A/N: This chapter is particularly long – the longest – but it needed to be. Thank you eternally to foxyvictoriangurl, my beta; really, seriously, she's amazing. Enjoy! Listening to Christina Perri's 'A Thousand Years' with this chapter just adds another dimension, especially towards the end, so if you can, do it!
It follows on from the previous chapter...
Chapter 25 –
Edward's POV
I ground my teeth together and angled my head so Bella wouldn't notice my clenched jaw. Some things had to happen, I reminded myself; for people to have closure. My upbringing insisted I deck him, but it also said I announce Bella as an 'easy woman' and leave her disgraced. Hell, my every instinct was to tear his throat open, cut his tongue out so he could never maul my Bella again. I respected his arrogance in this situation but found his integrity entirely lacking. She didn't need to know that, especially on her birthday. He did.
Once back at the party I smiled and asked her to dance, twirling her quickly and moving around the others, making eye contact with Carlisle and gesturing behind her back for him to cut in. He nodded and handed Alice to Jasper, spinning Bella into his arms on a turn.
I smiled in thanks and kissed her temple as I made my way to Jacob Black. The pack watched me warily, forming a loose semi-circle around him.
"How dare you." I muttered when I was a metre from him. "She is engaged!"
He smirked, remembering how he had dared, very happily. "Woah, it was completely harmless. Just between friends."
"Oh, do you make a habit of attaching your mouth to you friends' without consent?" I hissed, stepping closer. "Don't you ever touch her again. Do you understand? You. Do. Not. Touch. Her. Ever. Or I will kill you, and I won't regret it."
He put his hands palm up in front of him, both holding his pack back and surrendering. "I get it, she's yours. Don't hurt her and I won't have any reason to interfere."
His cool tone was ruined by his shaking and his thoughts.
I smirked. "She is mine and I'm going to protect her. You were good for her. She likes having you as her friend. But she loves me. She chose me. I invited you here under the impression you accepted that, that we had a truce. But if not, you are expendable."
"Enough threats," he growled. "You left her and she turned to me, I'm sorry if that gets your sparkly panties in a twist. What happened tonight was nothing, an accident. Leave it be." I wanted her to know what she could have, to have kissed someone else before you take her life away, he thought. A leech like yourself wouldn't understand, you have your mouth on people too often.
I glared at him and waited. "Why don't you kill me then, Jacob Black?"
Bella gasped from behind me, having walked over to join us. "You can't kill him!"
"Because she needs you." Jacob responded, ignoring Bella. "And I would rather die than hurt her."
"So, I'm going to have to put up with you for the entirety of your extended lifetime."
"Yes." He stated, holding my gaze with the authority of an alpha. I wasn't a puppy and I wasn't backing down.
"Fine. Don't touch her again."
"She decides what she wants."
"She would appreciate it if someone acknowledged she understood English." Bella muttered.
Jacob and I turned to face her at the same moment then glared at each other.
"Maybe it would be best if you two stayed away from each other, remember how accepting of each other you've been?" Bella said.
"No, if he's in your life, he's in our life. I can't pretend he doesn't exist." I replied smoothly.
"Sure, you want to be best friends now. 'Oh, we both love the same girl, let's braid each other's hair!' Maybe next time we could go kill some innocents together." He muttered.
"Jake!" Bella reprimanded. "This is my party. This is my birthday! Can you both please be civil? Have you tried actually talking, ever? I'll start you off. Jake, you say: 'Congratulations on your engagement, I hope you'll both be happy.' Then Edward says thank you and you can bond over stories of me nearly dying, alright?" She got progressively more worked up, jabbing my chest with her finger at the end.
Jacob looked down, "Sorry, Bells. I know, I said I'd try."
"Edward, I forgive him; you forgive him, please?"
"Fine. Do you want to dance?"
She shook her head. "I'm going to talk to some adults; you two can discuss how to get along for the next two hundred years."
I frowned but didn't follow her when she walked over to Alice. The pack slowly dispersed and ignored us.
"I'm never going to forgive you for killing her. Or for leaving." Jacob said finally.
"Good. That makes two of us."
He glanced up and glared at me. "Then why are you doing it?"
