, whether it be a boy or a girl, I may take her on a tropical vacation, but that's up to her," Edward explained. "And who said you're the god father to my child?"
"Um, the beautiful and brilliant Bella, you douche face," Garrett laughed. "She made a promise when I got you two lovebirds together that your first born would be named after me."
"You're an idiot, Garrett," Edward laughed, tossing a corn chip at his best friend.
"Nah, I'm not. I'm awesome," Garrett retorted, catching the chip in his mouth. "But, I'm happy for you two. Just think, in three days, you'll be married. You'll have an old ball and chain. Are you ready?"
"I'm more than ready. You have the rings?" Edward asked.
"You gave me the rings?" Garrett asked, his eyes wide with shock. Edward's heart plummeted, making his face pale and turn a sickly green color. "Shit, Edward. I'm kidding. I've got your wedding rings."
"Don't make me kick your ass, Keyes," Edward snarled. "You said you wouldn't fuck up being my best man."
"I won't. I promise. I am sorry," Garrett said sincerely. "Now, let's just enjoy your last night of freedom."
"I'm away from my fiancée. I won't be enjoying it," Edward said.
"Well, we can at least get you drunk so you can just pass out," Carlisle suggested. "You'll be too blitzed to even miss her!"
"Strangely, that sounds somewhat appealing," Edward laughed. "Fill me up!"
A/N: Pictures of the Idaho house are on my blog, along with ideas for the décor for their wedding, Bella's dress, Edward's ring and Bella's ring. Leave me some!