"Because she begged me to. I can't live without her, but it appears she feels the same way." I said simply.
"Okay."
"What?" I asked.
"Okay, I understand that. I love her too."
"So you're going to try to steal her, then."
"No – she's made her choice. I love her but... I haven't imprinted on her." His mind followed on, splintered into a multitude of futures: Finally getting Bella and then imprinting on someone else, what it would do to her to take her away from the one she'd 'imprinted' on.
I frowned at the rational thoughts, wondering why he had to be such a worthy opponent. "I agree; it would be the wrong thing to do. I'm just concerned that you do not agree with your own mind."
"Maybe you're more worried about what your girl feels." Jacob replied, but the pre-warning and melancholy of his thoughts took the sting out of it.
I angled my head and stared at him silently for a moment. "Thank you."
"I didn't do it for you, like I just said-"
"Yes, you're worried about what will happen if you imprint." I shook my head. "Thank you for looking after her."
He nodded in acceptance.
"You'll stay friends with her, won't you?"
Yes, his mind answered, their friendship irrevocable. Yes, yes, yes. They'd claimed each other, in a way, would always be a part of the other.
"What... how did you become friends?" I asked quietly.
"She came to me... about these bikes. " He answered reluctantly, but he couldn't find a reason not to tell me. "She wanted them fixed. They weren't the most broken thing on my doorstep, though. I fixed. She stayed. When I became a wolf, I tried to break away from her. She stayed. "
It played out in his mind, all the images unwelcome – Bella depressed, the two of them laughing, her persistent calls when he tried to stay away. I didn't want to ask what had come after, but I did.
"Did you ever... try to be anything else? More than friends?"
He pressed his lips together and I listened carefully to his thoughts. "No." He lied after a minute.
I raised an eyebrow. "That's interesting."
I heard Alice's laughter and glimpsed Bella biting her lip, whether in anticipation of what Jacob's thoughts would tell me or at the thought of her two men fighting.
Jacob Black glared at me, "Why did you even ask if you could just raid my thoughts?"
"I can't 'raid' your mind to find whatever I want; I can hear what you're thinking about. I'd prefer if you told me, there's no point in keeping secrets now."
Bella asked me not to... Rain against the roof, Billy out with Charlie...Bella's soft hair slipping through russet-toned fingers... Neither of them breathing as they should. "We tried." He finally admitted. "We knew that we could find someone we could trust in each other; where it had been lacking in past loves. In another life..." He shrugged. "Bella was loyal to you, even when it killed her to be. It couldn't be right between us while that hung over her. Sometimes she tried to pretend, because we were so close, but I couldn't be with her like that. She realized that and we stayed friends after that."
She might have come back to me some day, he added.
"Perhaps." I nodded, certain that given enough time, she would have chosen him – but also that he would have had the same time to find his soul mate.
"She didn't... there was no one else. I mean, Bella and I barely kissed, and that was it for her. I thought you'd be wondering."
"I was." I couldn't stand the thought of someone else touching her... and Jacob Black understood that. I chuckled at the realization of how our thoughts mirrored one another.
The corner of his mouth tilted up for an instant before he remembered something and his stance changed, stiffened. "Do not hurt her."
"Ah," I said to his thoughts, "you are very close. I'll admit I'm surprised she shared that with you. Rest easy that I won't risk her safety, Jacob Black."
"Of course not." He said sarcastically. "You're a vampire, silly me to think you might lose control."
"Bella is safe. Enjoy the party."
"I will kill you if you hurt her."
"Likewise." I muttered as I turned and stomped away, going to Jasper instead of my Bella.
Bella's POV
Jacob's warm hands rested on my shoulders and I turned to glare at him.
"Come on baby girl, he doesn't make the rules. I can still touch you, can't I?" He murmured, hiding his concern with a smile.
"That... yeah. Just try not to cross any treaty lines, alright?"
He laughed quietly and pulled me into a hug. "Bells, I'm sorry," He whispered into my hair. "Honestly."
When he pulled back, I nodded and looked to where Edward stood with Carlisle and Jasper.
"He's alright; I didn't tell him anything too controversial. Not the many nights we slept together, for instance." He laughed when Edward's eyebrows rose, though he continued to look at Carlisle.
"Jake, you really shouldn't tease him."
"Sure, sure. He's marrying my girl, of course he's going to get it."
I laughed slightly, my mind on Edward still.
"His mistake for not coming to you first." Jake commented wryly.
"Mm... I doubt it was a mistake. He's probably thought five steps ahead of us." I sighed. "Tonight has been rough for him – for you, too. It's not the best time to be trying to instigate peace."
"Will you dance, Isabella?" Jasper asked, gliding to a stop at my side. "Your opportunities to trip over your own feet are limited and I'd love to share this chance."
"You never trip," I laughed, surprised. I let him take my hand, smiling over my shoulder at Jake. I mouthed 'later' and stepped onto the impromptu dance floor with an elegant and dangerous creature intent on making me twirl.
"Edward has a... surprising mind." He murmured after a minute.
"Hmm, that's true."
"You're expecting him to push you away, but I have an inkling you will be surprised at his reaction. Maybe more so because of your own feelings and thoughts, though. You do not expect his love."
Because it wasn't a question I didn't try to answer, nodding and stumbling around in a half-hearted spin.
"I worry, Bella, that you will always have that." He sighed, squeezing my hand gently, unexpectedly. "But how can you, with all these people loving you?" He gestured around the clearing. "You should feel it – warmth, alive with it, the love... And at its centre, a vulnerable man... who approaches from behind me, I fear."
I laughed lightly, smiling. "Thank you, Jasper."
"You would not believe the love and emotion, the warmth, when he is with you." He whispered, kissing my cheek and stepping back.
Edward's POV
It seemed to be an ever-evolving struggle, being with my beloved. An epic mountain climb, each crest revealing another upwards slope as soon as you reached it. My imagination provided images of what I would find at the top and fuelled my determination. Now more than ever, Bella was mine. What more could be in the way?
"So you're okay with this?" Bella asked, assessing my quietness.
"If you are unaffected by it, then yes." I said deliberately, patiently – both the deliberation and patience directed internally. I needed to be at peace with Jacob Black. I needed to not be seeing it in his mind. Over and over again.
She bit her lip unconsciously. "Then let's dance."
Studying her warm eyes, the gentle pout of her lips, I rested a hand on her lower back and swayed to the haunting melody Esme was leading, her flute a siren call in the night.
"Stop trying to read my mind, Edward." Bella said with a smile.
I chuckled against her hair, "Am I so obvious?"
"No, not at all." She grinned, looking up at me with an openness that was unique to this Bella – hadn't been present two years ago.
"You don't believe me. About being okay." I murmured questioningly.
Her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer effortlessly. "I just sense it. You. Like something emanating from you."
I sighed. Nuzzled my face against her cheek. "I love you."
"I know." Her lips turned, pressed against my cheek tenderly. I love you too, they said. Absolutely.
"It's been a long time." I whispered. I didn't clarify since what and she didn't ask, and I didn't let her go. Not as we danced, or as we farewelled guests. Not when she swayed in exhaustion and I carried her home. Not when I pulled off our shoes and tumbled into bed beside her, not bothering to change clothes.
I held tight as she kissed me; whispered 'Happy Birthday' against her ear. I rested on my elbow and hovered over her, sipping at her mouth as her hands found my hair.
"Don't stress, I'm here... I'm here." Bella murmured. "I'm not going anywhere. Not even with Jacob."
"Mm," I groaned, "not him."
"Only you." She agreed and begun unbuttoning my shirt.
I shook my head and pinned her hand against her hip, holding it there. "I know, Bella, you're all mine." I pulled that hand up to my lips briefly; kissing her engagement ring.
"Mine." She pulled on my hair, guiding my lips back to hers. She tugged at my bottom lip, sucked on it, and I knew it wasn't a good idea. In fact, it was a terrible idea. But why should Jacob Black get to have his tongue in her mouth and not me? Why was careful so important?
She made a soft noise as I stroked the tip of my tongue over the inside of her lip and tangled her hand with mine, wrapped herself around me, her hand roaming from my neck to the opening of my shirt. I cupped her cheek with my free hand, gentle... I had to remember...
I pulled back to her gasp; letting her breathe at last.
"Oops," She said breathlessly after a moment.
"Mhmm..." I agreed as I leaned in for another kiss. Slow, blissful and a melding of our hearts, time was lost to me.
When I pulled back again she laughed and hooked her leg over my hip. "This is a very bad idea."
"Never," I sighed, "Nothing that feels this good could be a bad idea."
"But?"
"You should get some sleep, it's very late."
She glanced at the clock and grinned, "It's very early."
"Alice wants me to tell you that she's taking you dress shopping tomorrow. And something about dog food for the wedding." I chuckled.
She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Goodnight kiss? I think I'll need it if I'm dress shopping with Alice tomorrow."
I brushed my mouth over hers and felt her relax against me, somehow finding the cold reassuring. "I'll love you forever. There's nothing you can do about it."
"That's good, because I'll be loving you right back. Every second of forever."
"I'm glad... Alice has planned most of the wedding, so I'll be needing that love to keep you from killing my sister." I murmured.
"I love your crazy family. Our crazy family. I love that you presumed to put 'Cullen' on my credit card. I love that you invited my friends, despite that whole mortal-enemies relationship. I love how you'll be here forever. Now, kiss me, please." She nipped at my bottom lip and I growled playfully, caressing her mouth with my own.
"Sweet dreams, love."
"Always about you." She murmured dazedly. "My man..."
...
Bella's POV
When I woke up, the light in the room was the same. The sheets were the same. My pyjamas were the same as they always were. Yet everything felt different – most noticeably, the cold form beside me. No arms were wrapped around my waist as they usually were, and we were both decidedly on our own sides of the bed.
For the first time ever, this made me unbelievably, unbearable ecstatic. Nervous and excited and anxious and I still had a whole day to survive. I smiled and rolled over to face my best-girl-friend, Alice.
"Morning, baby." She said in a ridiculously bad imitation of Edward's deep tone.
I giggled and fluttered my eye lashes. "Oh my, your hair is getting very long, just perfect for me to play with."
"Time for breakfast, human!" She laughed, ruining the impersonation. "How was that? As good as waking up next to your Romeo?"
"Perfect." I grinned. "How about that breakfast, though?"
"Esme's cooking downstairs... be warned, if you eat everything she is cooking you won't fit into your dress, unfortunately."
I laughed and sat up, stretching.
"Today..." She began a far-away look in her eyes, "is a day."
"It's the day." I nodded and stood up. The day... It was a scary thought.
"This is where it begins, Bella." She said solemnly, staring at me with wide eyes.
"Yes, this is where my marriage begins." I agreed.
"No, no... everything. This is where everything begins."
"Will it be good?" I asked, not qualifying what 'it' was because I couldn't decide if I meant the day or the wedding or everything.
She closed her eyes for a second and rested her head back on a stack of pillows. A faint smile curled her lips as she murmured softly, "It will be so very good, Bella. You can't imagine."
"I can try." I smiled.
She shook her head lightly, grinning now. "Europe will be nothing, in comparison."
I pressed my lips together, despite my perpetual smile, and shook my head. "Not possible."
Europe had been spectacular, the best gift I could ever receive – a combination of Emmett's and Edward's birthday presents to me. While Emmett had given me the idea with the flight credit, Edward had made it happen. He'd made every moment of the holiday amazing and unforgettable. I'd blissfully danced across England and France with him, swum in the glistening waters of Italy and Greece... We'd seen everything I'd ever wanted to see in Europe and then some, to return just under a fortnight before our wedding.
It had been a blur since then; constantly we were planning, having fittings and smelling hundreds of different flowers. Alice had handled the venue, seating charts, menus, RSVPs, linens, gift directories and shortlisted everything else for our approval. I knew that Edward had been an active part of the process, planning while I slept the whole time we were in Europe, though he'd only own up to being in charge of the music.
"Breakfast!" Esme sing-songed from the doorway. "Good morning, bride-to-be. How did you sleep? We didn't keep you up too late?"
"No, of course not. I slept very well, thanks." I smiled at her obviously excited demeanour. Last night had been a girls-only celebration complete with mani-pedis at a resort in Portland, an expensive dinner and a very greasy karaoke club. Despite Jess and Angela's attempts to get me 'drunk and singing on the table tops' I'd remained sober and in my seat. I didn't need to be intoxicated to be happy about marrying Edward, it was already perfect.
"Breakfast is downstairs... and you have a visitor." Her smile waivered at the end and I frowned.
"Who is it?" I asked as I walked down the hallway behind her.
I skipped down the stairs and grinned when I saw Seth – who was now buff and well over six ft. tall.
"Hey, Bella," He smiled but when I reached forward to hug him he stepped to the side, out of my reach.
"What's wro- Oh." I bit my lip to shut myself up when I realized the he'd moved to reveal Jacob, who was biting his own lip.
"Hey," He mumbled a half smile on his lips. "Blushing bride, huh?"
"Jake! What are you doing here?" I stepped forward and pulled him – reluctantly – into a tight hug.
"How about you two take some breakfast out onto the back porch? Seth, help yourself, honey." Esme said, smiling warmly at the younger wolf.
I nodded and picked up a plate, passing one to Jake. Esme had set up a buffet-style spread of every breakfast food imaginable. She's probably been cooking all night. I grabbed a bacon and egg-filled bagel and a glass of juice and turned to Jacob expectantly.
"I wanted to see you, before the ceremony."
"Not to try to talk her out of it, I hope." Rosalie said, as she wandered in from the garage.
"No," Jake frowned. "There'll just be a lot of people there and I wanted to get a chance to talk to you before you go away..."
I smiled and motioned for him to follow me out the back door, sliding it shut behind me to give the impression of privacy. "Sorry about Rose," I shrugged, "She doesn't mean to...I don't know. It's just how she is."
"It's alright, I can handle Blondie..." Silence hung and I continued smiling like an idiot. "So..."
"Today is my wedding." I said in a rush, just as he spoke. "You go first."
"Um," He began, looking out over the river. "I was just saying that I've been taking classes in Portland to get qualified as a mechanic."
"Wow, that's great. Wait... you're still in school, right?"
"Yeah, I've just been driving out after school and on Saturdays."
I nodded. "Your graduation must be in like... what, a couple of months?"
"Yup. So, big day. I mean, how are you... about it?"
"I feel like I'm not Bella anymore, but in a good way. I never thought I'd get married at twenty."
"That's the part you can't believe?" Jake laughed.
"Kind of." I nodded and grinned.
"When you... when you go away, just don't forget me. About our friendship, okay?"
"Never. Not if I live forever. You are the best, best friend ever, Jacob. And you better remember that I love you, every day, no matter what."
His voice softened, "This isn't goodbye, Bells."
"It kinda feels like it." I mumbled.
"I'll be at the wedding."
"You know that's not the same thing."
He glanced down, fighting with himself. "Bella... I'll still be here when you come back from wherever you go, and I don't mean the honeymoon. If you want me."
"Of course I will." I argued.
"I was, um, talking to Edward and he explained about newborns. I understand, Bells."
I sighed, because Edward was usually right. "I'll come to you when I can."
He shook his head and grinned. "I'll call you, like you called me when I had 'mono'. I'll just keep calling until you answer."
I laughed, "Thanks."
"Congratulations, Bells. I think this marriage will really work – especially considering you'll finally get some." He laughed and did an exaggerated wink.
I punched his arm lightly, "Don't even bring that up."
"It'll be your honeymoon tonight, are you sure you don't want me to give you the talk? Some advice? A high five?"
"It's not that kind of honeymoon," I whispered harshly to get him to shut up, Esme was on the other side of the wall we were leaning against.
His grin froze in surprise for a second and then he laughed, a deep-clutching-his-stomach laugh. "Oh man, he won't put out?"
I bit my lip.
"Has he not seen how sexy you are? Hot damn. Even Paul said he would tap that." Jake teased, in-between more laughter.
I blushed. "Jake... He's just being safe. He doesn't want to kill me."
"Sure, sure," He smirked. "Are you sure he's not gay?"
Muffled laughter from inside the house.
"I am marrying him." I sighed.
"Then he's got to be having a tough time." He grinned like that was the best thing he'd ever thought of.
"Preaching to the choir here. How's Billy?" I said, smiling sweetly at the blatant subject change.
"Oh, um... he's doing well. Sue Clearwater's been cooking for us a lot..." He said distractedly.
"Stop thinking about 'tapping that' or Edward being gay. Do you think Sue and Billy are, you know, together?" I rolled my eyes at his grin.
"Maybe, but I think for the moment they're just friends. He's happy alone."
I nodded and quickly finished my breakfast before Alice could come drag me away. "I have to get ready, sorry, Jake."
"Girls." He rolled his eyes, "The wedding isn't for, what, five hours?"
"Five hours? It can't be that soon." I blinked at him. I was getting married in five hours? Five hours!
He laughed at my shock. "Go, Bella, you'll do great."
I stood there biting my lip, letting it sink in. I was getting married today.
"Hey," he said softly, taking my free hand. "You'll be the most beautiful bride anyone's ever seen, and everything will work out perfectly. Trust me. Edward is the right man."
"Thanks, Jake." I kissed his cheek and let him take my plate.
"Go let the evil pixie make you over – not that you need it!" He laughed and hit my butt lightly as I walked passed.
"Jake!" I laughed and turned to glare at him as I walked away, tripping over the door mat and hitting my head on the glass door. "Ow!"
Esme was there in a second giving me an ice pack and helping me inside where she handed me over to Alice.
"Sorry, Bells!" Jake called out behind me. "See you walking down the aisle!"
"Oww..." I moaned as Alice sat me on the couch. The world was faintly spinning. Or maybe that was me.
"Do you want me to call Carlisle, honey? He can be here in a couple of minutes." Esme asked, tucking my hair back.
"No, I'll be fine, just give me a minute..." I sighed and closed my eyes.
"Clutz," Alice giggled, "That better not swell up before tonight."
"Edward won't notice; he'll be too gay..." Rose teased.
"Rosalie!" Esme scolded, smiling.
"What? He will be really happy." She looked at Alice and they both snickered.
Esme sighed and smiled affectionately at her daughters. Then she looked at me and frowned. "I won't get Carlisle to come over here, but how about I call him and see if there's something I should be doing besides the ice?"
"Alright, but it's fine, really."
She smiled and grabbed her phone out of her pocket. She dialled and sat down beside me, putting the phone on speaker.
"Hello darling," Carlisle answered. "What can I do for you?"
"For us, actually. Bella's here too." Esme grinned.
"Hey," I said into the phone.
"Good morning, Bella. How are you feeling, excited?"
"Yes, it's very, um, soon."
He chuckled and Esme grinned at the sound. "Unfortunately, Bella had a bit of an accident involving her head and the back door, doctor."
"Ah," Carlisle said in his business voice. "What happened?"
"I wasn't watching where I was walked and I tripped over the door mat and uh, into the door." I blushed.
"Alright, how does your head feel? Any dizziness, swelling, bruising? Short term memory loss, lack of concentration?"
I sighed, "It's fine, seriously. It's just a little sore and I was dizzy at first but not so much now."
"How's it look?"
Esme gently took the ice pack away and frowned. "Red, with some swelling. That might be from the ice." She pressed a couple of fingers against my forehead, probing lightly, and I winced. "Tender?"
There was a quiet growl on the other end of the phone that I suspected wasn't Carlisle. Alice snickered again.
"Not much." I bit my lip. This was just what I needed before my wedding.
Esme smiled sympathetically, "It's getting redder without the ice on, but it's not too swollen."
"You should be just fine," Carlisle reassured. "Drink some water and take a couple of aspirins. Put the ice back on and try to leave it there for as long as you can – you might have to delay wedding beautifying for an hour, Alice. Don't sleep in case you have a concussion and call me if anything changes. I mean it, Bella, tell Esme if it starts hurting. It's no trouble."
I pouted, I had had multiple head injuries before. "Thank you, Carlisle, I will."
"Have fun, I'll see you later." I could hear the grin in his voice. "Oh and Bella, Edward would like you to please 'be more careful, and don't you dare get hurt again.'"
"Tell him to get over it, and that I love him." I smiled.
There was a quiet scuffle and then Edward's soft voice: "I love you too, sweetheart. See you at the alter – hopefully without a concussion. I'll be watching to see if you can walk in a straight line." He chuckled.
"You know I can never walk in a straight line." I teased.
"I think she's alright," He said, laughing to someone with him.
"Hey!" Emmett shouted in the distance. "Get off that phone, man! This is freedom!"
Carlisle laughed and presumably took the phone back. "Best wishes, Bella. Bye, girls."
Esme blew a kiss into the phone and ended the call. She was back from the kitchen with water and aspirin before I'd realized she was gone. "There you go, just relax for a little while."
Alice sat down beside me. "When you feel up to it, we'll get you showered and take you to your old house for hair and make-up, alright? That way the men can get ready here."
"Whatever you say, Ali." I said and took the aspirin, smiling.
...
I had killer butterflies to contend with in the limo, and I couldn't lean back because I didn't want to mess up my hair and Alice kept hitting my hands away from my face. Okay, Bella, I told myself. You love him, this is nothing. Just walking to a table to say some vows. No problem. Just a path surrounded by hundreds of people. Awesome.
"Bella," Rosalie said quietly and I looked over at her. "This isn't as scary as it seems. It's actually, probably, going to be the best thing you've ever done. He loves you more than anything – oxygen, blood, you name it, he loves you more. And you love him just as much, am I right?"
"Yes."
"Then everything is wonderful. Repeat after me: Everything is wonderful, everything will be perfect." She smiled.
Alice took my hand and chanted, smiling, "Everything is wonderful, everything will be perfect."
I grinned. "Every is wonderful, everything will be perfect..."
"Woah!" Alice cheered. "Let's do this!"
"Edward better watch out, because Bella is coming to town!" Rosalie laughed.
"I am woman, hear me roar." I smiled at my soon-to-be sister-in-laws.
"Oh, I'm sure he will." Alice winked and laughed, a sound like bells and glass tinkling together.
Edward's POV
I paced across the front of the bed, stopping in front of the dresser. This was the day I'd been waiting for my entire life. I hadn't known that life would be so long, but marrying a beautiful girl I'd fallen in love with had always been the plan. The wooden jewellery box Jacob had given her still carried her scent where she must have touched it just before leaving.
I paced back to the bed and held the pillow to my nose. Bella. I wanted to be with her, forever.
Emmett wandered in lazily, "You're a lucky guy, most wives make dinner for their husbands, but yours is dinner." He laughed.
"Thanks, Em." I said sarcastically.
He ruffled my hair and grinned. "Seriously, congratulations. We gotta go."
"Running?"
"I was thinking more the Audi." Jasper drawled from the doorway. "Alice said you are not to be in a convertible or anything without a roof."
I laughed. "Alright."
"You ready?" Emmett asked.
"Only for about a hundred years now." I smiled, but I was nervous. This was it.
"Let's do this." Jasper called, racing towards the garage.
...
Bella's POV
I took a deep breath as I stood behind Alice, Rosalie in front of her. Carlisle was at my side and he squeezed my hand, linking it through his bent elbow.
"Thank you for this." I mumbled.
"Nonsense," He smiled, "Thank you for asking me. You are stunning, Bella. Enjoy this moment."
I nodded in thanks and took another deep breath.
"Smile, Isabella, this is the moment – the day – you have both been waiting for." He murmured, leaning over to speak into my ear.
"Yes, smile!" Alice grinned over her shoulder at me.
I glanced around at the staff car park, the sign for the Portland Japanese Garden hanging over the gate. This back entrance, Alice had promised, had a much shorter walk to where the ceremony was being held.
"I won't let you trip." Carlisle smiled.
"I know. Here we go." I grinned.
"This is it!" Rosalie called back as she opened the gate, leading the small procession.
"Finally!" I called to the sky, smiling. Alice started walking and then it was my turn.
Finally.
"Edward asked me to tell you something before we head over," Carlisle murmured. " 'Every second of forever.'"
"Thank you." I smiled to myself, biting my lip. The gardens around us were as beautiful as I had remembered, if not more so for the sunshine filtering in. It was almost twilight, and I could see candles lining the path, ready to be lit. Music drifted on the wind, and quiet chatter. It was magical.
Every second of forever wouldn't be long enough, but it was a start.
A/N: I think that – which was 6, 000 – ish words - deserves a review, right? :)